Call for Applications: Four PhD places in Artistic Practice

HDK-Valand – Academy of Art and Design at the University of Gothenburg, invites applications to conduct artistic research at doctoral level. We welcome applications across the wide spectrum of creative practices in Photography, Literary Composition, Film, Design, Craft and Fine Art.

We have an expansive understanding of the practices which are represented within the spectrum of our subject areas. We welcome multi-disciplinary projects that may draw upon more than one genre of creative practice. We also welcome proposals which seek to define or identify new forms of practice within these disciplines. Please note that doctoral research across music and theatre practices is provided by another institution at the University of Gothenburg, namely the Academy of Music and Drama.

Our acclaimed academic staff have both breadth and depth in supervisory expertise across a wide range of themes and research areas. Information on (i) current and completed doctoral research projects in the Academy; (ii) supervisory staff and their research areas; (iii) research theme groupings within the Academy; and (iv) cotutelle (joint doctorate) opportunities are available here.

Research proposals, submitted as part of the application to do a PhD, should demonstrate a good fit with the expertise and existing research thematics of the academy.

The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge. 56 000 students and 6 600 employees make the university a large and inspiring place to work and study. Strong research and attractive study programmes attract scientists and students from around the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, the University contributes to a better future.

Duties & Employment

In applying to do a PhD, one is applying for a job and not just a studentship, this means that one is joining an academic institution and community and entering into an employment contract that commences 1 January 2024.

The programme of study is for four years of full-time with the possibility to extend the period of study to five years by taking on departmental duties corresponding to up to 20% of full-time employment, distributed throughout your study period. Departmental duties usually consist of teaching at first- and second-cycle levels, but may also include research and administration.

Starting salary level for doctoral students is currently SEK 28 675 per month.

Assessment criteria

In addition to the basic eligibility described in the announcement successful applicants must:

• demonstrate a track record of accomplishment and artistic innovation within their specific field(s) of creative practice through their documented practice
• provide a clear research project proposal that
  • identifies and contextualises a clear research task that the proposed project addresses
  • includes relevant practical and theoretical research methods proposed for the project
  • includes a timetable of planned actions and milestones
  • shows the potential of the project to contribute to the relevant subject
  • indicates how the project relates to the existing research expertise and research thematics of the academy
• demonstrate ability to think critically and to explain the importance of the proposed research project
• demonstrate an understanding of the role of doctoral researcher and of the nature of a PhD employment position
• show the potential to contribute to the wider research environment and the educational mission of the academy in the future

Selection process

Interviews of shortlisted candidates is planned for August 2023. The selected candidates start their studies January 1, 2024.

Online Information Session 28 March

There will be an online information session via ZOOM on how to prepare an application for a PhD position.
Time: Tuesday 28 March 18:00-19:30 Swedish time.
ZOOM: https://gu-se.zoom.us/j/63569647165.

The session outlines:

• The nature and structure of PhD studies at HDK-Valand
• Formatting a research proposal
• Documentation of practice
• How to show you meet the basic eligibility criteria and how to claim equivalence for the basic eligibility criteria
• The selection process stages and how the panel work with the criteria
• Cotutelle possibilities of taking a joint PhD with HDK-Valand and one of our partner institutions

Contact information

Doctoral Education Officer Anna Frisk, HDK-Valand, Email: anna.frisk@gu.se

Application

Application deadline: Tuesday 2 May 2023 at 24:00 Swedish Time. You apply via the University of Gothenburg’s recruitment portal.

Image above: Emelie Röndahl (PhD graduate 2022), ”Maxim 2011-2019”, 2022, hand woven rya (wool and linen). Dimensions: 350 x 450 cm. Photographer: Sebastian Waldenby