Professor in Contemporary Art Photography

Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture is a global leader in higher education in design, fashion, games, media, architecture, film, art education and art. We produce world-class research in fields such as art education, design and design thinking, digital media and visual culture, urban planning and architecture. Our graduates are innovators in and beyond their fields, drawing from over a century of tradition, a humane and forward-looking approach, and the latest technologies. Our new campus in Espoo, just west of Helsinki, makes working together within and across disciplines easier than ever before.

The Department of Media http://media.aalto.fi/en/ is an academic community of approximately 500 students and 80 faculty members created through a restructuring of the School in January 2010. The department conducts research and provides education in bachelor, masters and doctoral programmes across a broad range of subjects and themes. The study programmes and research of the department are currently organized within three units: The Media Lab, Visual Communication Design and Photography. Due to administrative changes now being planned, the intention is that, starting in academic year 2022-23, MA studies in Photography (Major studies) will be organised as an integral part of the MA programme in Art & Media. More information on our current studies in photography can be found at https://photography.aalto.fi

We are now looking for a: 

Professor in Contemporary Art Photography

The call is open for Assistant II and Associate tenure track levels of the Aalto University tenure track system. The position will begin on 1st August 2022 or as otherwise agreed. The professorship is full-time and, depending on the positioning of the tenure track, either a fixed-term or a permanent contract. Please find more information about the Tenure Track system here: https://www.aalto.fi/en/tenure-track

Your experience and ambitions

Artistic merits will be emphasized in the selection process: The applicant is expected to have significant artistic achievements that, in terms of qualifications, are comparable to a doctoral level degree, including good knowledge of contemporary artistic and curatorial practices and wide practical experience in the field of photographic art. The applicants will be reviewed on the basis of the following areas: Artistic merits, teaching, research, collaborative skills, as well as, activity and leadership in the artistic and/or academic community.

The successful candidate will be expected to exercise and guide artistic activity and education and, possibly, research. We expect the chosen candidate to have a wide understanding/knowledge of contemporary photography and it's current tendencies, platforms and discourses, as well as, have a good understanding of the theoretical issues related to the current state of photography and, to have excellent pedagogical skills.

Our professors are expected to participate in service duties within the Aalto University community and to be active in societal interaction and international collaboration in their field.

Your role and goals

Within the host department the successful candidate will be expected

–       to be a practicing artist in the field of contemporary art photography

–      have willingness to take coordinating responsibility for the Master-level studies in Photography

–     on behalf of Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture,

have willingness to take responsibility for related activities in the field of contemporary art photography and its promotion and dissemination nationally and internationally   

What we offer

We offer the opportunity of working in a dynamic world-class community of creative professionals and researchers.  Aalto University provides its employees with excellent learning and development opportunities and occupational health care services. The salary is determined based on the applicant's experience and qualifications. The activities of the department are mainly located in the Otaniemi campus of Aalto University in Espoo (Helsinki metropolitan area).

Ready to apply?

The following application materials should be submitted in English and in PDF format. (Please note that the Artist’s portfolio should not be submitted via our main application system due to file size restrictions and therefore separate instructions are provided below for the specific delivery of the portfolio file):

• Application letter

• Curriculum Vitae according to the guidelines by the Finnish National Board on Research Integrity: https://tenk.fi/en/advice-and-materials/template-researchers-curriculum-vitae

• List of your teaching experience with a brief description (200 words max.) of your teaching philosophy. Candidates shortlisted for the 2nd stage of evaluation will be later requested to submit a comprehensive teaching portfolio according to set guidelines. 

• List of publications (max. 2 pages, the ones you consider most important marked with an asterix)

• Brief (max. 1000 words) overview of your ideas regarding the future development of the field and how these might be implemented in a Master’s program.

• Artist’s portfolio, as a single digital file with maximum size 1Gt. In the file please indicate the 5 works you consider most important/relevant to your application and add a brief written explanation regarding your choice. Your artistic portfolio document, as single PDF file, should be uploaded to our special portfolio uploading service via the following link: https://up.aalto.fi/delivery/photographyprofessorportfolio/  

The portfolio upload service will be in operation from 30.9.2021. We would appreciate it if you could submit your portfolio document well in advance of the ultimate deadline. You may submit the artist’s portfolio earlier than the rest of your application materials.

When uploading your portfolio file you will also be requested to add some basic information within the system: Name, e-mail address etc.

Do not upload any other application documents to the special portfolio upload service

• Please avoid including hyperlinks/urls in your portfolio to Internet-based web sites etc. All the work and related information you wish the evaluators to see should be included within your portfolio. 

We kindly ask you to submit your application materials through our recruitment systems no later than midnight on 15th November 2021 (Finnish time UTC +2). 

Aalto University’s employees and visitors please note: you should apply for the position via our internal system Workday -> Career ->  find jobs (not external aalto.fi webpage on open positions) by using their existing Workday user account.

The Departmental Committee will invite the shortlisted applicants to visit the Department of Media and deliver teaching demonstrations and to be interviewed in the winter/spring 2022, if this will be possible in light of the Corona pandemic (if not, the teaching demonstrations will be delivered remotely). In addition, the shortlisted applications will be reviewed by external experts.

Aalto University reserves the right for justified reasons to leave the position open, to extend the application period or to consider additional candidates who have not submitted applications during the application period.

About Finland

Finland is a healthy and safe living environment, offering many excellent state-subsidized services including affordable day care and free schools and universities, which are consistently ranked among the best in the world. More information about living and working in Finland: https://www.aalto.fi/en/study-at-aalto/this-is-finland

For more Information

For additional information, please contact Professor Philip Dean, email philip.dean(at)aalto.fi.

In questions related to the recruitment process, please contact HR Coordinator Katju Helminen katju.helminen(at)aalto.fi.

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