Design Innovation and Craft Resource Centre (DICRC), CEPT University, Ahmedabad, India is inviting application for job of a Full Time Senior Researcher for its project ‘Study of Vernacular Furniture of North West India’.

  • Institution: CEPT University
  • Research Centre: Design Innovation and Crafts Resource Centre (DICRC)
  • Location: Ahmedabad (India)
  • Position: Senior Research Assistant
  • Employment Status: Full time

Project: Study of Vernacular Furniture of North West India

Each community and region has its own identity which is created through built environment. This identity transgresses to the interior and it is very strongly represented through the furniture elements which are an inherent part of the day to day lifestyle. The furniture that is made by the local people for the day to day use can be termed as vernacular furniture. It embodies the culture, craft and social hierarchy in its most primeval form. This research project will focus on such set of local furniture which has never got a prominent position in the academia or in the museum collection or archives. 
The project is a collaboration between Design Innovation and Craft Resource Centre (DICRC), CEPT University, India and South Asian Decorative Arts and Crafts Collection (SADACC) Trust, UK.

The Role and Requirements

Qualification: Master or Bachelor of Furniture Design/Architecture/Interior Design/Art History/ or other equivalent qualification in the field of design. Academic or work experience in the field of furniture is mandatory.

Work Experience: 3+ years

Main duties/Responsibilities

The researcher will be involved in mapping and documentation of vernacular furniture with focus on types, usage, material, making, crafts and ornamentation. As part of the project he/she will be expected to conduct: 

  • Desk Research
  • Field research within Gujarat
  • Photography and data collection
  • Cataloguing and compilation of data
  • Technical drawing production
  • Preparation of reports
  • Data dissemination on digital platforms
  • Proposal writing
  • Basic accounting 
  • Skills/Knowledge
  • The applicant should have:
  • Thorough knowledge of AutoCad 2D and 3D, Adobe (Indesign, Photoshop and Illustrator), Microsoft Office.
  • An excellent command over spoken and written English
  • Research and fieldwork skills are must
  • Good photography skills 
  • Key attributes
  • A methodical person with a keen sense of organization 
  • Good leadership qualities with the ability to take up responsibility towards the project
  • Research oriented with strong analytical skills
  • Ability to work on field and interact with the local people
  • Multitasking and systematic approach
  • Should be at ease with working as a team
  • Knowledge of Gujarati language is important but not mandatory 
  • Application Procedure

If you would like to be associated with DICRC on this project, please send us a detailed resume and design portfolio along with the following additional details:

  • A cover letter stating your intent for the job application ( 250 words)
  • Current and expected salary
  • Any paper presentation or work showing the abilities of research.

Please email soft copy to DICRC Coordinator on dicrc at cept.ac.in and jaythakkar at cept.ac.in. Mention ‘Application_Senior Research Assistant_Study of Vernacular Furniture of North West India’ in the subject line.

If shortlisted for this position, you may be invited for an interview. Travel costs are to be borne by the candidate.
The position is open until filled but priority will be given to applications received till 25th November 2015.

About  Design Innovation and Craft Resource Centre (DICRC)

Design Innovation and Craft Resource Centre (DICRC), CEPT University, India functions as an research centre for the development and understanding of Indian Crafts (SMC – Space Making Crafts and Surface Narrative Crafts) of Traditional and Vernacular Buildings of India. DICRC’s main activities are to conduct dedicated research, documentation and organize programs, workshops and projects related to Craft and Traditional and Vernacular Interior Architecture. These are realized through detailed research, mapping, documentation, and analysis of Craft and Traditional and Vernacular built environment; Craft workshops and Innovation internship and fellowship programs; Training, curriculum development for craft and providing a platform for discussion, seminar, and forum for role of craft in Interior Architecture at national and International level. Through these programmes and partnerships, our key goal is to promote and encourage the study of crafts and to propagate the information to reach wider audiences and broaden our networking.  DICRC also functions as an interface between creative persons, artisans and the industry, interlinks all sides to create the basis for the implementation of innovative idea in the field of crafts within the current interior architecture education as well as practice. DICRC also offers consultancy, training, internship and fellowship opportunities. It is a conducive platform where design thinking engages with a range of crafts and traditional knowledge. It has five major focus areas, which are Research & Documentation, Innovation and Development, Education and Training, Application and Collaboration and lastly Resource Building & Dissemination. 

For further information, please visit : www.dicrc.in 

About  South Asian Decorative Arts and Crafts Collection (SADACC) Trust

SADACC Trust was founded by Philip and Jeannie Millward in 2010 as a registered charity. The mission of SADACC is to record, conserve and promote the arts, crafts and cultures of South Asia. The SADACC Trust has more than 4000 items in their collection that primarily focuses primarily on India and Pakistan and to a lesser extent on neighbouring countries of in Central Asia, as well as Burma, Thailand and Indonesia. The Trust holds a unique collection of the architectural and furniture pieces from India and Pakistan.

For further information, please visit : www.southasiandecorativeartsandcrafts.co.uk