PhD Scholarship: Digital Design for Cultural Collections

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$28,092 p/a, 3 years

ARC Linkage Project LP180100704
Transforming the early modern archive: the Emmerson Collection at SLV

In 2015, State Library Victoria received the bequest of the Emmerson Collection: over 5000 early modern rare books and pamphlets, previously held in private hands. Bringing together experts in early modern studies and the digital humanities with specialist library staff, this project aims to investigate what the collection contains, why it is significant and how it can be shared with others. Through original archival research, the project will uncover the contents and scope of the collection, establish its international scholarly significance, and develop new digital resources designed to unlock the value of specialised archives for a wide range of end-users.

The successful applicant will work with Associate Professor Mitchell Whitelaw at ANU, developing rich digital representations of this archival collections. Building on Whitelaw’s work on “generous interfaces”, you will create innovative digital works that combine interaction, visualisation, exploration and scholarly analysis. Research outcomes will include a high profile digital exhibition, bringing the Emmerson Collection and its interpretation to wide public audience. The student will also work in close collaboration with the Digital Communications team at the State Library of Victoria, and participate in workshops and practicums at the SLV.

You will:

  • Have a first-class Honours (H1) or equivalent degree in a relevant field, such as design, information studies, literary studies, digital humanities or heritage studies
  • Preferably have experience in one or more of the following: digital cultural collections; front-end web development; data visualisation and information design
  • Be a creative, critical, independent thinker with excellent communication and collaboration skills
  • Be available to commence full-time study in Canberra or Melbourne in 2020.

The successful applicant will receive a PhD stipend of $28,092 per annum (2020 value) + up to $5,000 travel stipend per annum.

How to Apply

Available to Australian domestic students.

Contact Associate Professor Mitchell Whitelaw for more details and to discuss your proposal.

Deadline: midnight 31 October.