PhD-Position at the Department of Art and Media Studies, NTNU

The Faculty of Humanities at NTNU announces a PhD-position connected to the interdisciplinary project Picturing the Brain: Perspectives on Neuroimaging, financed by the Research Council of Norway.

The project description and other relevant information can be obtained by contacting Aud Sissel Hoel, telephone (+47)73 59 65 83, or mail aud.sissel.hoel@ntnu.no

The applications should be submitted electronically through this page.

PhD-Position at the Department of Art and Media Studies, NTNU (Trondheim, Norway)

The Faculty of Humanities announces a PhD-position connected to the interdisciplinary project Picturing the Brain: Perspectives on Neuroimaging, financed by the Research Council of Norway. The project explores recent methods of neuroimaging and visualization, focusing on the epistemological roles these methods play, as images or as visual tools, in the conduct and communication of medicine and science. The goal is to obtain a deeper understanding of how images contribute to the developing knowledge about the brain by serving as a research tool, as a perceptual prosthesis, or as a powerful rhetorical device. Societal, cultural and ethical aspects related to more recent applications of these image technologies will be emphasized. The available position will be connected to the project’s work package 1, which is tasked with investigating neuroimaging’s role as a diagnostic tool and as a tool for the mapping of brain functions.

Applicants must have completed a Master’s degree or equivalent degree with a strong academic record (B or better) in media studies, art history or similar. Applicants with a different background in the humanities or social sciences (philosophy, science and technology studies, literature studies, social anthropology, sociology) will also be considered if the applicant can show theoretical and analytical knowledge of images, for instance through their master’s thesis. The doctoral study should be completed within the prescribed time for PhD-studies (three years of full-time study where ½ year is dedicated to compulsory coursework).

Knowledge of theory and history related to scientific use of images is desirable. Knowledge of media theory, contemporary philosophy of technology, science and technology studies, or ethics will be beneficial. Experience from interdisciplinary research, or from art and exhibition work will also be considered when evaluating the applications. The working language for the project is English, and it is therefore preferred that the dissertation is written in English.

The application must contain information about education, exams/grades, publications and any relevant experience. The applicants are also asked to give a brief summary of their master’s thesis and account for their interest in the announced project. In addition, the application must include an outline of ideas and perspectives that the applicant wishes to develop in his/her PhD project, within the framework of the overall project’s work package 1 (no more than three pages). The project description and other relevant information can be obtained by contacting Aud Sissel Hoel, telephone (+47)73 59 65 83, or mail aud.sissel.hoel@ntnu.no.

The project offers an active, interdisciplinary and international research environment that includes researchers in media studies, art history, philosophy, media technology, medical technology and neuroscience, as well as artists. The PhD candidate’s research project will be conducted in cooperation with the project’s research partners in medical technology and neuroscience.

The applications should be submitted electronically through this page. Applicants should label their applications with the reference number of application, HF 10-035, and assemble the separate attachments into one document.

The following attachments for the PhD position must be sent electronically through this page:

• scanned copies of certificates (originals must be produced at the interview)
• list of publications

If some of the attachments cannot be sent electronically, one copy should be sent by regular mail. The envelope must be marked with the reference number HF 10-035 and sent to NTNU, Faculty of Humanities, NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway.

Shortlisted applicants will be asked for references and invited to an interview.

Within 3 months after appointing the successful PhD scholarship holder he/she must apply for admission to the PhD programme in Humanities and the Arts. For further details, please access: www.ntnu.no/hf/forskerutdanning

The positions are remunerated according to salary level 48 in the national salary scheme, gross NOK 383 700 annually, of which 2 per cent is deducted for the State Pension scheme. The appointments will be made in accordance with the current regulations for fellowship appointments at Norwegian universities. A contract will be drawn up detailing the period of appointment and required duties.

The appointment is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants. Primary residency in the Department of Art and Media, at the Faculty of Humanities in Trondheim is a prerequisite.

Application deadline is November 10, 2010.