Apply for the IMC/AMC Postdoctoral Fellowship Program

Deadline: 18-Oct-26

The IMC/AMC Postdoctoral Fellowship supports early-career scholars with a PhD to conduct original research in the history of photography using the collections of The Image Centre (IMC) and the Archive of Modern Conflict (AMC). The 12-month fellowship begins July 1, 2027, offers an annual salary of $70,000 CAD plus benefits and a research stipend, and requires the fellow to be based in Toronto with an opportunity to conduct research in London.

About the IMC/AMC Postdoctoral Fellowship

The IMC/AMC Postdoctoral Fellowship is a research opportunity for scholars working in photography history, visual culture, media studies, and related fields. The fellowship is jointly connected to the collections of The Image Centre (IMC) at Toronto Metropolitan University and the Archive of Modern Conflict (AMC), which has locations in London and Toronto. The program encourages original and critically engaged scholarship that draws on archival photography collections and explores the historical, cultural, and social significance of photographic practices.

Particular interest is given to research involving

- Press photography - Documentary photography - Vernacular photography - Amateur photography - Lens-based media - Visual culture - The history of photography from the 19th century to the present

About The Image Centre and Archive of Modern Conflict

The Image Centre at Toronto Metropolitan University is a major centre for the research, preservation, exhibition, and interpretation of photography. Its holdings include the Black Star Collection, providing researchers with access to extensive photographic material. The Archive of Modern Conflict maintains a large photographic archive spanning the 19th century to contemporary photography. Its collections provide opportunities for research into documentary, vernacular, press, and other forms of photographic practice. The fellowship is particularly distinctive because researchers are expected to engage with both IMC and AMC collections, creating opportunities for comparative and interdisciplinary scholarship. Fellowship Objectives The fellowship aims to encourage innovative research into the history and cultural significance of photography. Research proposals should demonstrate how archival materials can contribute to new interpretations of photography and visual culture. The fellowship particularly encourages projects that: - Develop original research questions about photographic history. - Connect materials held by the IMC and AMC. - Examine press, documentary, vernacular, or amateur photography. - Use interdisciplinary approaches to visual culture. - Engage critically with photographic archives. - Consider questions of equity and inclusion. - Produce meaningful scholarly or public-facing outcomes. Fellowship Duration and Location The fellowship is a full-time, 12-month appointment.

Key appointment details include:

- Start date: July 1, 2027

- Duration: 12 months

- Primary location: Toronto, Canada

- Host institution: Toronto Metropolitan University

- Residency: The fellow must be based in Toronto during the appointment.

- London research: The fellowship provides an opportunity to conduct research in London, UK.

- Public engagement: The fellow is expected to deliver a public lecture at The Image Centre before completing the appointment.

The successful fellow will also participate actively in the academic life of the School of Image Arts at Toronto Metropolitan University. Fellowship Salary and Benefits The IMC/AMC Postdoctoral Fellowship provides an annual salary of: $70,000 CAD plus benefits An additional research stipend is available to support one month of research in London, UK. The funding package is intended to support both the fellow’s academic work in Toronto and research access to relevant collections in London. Who Is Eligible? Applicants must meet specific academic and research requirements.

Candidates must:

- Hold a PhD at the time of application. - Have completed their PhD within five years of the fellowship appointment. - Hold a doctoral degree in a relevant discipline. - Demonstrate a strong research record in photography history or lens-based media. - Have an active research agenda involving archives or collections. - Show interest in relevant areas of photographic history.

Relevant doctoral disciplines include:

- Art History - Visual Culture - Media Studies - History - Museum Studies - Photography - Related disciplines Applicants should demonstrate a clear connection between their proposed research and the collections of both the IMC and AMC. Preferred Research Areas The fellowship has a particular interest in scholarship addressing photography from the 19th century to the present.

Strong proposals may focus on:

- Press photography - Documentary photography - Vernacular photography - Amateur photography - Photographic archives - Visual culture - Historical photographic practices - Lens-based media - Interdisciplinary photographic research The program encourages critically engaged approaches rather than research that simply describes existing photographic collections. Additional Skills and Experience Certain professional and academic experiences are considered an asset.

These include:

- University teaching experience. - Public speaking. - Curatorial practice. - Exhibition development. - Public-facing scholarly programming. - Experience working with archives and museum collections. These experiences can help demonstrate the applicant’s ability to contribute to the academic and public activities associated with the fellowship. Research Proposal Requirements The research proposal is one of the most important parts of the application. Applicants must submit a three-page research proposal explaining the proposed project.

The proposal should clearly address:

- Primary research questions. - The significance and originality of the research. - How both IMC and AMC collections will be used. - Proposed research methodology. - Equity and