JOB: Research Associate – Relocating Modernism (Munich, deadline 1 May 2017)

Job @ METROMOD, Relocating Modernism: Global Metropolises, Modern Art and Exile, an ERC funded project at the Institute for Art History of
the LMU Munich
Institute for Art History, School of Arts, Zentnerstr. 31, D-80798
Munich, Germany, September 1, 2017
Application deadline: May 1, 2017
Salary Range: 13 TV-L
Hours: Full Time
Duration: 3 years, with the option of up to additional 20 months (until 5/2022)
LMU is recognized as one of Europe’s premier academic and research institutions. The University is situated at the heart of Munich.
Job Description
Applications are sought for a Research Associate/Postdoc (Wissenschaftlicher Mitarbeiter/in) on the new European Research
Council funded project “METROMOD: Relocating Modernism: Global Metropolises, Modern Art and Exile” led by Professor Dr. Burcu
Dogramaci and based at the LMU Institute for Art History. Applications from the disciplines of art history, architectural history, urban
history, planning history  or related research fields are welcome. We are offering one three-year post-doctoral position starting in
September 2017 at the earliest. After a positive evaluation the contract can be extended for up to 20 months (until May 2022 maximum).
The Project
Breaking new ground, METROMOD proposes a rewriting of modern art history as a history of global interconnections, spurred by migration
movements and rooted in cities. Revising the historiography of modern art, which still continues to be dominated by the hegemonic and
normative narratives of (Western) European Modernism and ignores the significance of exile movements, METROMOD conceptualizes art history as
a result of interrelations and negotiations in global contact zones, unstable flows, transformations and crises. The conceptual triangle of
modernism, migration and the metropolis forms the foundation of an innovative comparative, interdisciplinary methodology. In its analysis,
METROMOD focuses on the first half of the 20th century. During this era the modern movement emerged as a paradigm in art and architecture, and
rapid urbanization took place globally; thousands of persecuted European modern artists fled their homes, re-establishing their
practices in metropolises across the world. Reflecting both the geographical extent of these exile movements and their local urban
impact METROMOD examines 6 key migrant destinations—the global cities of Buenos Aires, New York, London, Istanbul, Mumbai (ehemals Bombay) und Shanghai—following three main objectives: 1. to explore transformations in urban topographies, identifying artistic contact
zones and places of transcultural art production; 2. to investigate networks of exiled and local artists as well as collaborative projects
and exhibitions; and 3. to analyse art publications and discourse generated in centres of exile. Digital mapping will locate sites of
artistic migration in the cities and demonstrate linkages between transforming metropolises and flows of people and objects around the
world.
Prerequisites
You have a PhD in art history, architectural history, urban history or planning history or related disciplines. You have a background in the
history of modern art, photography, architecture or urbanism. You have a special interest in exile studies and history, and you have special
language abilities in Spanish or Mandarin. You will be fluent in English and have a working knowledge of German. You will be expected to
pursue independent work related to the themes of METROMOD focusing on the objectives of the project (see description above). You will conduct
a postdoc project about the exiled/migrated artist community (1900-1950), art institutions, artworks and the urban landscape of
Buenos Aires or Shanghai. Research experience in Argentina or China is expected.
The successful candidate is expected to work as part of a team based at the LMU Munich and to conduct fieldwork and/or archive visits for the
case studies. You are expected to publish the results of your research within the publication programme of the project. You will be expected
to be involved in planning and running collaborative project group activities (project meetings, workshops and conferences) as well as in
the administrative work associated with the project. Experience with administration and coordination is desirable as well as an interest in
archival research and/or the implementation of digital mapping tools connected with the project.
Working space, working tools and a travel budget will be provided. Applications from disabled researchers will be considered with priority
under equal conditions. We welcome applications from female candidates. This is a full-time position. The possibility of part-time and flexible
working hours will be considered.
How to apply
Please send the following application materials as a single
PDF-document to burcu.dogramaci@lmu.de (please specify METROMOD in your email subject line):
1. Short cover letter (max. 300 words)
2. Short CV (2 pages )plus list of publications
3. A description of your proposed research topic relating to the stated objectives of the METROMOD project (max 1000 words, excluding
bibliography)
4. A writing sample (e.g. one chapter of your latest book or an article in a peer-reviewed journal). The writing sample should reflect your
current research interests. It does not need to have been already accepted for publication and should preferably be no longer than 5000
words
5. Names and contact details of at least two referees.
Applications received by 1 May 2017 will receive full consideration. Review of the applications will continue until suitable candidates are
found. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews in May/June. Informal enquiries may be made to Prof. Dr. Burcu Dogramaci.
Contact Person:
Prof. Dr. Burcu Dogramaci
METROMOD, Relocating Modernism: Global Metropolises, Modern Art and
Exile (ERC)
Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
Institut für Kunstgeschichte
Zentnerstraße 31
80798 München
E-Mail: burcu.dogramaci@lmu.de