Research Project Assistant

The Kunsthistorisches Institut in Florenz – Max Planck Institute was founded in 1897. Research projects at the Institute are dedicated to the histories of art and architecture from a transcultural and global perspective, with a focus on Italy, Europe and the Mediterranean region. The Photothek is one of the most important scientific collections of documentary photographs, primarily on Italian art and architecture. As a research unit and laboratory, it plays a central role in the international and transdisciplinary debate on the function of photographs and photo archives in 21st century research and societies.

Project ‘Malandrini Collection’:
The project focuses on the Malandrini photo collection acquired in 2022. Ferruccio Malandrini is one of the early collectors of historical photographs in Italy. The ‘Malandrini Collection’ comprises over 12,800 photographs and photo albums, mainly from the period between 1850 and 1970. In addition to the major photo studios such as Alinari, Anderson and Brogi, photographers such as Bechard, Bernoud, Bourne, Lehnert & Landrock, van Lint, Lombardi, MacPherson, Noack, Rive and Robertson are also represented. The range of subjects is correspondingly broad, as are the photographic techniques.

The collector has organised the photographs in boxes, albums and portfolios according to themes and motifs. The documentation of the various bundles compiled by the collector has been transferred to a database. The aim of the project is to analyse the collection and make it accessible for scientific purposes.

Tasks:

• Participation in internal workshops to develop a concept for the accessibility and scientific usability of the collection
• Inventory of the albums and bundles in collaboration with the Photothek’s scientific staff
• Preparation of a presentation on the Photothek’s digital platform in collaboration with the KHI’s Digital Research Coordinator (https://virtualphotothek.khi.fi.it)
• Selection of photographic objects to be digitised and catalogued in the first phase of the project
• Collaboration in the curation and organisation of an online exhibition within the Photothek series (https://photothek.khi.fi.it/documents/oau)

Requirements:

• Completed study of art history or a related discipline (archaeology, cultural studies, museology, etc.) with a focus on photography
• Good knowledge of Italian and European photographic history and historical photographic techniques
• Experience in dealing with archival materials
• Experience in cataloguing and digitally recording cultural assets
• Knowledge of Italian, German and English

Given the requirements are met, we offer remuneration in accordance with the collective wage agreement for the German public sector (TVöD Bund) with corresponding allowances and benefits. In the event that TVöD is not applicable, adequate remuneration is paid in accordance with the remuneration scheme of the German Embassy in Rome, Italy.

The Max Planck Society strives for gender equality and diversity. This is an important concern when filling the position. The Max Planck Society also is committed to employ more disabled people.
Applications from disabled persons are expressly welcome.

Please submit your completed application (including letter of motivation, full CV and copy of relevant qualifications/certificates in one single PDF) via our online application portal by October 1, 2024.

For further questions, please write to Photothek.Leitung@khi.fi.it.