We seek a graduate student to assist with our NEH funded project to digitally visualize layers of polychrome that once enlivened the sculptures of the Cathedral of Notre-Dame in Paris. The ideal candidate will have research interests in premodern artistic practices, the meanings of color in premodern societies, and be able to apply new approaches to digital cultural heritage documentation.
Desired technical skills include digital scanning and photogrammetry techniques, digital rendering, and use of SketchFab, WordPress, AgiSoft Metashape, Blender, Adobe Substance Painter, and AutoCAD/Revit or similar platforms.
The assistant will dedicate 20hrs per week to the Notre-Dame in Color project during fall/spring semesters of 2024-2026 and be enrolled in the Interdisciplinary Studies MA, which will include graduate-level coursework in Anthropology, Art History, and Digital Art, culminating in a non-thesis Capstone Project or thesis. Advanced applicants may be considered for entry into the Interdisciplinary Studies PhD.
Available funding: Academic year 1 is valued at $51,876 (inclusive of out-of-state tuition waiver, course fees, health insurance, and stipend of $15,840). The NEH funded graduate assistantship is renewable for a 2nd consecutive academic year upon satisfactory annual review. Academic year 2 is valued at least at the amount of the previous year—the stipend may increase if rates are increased by the university. The MA is a 2yr degree program. If an applicant is eligible for admission to the PhD track, additional funding support may be available.
To verify eligibility, please notify project director, Dr. Jennifer Feltman, jmfeltman@ua.edu and co-director, Dr. Alexandre Tokovinine, atokovinine@ua.edu no later than December 15, 2023. Review of applications will begin on January 15, 2024.
For more info on the Notre-Dame in Color project is available here.
Minimum requirements for regular admission:
- MA: 3.0 undergraduate GPA (or equivalent)
- PhD: MA in anthropology, art history, or related field with 3.0 GPA (or equivalent)
Application Documents:
- Transcripts
- Statement of Purpose 2 double-spaced pages outlining relevant research experience and the necessity of interdisciplinary research for the applicant’s specific research and career goals.
- CV/Résumé
- Writing Sample
- 3 Letters of Recommendation
- Optional: Sample of Previous Digital Work
Medieval Art Research 
The deadline to apply is actually January 15th. We just ask that you notify us of intent to apply by December 15th so that we can direct you to the most appropriate application path — MA or PhD. We will accept applications to either path. If you are interested, please feel free to reach out.