[ecrea] Fully funded PhD position at the Visual Studies and Media Culture Research Group (ViSMeC) of the University of Antwerp

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Digital images have today, in many parts of the world, become 
ubiquitous. We consume and produce them daily through our computers, 
smart-pads and mobile phones. Yet, to what extent do such practices 
intervene upon the politics of our everyday lives? Can digital-imaging 
practices really help us constructing a more just world? And, more 
specifically, can digital images help bringing about instances of 
empowerment among marginalized individuals and groups?

If you are interested in conducting in-depth, transnational research on 
these topics then consider applying for the fully funded PhD position at 
the Visual Studies and Media Culture Research Group (ViSMeC) of the 
University of Antwerp.

Research will be conducted within the framework of the project “Defying 
Social Invisibility: A Transnational Study of Empowerment And Social 
Intervention in the Field of Contemporary Digital Imaging Practices” a 
transnational ethnography-based project focusing on Belgium, South 
Africa and India.

The Project

Digital images filter today most of our experiences of ourselves and of 
the world surrounding us. We consume them daily through our computers 
and mobile phones and, given in particular the spread of 
latest-generation mobile phones, we also constantly produce them. It is 
estimated that every day 6.7 billion people view the world through their 
own lens. Despite their ubiquitous character digital images are, 
however, conventionally approached as a matter of entertainment detached 
from the material and social conditions of our lives. Questioning such 
stances, this study looks at digital imaging as an instrument of 
empowerment and social intervention. Focusing on a number of image-based 
projects in Belgium, India and South Africa that aim to combat social 
marginalization in the fields of respectively youth, urban poverty and 
HIV-AIDS, the study explores the manifold ways in which digital images 
can actually bring about change. The innovative aspect of this study is 
that it addresses questions of digital empowerment though a specific 
attention to images, a language with enormous potential to favour 
communication across boundaries of language and culture. The study will 
also give birth to an integrated methodological model for the study of 
digital imaging at global level in which participant-observation, 
interviews, audio-visual recordings and digital ethnography will be 
integrated into a coherent whole.

The Team

This research project is funded by the Research Foundation Flanders 
(FWO) and supervised by Dr. Paolo Favero (visual anthropologist) and Dr. 
Luc Pauwels (visual sociologist). The research project will be embedded 
within the Visual Studies and Media Culture Research Group (ViSMeC).

The Tasks

Conducting ethnographic fieldwork abroad for a period of approximately 
12 months in total in two or more of the following countries: Belgium, 
India and South Africa.

Writing and completing a PhD dissertation within four years.

Actively participating in the activities of the Visual Studies and Media 
Culture Research Group (ViSMeC) and the Dept. of Communication Studies.

Collaborating with the team in research and publications.

Participating in conferences, workshops, seminars and other scholarly 
activities.

The Candidate’s Profile

A Master's degree in Anthropology, Sociology, Communication Studies, 
Urban Studies, Social and Cultural Geography (or any other degree 
relevant to the project) and preferably with distinction.

Interest in research and ability to work both independently and in team.

Interest in the use of image-making and digital technologies as research 
tools. Previous experience in these fields will be considered a plus.

A high standard of spoken and written English is required.

Relevant experience in one or more of the countries described in the 
project and strong qualitative research skills will be considered a plus.

Master students in their final year may also apply.



The offer

A full-time PhD scholarship starting on 1 October 2014. The appointment 
is initially for one year, but renewable for three (so four years in 
total to complete a PhD).

A dynamic and stimulating work environment of experienced scholars, post 
docs and PhD candidates.

A very competitive gross monthly salary of minimally € 2.124,11 (= 
approx. € 1.860 net income).

To apply send:

a CV

a short motivation letter (max. 1 page).

a reference letter.

one proof of your writing skills (paper, article or thesis) preferably 
in one of the fields addressed by the project.

and, importantly, a preliminary sketch (approx. 2 pages) of the project 
that you would like to realize for your PhD. This sketch must be 
approximately 2 pages long and focus on some of the topics, areas and 
fields described above. If you have concrete examples of projects, 
associations, artists etc. working in these fields do please mention 
them as to make your proposal more concrete.

These materials have to be sent to Prof. Paolo Favero 
((paolo.favero /at/ uantwerpen.be)) and Prof. Luc Pauwels 
((luc.pauwels /at/ uantwerpen.be)).

To facilitate our job kindly write “Application for PhD position in 
Digital Imaging and Empowerment” in the subject of your e-mail.

For questions kindly contact: (paolo.favero /at/ uantwerpen.be)

DEADLINE: 18th June 2014.

A pre-selection will be made from amongst the submitted applications. 
The next step will involve an interview (possibly via Skype) and 
possibly also a practical assignment.

The University of Antwerp strives to contribute to an open, democratic 
and multi-cultural society. We are a family friendly environment and 
follow an equal-opportunities policy.






================================================

Paolo Favero

Associate Professor in Film Studies and Visual Culture

Department of Communication Studies

Visual Studies and Media Culture Research Group (VisMeC)

University of Antwerp

Sint-Jacobstraat 2

BE-2000 Antwerp

fax: +32/3/265.53.56

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