Job vacancy Scientific researcher for the research project Congolines

Updated: over 1 year ago
Job Type: FullTime
Deadline: 07 Aug 2022

Job vacancy

Scientific researcher for the research project Congolines

For the sake of readability, our job descriptions are only in masculine. All positions are equally open to both women and men.

Number of vacancies:

1

Language:

NL & FR

Reference:

KBR-2022 -08

Level :

SW1


JOB DESCRIPTION

The research project Congolines: Inscribing Lines, Weaving Threads: Congolese Colonial Paintings as Images and Objects is conducted by the Royal Museum for Central Africa (RMCA) and the Royal Library of Belgium (KBR), in collaboration with Ghent University and the Institut des Musées nationaux du Congo (IMNC). It focuses on the first drawings and paintings made by Congolese artists in DR Congo just before and during the colonial period, showing the influences of contacts with Europeans:

- murals and decorated objects mixing pre-existing techniques and scenes with representations of Europeans and objects introduced by Europeans, at least from 1884 onwards, one year before the establishment of Congo Free State (RMCA collections);

- drawings and paintings using techniques introduced by Europeans (watercolours and oils, some in combination with photography) (KBR and RMCA collections).

Because more is known about the collectors, patrons and photographers of pre-colonial drawing and painting traditions in the DR Congo than about the artists themselves, the research project aims to

- to thoroughly research the (pre)colonial drawing and painting traditions in DRC for the first time, based on a holistic and comparative approach of various regional traditions;

- analyse the drawings and paintings in comparison with other Congolese artefacts from the collections of the RMCA in order to question the colonial boundaries between so-called, pre-colonial, colonial and post-colonial arts, and thus rewrite the history of Congolese art

- to find bibliographic information on the early artists and situate their production in regional traditions, with particular attention to female artists whose work was neglected over time in comparison to that of their male colleagues;

- write the reception history and history of the influence of the first watercolours on western artists;

- make a material-technological analysis of a number of works in order to shed light on their creation process, document upcoming restoration treatments and take appropriate measures for better conservation;

- set up participatory projects with INMC and Congolese educational institutions and communities to share the artworks and research results in various ways.

At least 90% of your assignment will be spent on academic research in preparation of a PhD dissertation. As a scientific researcher, you will carry out the following assignments:

- You will contribute to the study of the watercolours of Albert and Antoinette Lubaki, Tshyla Ntendu and N'Goma that are kept in KBR and the RMCA. You participate in the construction of a joint database of these artefacts.

- You conduct a literature and archive research into the origins of these watercolours, with an emphasis on western and colonial influences and their western reception history and influence on western artists.

- You coordinate the non-invasive art technological research carried out by the KBR restoration studio and a subcontractor (KIK/IRPA) and incorporates the results in your research and in the recommendations for preventive conservation and restoration.

- You work closely with three other PhD students who are working on other aspects of the research project at the RMCA, the UGent and the IMNC.

- You will participate in the preparation of an exhibition at the end of the project based on the research conducted.

More information about the job content ?

Joris Van Grieken

Curator at the Prints and Drawings Department

Tél. : +32 (0)2 519.58.04

[email protected]


CONTEXT OF THE FUNCTION

There is a vacancy at KBR's Prints and Drawings Department.

The Prints and Drawings Department is part of the Operational Directorate for Heritage Collections, which comprises the following sections: Manuscripts, Old and Precious Books, Contemporary Books, Newspapers (Contemporary Media), Maps & Plans, Music, Coins & Medals.

The KBR collection of graphic works comprises around 1 million items held in the Print Room. It is by far the largest collection of its kind in Belgium and among the world’s most extensive. The Print Room houses an exceptional collection of graphic works: drawings, engravings, etchings, woodcuts, lithographs, etc.

In addition to drawings and prints in the strict sense of the word, the collection includes a variety of iconographic material: photographs, posters, bookplates, pilgrim pennants and postcards. The department also includes the Chalcography department, which holds a large collection of printing plates and a workshop where a selection of the plates are still being printed.

