Doctoral Candidate positions in Costume Design

Aalto University is where science and art meet technology and business. We shape a sustainable future by making research breakthroughs in and across our disciplines, sparking the game changers of tomorrow and creating novel solutions to major global challenges. Our community is made up of 12 000 students, 400 professors and close to 4 000 other faculty and staff working on our dynamic campus in Espoo, Greater Helsinki, Finland. Diversity is part of who we are, and we actively work to ensure our community’s diversity and inclusiveness. This is why we warmly encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to join our community

The Department of Film (ELO) is the only university-level film school in Finland. It is a vital combination of innovative art academy and an active, practice-based and artistic research unit. It teaches all aspects of filmmaking and costume design as distinct skill sets. Our faculty consists of international-level practicing filmmakers, designers and researchers. We value our 60-year-long tradition but at the same time actively explore future challenges and emerging technologies. The department works closely with the audiovisual industry, theatre, and emerging contemporary groups in the performing arts. (https://www.aalto.fi/en/department-of-film-television-and-scenography )

The Costume in Focus (CiF) research group is looking for

Doctoral candidate in the field of costume design to work on a research project on ‘The embodied experience of costume’

The project explores how embodiment informs the material and digital production of costume in: (a) devised performance processes (live performance), and (b) animated character creation (animation films). This multidisciplinary research is the first to intertwine theoretical and practical ideas on embodiment from three perspectives: costume design, materiality, and animation.

Costume in Focus (CiF) centers on developing research in the field of costume design in live and film/media-based performance. CiF’s main objective is to bridge theory and practice, generating new ways of thinking on and through artistic praxis and developing a critical discourse on costume to advance existing knowledge in the field. The project aims to shed new light on costume embodiment by examining the impact of the embodied experience of costume materiality in the processes of ideation, meaning-making and creation of narrative. The artistic research explores new approaches and methods for costume creation addressed to performers and designers (costume designers and animators). It does so through immersive material engagement that will be tested and developed for physical and digital contexts (live performance and animation films) through a series of workshops that sensitize the participants towards materials. The research also aims to foster new pedagogical prospects for future education in the fields of design for live performance and animation.

Your role and goals

The selected doctoral candidate will work together with the project leader, designing and developing the project activities (such as research and teaching, publications, knowledge dissemination, funding applications, and organizing events), assisting in the general academic and practical administration of the project, and working on developing and publishing their own research on the topic. The doctoral candidate will work on the topic of material production of costume in live devised performance (planning and implementation of workshops, data collection, analysis, and publication of results as part of the artistic research).

Your experience and ambitions

Qualified candidates for the doctoral position should hold a Master’s degree in costume design or in a related field, and have artistic, research and teaching experience as well as interest in costume design and materiality. A collaborative attitude and experience in academic administration is considered highly advantageous. In addition, the successful candidate is required to have excellent English language skills and a proven ability to work well with academic faculty, students, and staff.

Applicants are expected to be working on their Doctor of Arts (DA) degree at the Department of Film (ELO), to have the ability to work independently, and show potential for future development. The evaluation will be based on the assessment of the candidate’s relevant past research and academic background and achievements, as well as their potential for contributions to the proposed research, teaching and administration tasks. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an online interview.

What we offer
The position will be filled for an initial fixed term of 18 months at 50% work time starting in May 2022, with the possibility of an extension (2024-2025). The position requires relocation to Finland for candidates not located in the country yet.

The salary is determined based on experience and qualifications according to the salary system of Aalto University. Aalto University provides its employees with occupational health care services and excellent learning and development opportunities.

Ready to apply?

The applications for the doctoral candidate position are to be submitted by no later than April the 15th 2022, at 23:59 EET (UTC+2).

External applicants please apply using the Aalto online application system (see the "Apply now!" link below). Existing Aalto employees and visitors, please apply using your own internal Aalto user account (go to: Workday -> Career -> find jobs).

The application should include the following documents in pdf format (‘lastname_firstname.pdf’):

• A motivation letter (maximum 2 pages) providing a summary of the candidate’s research and academic background and achievements relevant to this position and explanation why you would be the ideal candidate for this position.
• Curriculum vitae incl. research publications — please use the template recommended by The Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity
• A research plan (maximum 2 pages) for the research work that the candidate plans to undertake as part of this project (note: the plan must be feasible within the limits of the position)
• A portfolio (including max 5 design/creative works)

All materials should be submitted in English.

For more information

Please contact Professor Sofia Pantouvaki (email: [email protected]).

Questions concerning the recruitment process should be directed to the department’s HR Coordinator Mariangela Bizzo ([email protected]).

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

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More about Aalto University:

Aalto.fi
twitter.com/aaltouniversity
facebook.com/aaltouniversity
instagram.com/aaltouniversity