PhD Placement: Cataloguing the Yu-Chee Chong Collection of Southeast Asian Photography, 1860–1920

V&A PhD Placement: Cataloguing the Yu-Chee Chong Collection of Southeast Asian Photography, 1860–1920

Application deadline: 16 August 2026
Location: V&A South Kensington, London
Working arrangement: Part-time and primarily on-site; limited remote work may be agreed
Schedule: To be agreed with the successful candidate
Contract: Unpaid doctoral placement
Funding requirement: Applicants must receive a PhD stipend equivalent to at least the UKRI national minimum doctoral rate
Eligibility: Current students enrolled in a funded PhD programme
Induction date: 30 September 2026
Start date: October 2026 or January 2027
Department: Art, Architecture, Photography and Design

The Placement

The V&A is inviting applications for a PhD placement focused on cataloguing the Yu-Chee Chong Collection of Southeast Asian Photography, dating from 1860 to 1920.

Working with colleagues in the Museum’s Photography Section, the successful applicant will begin cataloguing this significant collection of early photography.

The researcher will assimilate information supplied by the donor into the V&A’s collection records and conduct further research into individual photographs and photographic studios active across Southeast Asia.

The placement offers an opportunity to work closely with an important collection of early Southeast Asian photography and situate it within the V&A’s wider photographic holdings.

About the Collection

The V&A acquired the Yu-Chee Chong Collection of Southeast Asian Photography in 2026.

Unrivalled in its scope and significance, the collection encompasses photography from:

• Borneo
• Malaysia
• Indonesia
• Singapore
• The Philippines
• Thailand
• Vietnam
• Cambodia
• Hong Kong

Reflecting the extensive movement of Malay populations during the period, the collection also includes materials from Sri Lanka and South Africa.

Its subjects include topographical and architectural views, portraits and ethnographic photographs. The collection contains images of seldom-photographed locations such as Brunei, alongside portraits of dynasties from the courts of Siam, Malaya, Indonesia, Cambodia and the Pacific Islands.

A particularly rare group depicts Balinese subjects during the 1860s and includes the earliest known photographs of the region.

Research Activities

The successful applicant will:

• Work with colleagues in the V&A’s Photography Section
• Begin cataloguing the Yu-Chee Chong Collection
• Review and assimilate information supplied by the donor
• Add research and object information to the V&A’s record-keeping systems
• Research individual photographs within the collection
• Investigate photographers and studios active across the represented regions
• Help contextualise the collection in relation to the V&A’s other photography holdings

Potential Outputs

The placement may result in:

• Catalogue entries for the Yu-Chee Chong Collection of Southeast Asian Photography
• Presentations about the collection for V&A colleagues
• A presentation at the V&A Research Institute Lunchtime Research Seminar

Essential Knowledge and Skills

Applicants should have:

• Basic knowledge of the history of photography, particularly 19th-century photographic objects and processes
• An understanding of Southeast Asian histories and geographies
• Knowledge of the region in the context of British, French and Dutch colonialism
• The ability to take initiative, make connections and develop collaborations
• The ability to communicate research to students, academics, museum staff and other audiences
• A commitment to the V&A’s values of sustainability, equity, creativity, collaboration and generosity

Knowledge of Southeast Asian languages is desirable.

Eligibility and Funding

V&A doctoral placements are only open to candidates currently studying on a funded PhD programme.

Applicants must demonstrate that they will receive a doctoral stipend throughout the placement equivalent to at least the UKRI national minimum doctoral rate.

The placement itself is unpaid, with participants expected to remain financially supported through their existing PhD funding.

International PhD students are welcome to apply but must satisfy the funding requirements and all relevant UK visa and residency conditions.

Location and Remote Work

The placement is based at V&A South Kensington.

Some remote work may be possible where the project allows, subject to agreement between the student and placement supervisors. The balance between on-site and remote work will be negotiated with the successful candidate.

Students must remain based in the United Kingdom while working remotely unless another arrangement is approved by the supervisory team. They must also provide their own computer and internet access for remote work.

All successful applicants must attend an induction day on 30 September 2026.

Professional Development

The V&A PhD Placement Scheme enables doctoral researchers to gain professional experience outside a university environment while contributing to the Museum’s strategic objectives.

Alongside practical experience and mentoring from placement supervisors, participants will have access to:

• Museum workshops
• Research talks
• Postgraduate training events
• Professional development opportunities
• A dedicated training package for the V&A’s PhD placement cohort

Placements are available across the V&A’s collections departments, archives, National Art Library, research teams, and collection care and access programmes.

About the V&A

The V&A is a family of museums dedicated to championing design and creativity, advancing cultural knowledge and inspiring makers, creators and innovators.

Its collection encompasses more than 2.8 million objects representing approximately 5,000 years of creative history. The Museum shares its collections through exhibitions, events, education, digital programmes, conservation and research.

The V&A is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and maintains a zero-tolerance policy concerning discrimination, harassment and bullying.

Disability Confident Scheme

The V&A is a Disability Confident Employer.

Applicants who declare that they have a disability and meet the minimum requirements will be guaranteed an interview under the Disability Confident Scheme.

The Museum operates anonymous shortlisting, meaning that hiring managers cannot see applicants’ names, contact details or equality information during the initial assessment.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted through the V&A’s online recruitment portal by 16 August 2026.

Interview dates are yet to be confirmed. Successful applicants will attend an induction day on 30 September 2026 and begin their placements in either October 2026 or January 2027.

Questions about the application process may be sent to careers@vam.ac.uk.

Applicants should consult the full Application Guidelines for detailed information about eligibility, placement duration, funding and opportunities for remote work.

 

Note: This listing has been edited for formatting purposes. To read the complete placement description and apply, please visit the link below.