KBR, located on the Mont des Arts in Brussels, is one of the ten federal scientific institutions. As the national scientific library, KBR collects all Belgian publications. It preserves, manages and studies a vast cultural and historical heritage. KBR also provides easy access to information for the public, encourages research and offers original cultural experiences. As a meeting place for people and knowledge, KBR also shares its heritage with the whole world.

You want to know more? Check our website and our vacancies page (in French and Dutch only)


PROFILE

Generic skills

  • You are committed and show willingness and ambition to generate results and take responsibility for the quality of actions taken (achieving objectives).
  • You create and enhance team spirit by sharing your opinions and ideas and by contributing to the resolution of conflicts between colleagues (teamwork).
  • You actively plan and manage your own development according to your possibilities, interests and ambition, critically questioning your own functioning and continuously enriching yourself with new ideas and approaches, skills and knowledge (self-development).

Technical skills

  • To have knowledge of the history of art in the first half of the 20th century in general and of Belgian and/or Congolese art in particular.
  • To have knowledge of the materials and techniques of art on paper.
  • Being able to draw up a research plan and to carry out the research in consultation with the supervisor and partners.
  • Computer skills (MS Office, research databases, collection databases).

Assets

  • Knowledge of French as the sources for the research are in French and you will be working in bilingual environment.
  • A good knowledge of English is an asset in the context of scientific research, as well as a knowledge of other European and African languages that give access to the sources in those languages.
  • You have proven research experience.
  • You have knowledge of Congolese art.

 
CRITERIA FOR PARTICIPATION

Experience

No experience is required.

Diploma

You hold a master's degree (or equivalent) in art history, African studies, cultural and/or social anthropology, research on material culture or a related discipline.

Please note: International students should note that they must have obtained their degree before 1 September 2022 and that, if they obtained their degree at a non-European university, they may need legal validation of their degree for visa applications.

You can also take part in the selection if you hold a diploma that you obtained earlier and that is considered equivalent to the above-mentioned diplomas.


 
WE OFFER

You will be given a full-time, fixed-term contract (38 hours per week) as a scientific assistant for two years. This contract is renewable once (subject to conditions) for another two years.

Working hours

Monday to Friday, 8.06 hours (including 30 minutes compulsory break) to be worked between 7 am and 6 pm.

Remuneration

- 38 093,08€ (gross indexed annual salary) - SW10 scale.

- 45,057.08 (gross indexed annual starting salary) - Scale SW11 (after two years of scientific seniority).

Salary simulator (in French and Dutch only):

http://fedweb.belgium.be/fr/remuneration_et_avantages/traitement/calculator

Benefits

  • Reimbursement of home/work travel expenses if public transport is used.
  • Possibility of recovering any overtime.
  • Easy access via public transport (close to Brussels Central station).
  • Possibility of obtaining a bilingualism bonus.
  • Leave scheme: 26 days per calendar year.
  • The use of several languages in a multicultural environment.
  • A pleasant workplace in a historic building with a terrace and garden.
  • Free access to the federal museums of Brussels.

You can find all the information (benefits, etc.) relating to working in the federal authorities on Fedweb (www.fedweb.be ), the federal personnel portal.


 
SELECTION PROCEDURE

Your CV and a letter of motivation must be sent by 07/08/2022 at the latest by e-mail to [email protected]

with the reference KBR-2022-08.

If we receive more than 5 applications that meet the conditions of participation, a first selection will be made on the basis of the CVs and the letters of motivation. The selected candidates will be invited to an interview which will take place on 16/08/2022 . The oral test aims to assess your motivation and the suitability of your affinity with the position as well as your technical and behavioural skills.

Your motivation is considered very important for the job and will be weighed more heavily in the final score.

More information about the selection procedure?

Anneleen Wellens, HR Manager

02/519.53.04

[email protected]

Feedback

After receiving the result of a selection test, you can request a written report within 3 months.

Trade union representation

Un représentant syndical peut assister à toute sélection organisée par KBR. Les représentants syndicaux sont tenus à une obligation de discrétion en ce qui concerne les informations et documents confidentiels.

Candidats ayant un handicap, un trouble ou une maladie

En tant que personne ayant un handicap, un trouble ou une maladie, vous pouvez :

- demander des aménagements raisonnables dans le cadre de la procédure de sélection;

- demander des conseils sur l’aménagement de votre poste de travail.



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