Teaching Associate / Senior Teaching Associate - Conservation (Paintings)

Call for Applications

Post of Teaching Associate / Senior Teaching Associate in the Department of Conservation and Built Heritage

Faculty for the Built Environment

Applications are invited for a full-time post of Teaching Associate / Senior Teaching Associate in the Department of Conservation and Built Heritage within the Faculty for the Built Environment of the University of Malta. 

The appointment will be offered on an indefinite contract basis, subject to a probationary period of one year.

The appointee will be required to organize and help coordinate a Master Programme (preceded by a Preparatory Year) in Conservation (Paintings), as well as participate in the teaching, laboratory work, studio practice, research, administration and other activities of the Department of Conservation and Built Heritage within the Faculty for the Built Environment, and as may be required by the University. The appointee will also be required to participate in the teaching, laboratory work, and studio practice of other programmes run by the Department.

Due preference will be given to candidates who show sound, deep and broad knowledge of paintings and their documentation, analysis and conservation, as well as related competences, leadership and team-working abilities. Previous hands-on conservation experience in the conservation of paintings is also essential. The selected candidate will also have good organizational and management skills. A track record in research including international publications, as well as academic experience at tertiary level, in the above fields will be favourably considered, as will teaching at Master level. 

Teaching Associate

Applications are sought from candidates in possession of at least a Master degree in the conservation of paintings on canvas, followed by a minimum of two years of professional experience in applied conservation of paintings. Additional training and/or experience in the conservation of wall paintings will be favourably considered. 

Senior Teaching Associate

Applications are sought from candidates in possession of at least a Master degree in the conservation of paintings on canvas, followed by a minimum of four years of professional experience in applied conservation of paintings. Additional training and/or experience in the conservation of wall paintings will be favourably considered. 

The annual salary for 2024 attached to Teaching Associate and Senior Teaching Associate is as follows:

Teaching Associate; €35,533 plus Academic Work Resources of €1,600.00  

Senior Teaching Associate; €39,408 plus Academic Work Resources of €1,600.00  

Candidates are required to upload their covering letter, certificates (certificates should be submitted in English) and names and emails of three referees through this form: https://www.um.edu.mt/hrmd/workatum-general  

Applications should be received by Monday 5 February 2024.

Late applications will not be considered.

Further Information

General Working Obligations:

A Teaching Associate / Senior Teaching Associate will be appointed on a full-time (40) hour per week basis between Monday to Friday out of which no more than half shall be devoted to teaching.

A Teaching Associate / Senior Teaching Associate will be expected to work between 08:00 and 17:00 hours and beyond 17:00 hours no more than once per week.

The Department of Conservation and Built Heritage 

The Department of Conservation and Built Heritage within the Faculty for the Built Environment was set up in February 2009. The remit of the Department is to focus, in a wide sense, on issues related to heritage, heritage science and conservation. The Department fulfils its remit through teaching, practical projects and research on a wide variety of topics within the fields on conservation and management of Cultural Heritage, also within international fora, and through regular publications and outreach activities. 

The duties which the appointee may be expected to perform are: 

• Setting up and coordinating a Master course (including Preparatory year) in Conservation, specifically of  paintings, including the theoretical and practical aspects;
• Setting up and running a state-of-the-art painting conservation studio within the new building of the Faculty, the Sustainable Living Complex (SLC);
• Seeking out and engaging Visiting and Casual lecturers and External Visiting Lecturers to teach on the Preparatory year and the Master in Conservation;
• Working with local and international heritage partners to set up and deliver a high-level conservation programme as fits local and international needs;
• Teaching including tutorials, seminars and workshops, organization and supervision of practical studio and on-site work and placements, dissertation supervision, monitoring of projects and other personally undertaken student enterprises, mentoring students and monitoring student progress, and organising stages locally and abroad for students; 
• Preparing course materials and contributing to curriculum development;
• Preparing for, attending and contributing to Departmental meetings, Boards of Studies and Boards of Examiners meetings; 
• Leading, promoting and coordinating research initiatives both student-based and project-based;
• Researching and publishing both individual and collaborative, in priority areas established by the University and in particular in specific areas of interest to the Department of Conservation and Built Heritage; 
• Continuous assessment of students, setting and marking of assignments, student seminars and examination papers including dissertations, within established time-frames; 
• Participating in the administration of academic affairs at academic and university levels; 
• Contributing to national and regional development particularly in the area of specialisation and through cooperation with governmental, intergovernmental, regional and nongovernmental institutions and services; 
• Participating in outreach programmes with other University departments and non-University organizations and bodies; 
• Working within local and international research groups and participation in local and foreign-led projects; 
• Any other relevant duties as may be required by the University. 

The Selection Procedures 

• The evaluation of qualifications and experience claimed and supported by testimonials and/or certificates (copies to be included with the application).
• Short-listing of candidates.
• An invitation to short-listed candidates to a Selection Board interview.
• A short presentation on a subject allotted to short-listed candidates.

The Selection Process

The selection process will follow the document “Guidelines for Members of Selection Boards in the Recruitment of Resident Academic Staff” (https://www.um.edu.mt/hrmd/policiesprocedures).

In accordance with the guidelines, members of the Selection Board will establish the following selection criteria for the selection process:

• Relevant academic qualifications
• Relevant Academic / Work experience
• Aptitude and suitability; and
• Performance in interview

The appointment will be subject to the provisions of the Statues, Regulations and Bye-Laws of the University which are now or which may hereafter be in force.  

The University of Malta is an Equal Opportunity employer.