Post-doctoral Research Assistant, Archaeology of Fashion Film

The opportunity

We are seeking an outstanding, enthusiastic and ambitious researcher, ready to undertake collaborative research in the fields of fashion, film and media history, with a focus on the periods of silent film and contemporary digital film.

You will join the research team for the Arts and Humanities Research Council-funded ‘Archaeology of Fashion Film’ research project, based at Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London (led by Professor Caroline Evans and Marketa Uhlirova), and in association with Winchester School of Art at the University of Southampton (led by Professor Jussi Parikka).

The project is the first to investigate the hidden history of fashion film, going back to the beginnings of cinema. In an era witnessing a rapid proliferation of the digital moving image across commerce and culture, this project asks what legacy this new history may have for the rapidly changing field of fashion communications today. It combines the methods of film history, fashion history and media archaeology.

You will work primarily with Co-Investigator Marketa Uhlirova on archival research, publications, and an exhibition. You will also help all three investigators organise a conference and five workshops in the first year. It is expected that you will also shape the focus of the project depending on your own research expertise, and write at least one journal article during the course of the project.

You will be required to demonstrate a good understanding of early 20th century and contemporary visual culture, particularly as regards film and fashion history. You will be expected to compile discipline- and subject-specific bibliographies, conduct archival research, and to collate and organise the entire project’s findings in an accessible format for the project team’s use. This involves managing a large amount of visual image files as well as metadata.

About you

You will have a doctoral qualification (or equivalent) in a relevant field such as film or fashion history. You will be self-motivated and have experience in organising events (e.g. symposia, study days, exhibitions etc.) in academic or public venues. Experience of obtaining images for print media publications would be an advantage, and of basic film editing, such as creating a reel from multiple clips.

In return, University of the Arts London offers generous leave, an attractive pension and a commitment to your continuing personal development and training in an environment that encourages excellence, creativity and diversity. Relocation assistance is available.

University of the Arts London aims to be an equal opportunities employer embracing diversity in all areas of activity and UAL positively welcomes applications from black and minority ethnic staff who are currently underrepresented at this level.

If you have any queries, you may contact ADS Recruitment Team, email ADSRecruitment@arts.ac.uk or telephone: 020 7514 9627.