Researcher in Aesthetics - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The Department of Philosophy is internationally recognized, and conducts teaching and research in many core areas of philosophy and aesthetics. For more information about the department, see https://www.filosofi.uu.se/

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The division for Aesthetics is part of Uppsala University’s Department of Philosophy and is a unique research environment with several active research staff. The position is directly connected to the research project ‘Perception, Knowledge and the Prospects of Criticism’, funded by The Templeton Religion Trust (2022-23).

Our project will develop an innovative approach to how works of art, through the process of art criticism, can be reliable sources of knowledge. We aim to explore i) How art criticism can enable forms of fine-grained perception of art by articulating and thus making public their aesthetic structure, and ii) How an artwork’s aesthetic structure can encode forms of understanding which tend to resist translation into straightforwardly propositional terms. Our goal is to explain how the relation between perception and criticism can shed light on the close link between an artwork’s aesthetic value and cognitive value.   

Duties
The researcher will mainly be engaged in research on art criticism, the administration associated with the project (including organizing reading groups and workshops, maintain the website, etc.), and leading a inter-disciplinary dialogue between philosophers and art critics. Some teaching will also be involved (both in English and Swedish) but no more than one fifth of the scope of employment. The position requires presence at the department in accordance with existing collective agreements. Some travelling might also be involved.

Requirements
Eligibility requires a doctoral degree in a subject that the employer considers to be relevant for he research carried out within the project. To be eligible one must have shown research expertise in philosophical aesthetics in the analytic tradition, administrative and leadership experience, pedagogical expertise, and experience of professional art criticism. One must also have the personal characteristics required to perform the duties associated with the post well such as showing initiative, ability to cooperate and build relationships and having a structured work approach. Proven ability to teach in Swedish and English is necessary due to teaching at different levels.

Of special interest for the project is experience of academic research focused primarily on art criticism including the history of criticism across artforms. 

Special weight will be attached to the applicant’s research expertise, but pedagogical expertise and administrative skills will also be taken into consideration. In the evaluation of research expertise the most important factor is quality. The applicant should also have the ability to plan, initiate and develop research independently.

Additional qualifications
Other desirable qualities include experience of web publishing, leading and moderating panel discussions, organizing international conferences, and working with IT and database systems.

About the employment
The employment is a temporary position, 24 months. Scope of employment 75%. Starting date as soon as possible or 1st May. Placement: Uppsala.

For further information about the position, please contact: Head of Department, Matti Eklund, matti.eklund@filosofi.uu.se.

Please submit your application by 9th of March 2022, UFV-PA 2022/522.

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