DECADOCS is a pioneering research and training programme enabled by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Networks (MSCA-DN) aimed at reinterpreting the concept of decadence. Traditionally associated with decline, decadence will be explored through new perspectives, focusing on sustainability, transnationalism, and sensoriality. The programme offers tailored intersectoral training in collaboration with museums, archives, galleries, and other partners, reinforcing its scientific and social impact.
‘The “New Sublime”: A Reappraisal of Fashion’s Decay in the Era of Ecological Crisis’
🇵🇹 & 🇮🇹
Lusofona University and IUAV
‘The “New Sublime”: A Reappraisal of Fashion’s Decay in the Era of Ecological Crisis’ intends to understand contemporary processes of decaying garments as a legacy of 19th-century decadent fashion. The process of decaying garments or textiles remains regretfully neglected in the context of decadent fashion, despite its potential to bear on sustainable processes. The project renegotiates the relationship between material embodiments of decadence and sustainability, with the aim to contribute to the cultural and material history of fashion through the analysis of textile conservation or damage on one hand, and, on the other hand, to reshape the relationships between sustainability and the fashion industry. It also aims to involve a wider audience through a site-specific installation at Fondazione Pistoletto. The project involves archival research, analysis of archival materials, art and design practices, and fashion curation, as well as visits to fashion industries, and short stays to research centres and fashion museums in Portugal, and Italy.
Doctoral candidates will receive comprehensive mentoring and training. In addition to local supervision and support, the successful candidates will receive benefit from an extensive programme of doctoral training and access to an interdisciplinary network of scholars and researchers exploring different aspects of decadence from the nineteenth century to the present.
Requirements
Research Field
Art History, Conservation, Fashion
Education Level
- Master’s Degree or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
We are looking for enthusiastic and talented candidates with:
- A Master’s degree in Art history, Conservation, Fashion or related fields
- A strong academic background and upward trajectory
- Proactive attitude and excellent interpersonal skills
- High level of proficiency in written and spoken English (other European languages are a plus)
- Availability to work in Venice (Italy) and Lisbon (Portugal), as well as at the Zenzie Tinker Conservation (UK) and Fondazione Pistoletto (Italy)
- Strong research and writing skills
- Strong background in fashion history and material culture
- Clear interest for fashion design and interdisciplinary research
- Strong sense of responsibility and commitment to environmental sustainability
- Willingness to engage with non-academic audiences
Desirable
- Experience in archival research
- Experience in art and/or fashion curation
Key responsibilities
As a PhD student working on this project, you will contribute to researching the role of fashion’s contemporary processes of decaying garments in the era of ecological crisis. The position is available for 48 months with the first 24 months in Lisbon at Lusofona University, and the last 24 months in Venice at IUAV, and the key responsibilities will include:
- To manage and carry out research projects
- To attend and participate in research and training activities within the DECADOCS network and local universities
- To compile research findings into scientific presentations, articles for scientific peer-reviewed journals and publications
- To write a PhD thesis
- To teach and disseminate research in the scientific community (international conferences) and non-scientific community, by outreach and public engagement
Specific tasks will include
- Researching Zenzie Tinker Conservation and other fashion and textile archives
- Carrying our objects-based analysis of archival material
- Designing fashion by applying decay processes and methodologies
- Co-curating an installation/exhibition in the context of art centres and/or museums.
Languages
ENGLISH
Level
Excellent (C2)
Additional Information
ELIGIBILITY
Researchers funded by Doctoral Networks
- must not have a doctoral degree at the date of their recruitment
- can be of any nationality
- should not be enrolled in another doctoral programme during the project
- should comply with the mobility rules: in general, they must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of the recruiting organisation for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before their recruitment date
Benefits
The EU provides support for each recruited researcher in the form of
- a living allowance
- a mobility allowance
- if applicable, family, long-term leave and special needs allowances
In addition, funding is provided for
- research, training and networking activities
Application
Please send:
- a cover letter stating your motivation to apply for the position and your key competencies relevant for this position
- an up-to-date CV, including details of your BA and MA degrees
- copies of your diplomas and transcripts of records (BA and MA)
- contact information of two academic referees
- evidence of proficiency in academic English (eg. a sample of academic writing from your MA, max 5000 words)
- Proof of ID (passport, identity card);
- A declaration of Honour stating that you fulfil the eligibility criteria.
Our selection procedure is merit-based and follows the guidelines of the recruitment of European Commission’s European Code of Conduct for researchers
Applications will be received until 9 November 2025.
Interviews will take place online from 17 to 22 November 2025.
Contact
Send your application in a single PDF document labelled ‘name.applicationIRP2’ to Bénédicte Coste.
DECADOCS 