Call for Applications: Head of Studio and Team – Sculpture

Application deadline October 26, 2025.

The starting date of the position is October 1, 2026.

About the Academy

The Academy of Fine Arts in Prague (AVU), founded in 1799, is one of the leading art schools in Central Europe. The Academy offers accredited programs in three main areas: Fine Arts, Architecture, and Restoration of Works of Art.The School of Restoration comprises three studios: Restoration of Painting, Restoration of Sculpture, and Restoration of Works of Art Made of Modern and Non-Traditional Materials. Each studio combines practical training with research, theory, and a deep engagement with material and cultural heritage.

The Academy is seeking a Head of Studio with an established professional network in the field of restoration, ideally encompassing both international and local connections (support in establishing Czech contacts can be provided). As the study programme is primarily conducted in Czech, proficiency in the Czech language — or the inclusion of at least one Czech-speaking member within the proposed teaching team — is desirable. AVU can also recommend suitable Czech collaborators if needed.

The position offers the opportunity to lead and further develop the Sculpture Restoration Studio in collaboration with a team of assistant professors and restoration specialists. The studio is well equipped and located in a historical building, providing an inspiring environment for both teaching and professional practice. It emphasizes hands-on restoration work, artistic sensitivity, and respect for historical materials and contexts.

The Head of Studio and her/his team will provide higher artistic education in the Master’s study programme Restoration of Works of Art and participate in academic self-governance. Within doctoral programmes, they may serve as supervisors or consultants. The Head of Studio may also act as a guarantor of study programmes. AVU academic staff are responsible for developing teaching concepts, engaging in creative and artistic research, contributing to curriculum development, and supporting students. They design annual concepts for the Studio Practice course, evaluate students, and organize exhibitions, lectures, and excursions. The position also includes participation in academic committees and working groups at AVU. The Head of Studio closely collaborates with programme guarantors, the Vice-Rector for Study Affairs, and other governing bodies of the Academy. The work involves interdisciplinary cooperation and the initiative to develop partnerships with art schools and cultural institutions in the Czech Republic and abroad.

Required Qualifications – Head of Studio

• University degree in Restoration (a Ph.D., Associate Professorship (docent), or Professorship is an advantage; candidates expected to begin qualification proceedings soon are also eligible)

• Authorization to carry out restoration work under current legislation

• Proven professional experience in art restoration in the Czech and/or international contexts

• Deep knowledge of current developments in the Czech and/or international restoration field

• Publication, professional, and research activity

• International network and experience with institutional and educational collaborations

• Ability for theoretical reflection and teaching aptitude (teaching experience is an advantage)

• Clear vision of one’s own approaches to restoration and pedagogical practice, contributing to an inclusive educational environment at AVU

• A formulated pedagogical concept for the Sculpture Restoration Studio, including: o a description of the candidate’s understanding of the discipline and its overlaps, o a proposal and justification of the assistant team composition, and o a reflection on prior teaching experience and outcomes

Required Qualifications – Assistant Professor (team member)

• University degree in Restoration (a Ph.D. or intent to pursue one soon is an advantage)

• Authorization to carry out restoration work under current legislation

• Proven professional experience in art restoration in the Czech and/or international contexts

• Publication, professional, and research activity (an advantage)

• Ability to reflect on restoration practice and aptitude for teaching (teaching experience is an advantage)

Work Conditions – Head of Studio

• Start date: beginning of the academic year 2026/2027

• Employment: full-time (1.0 FTE)

• Starting gross monthly salary: CZK 42,000 (plus functional allowances according to AVU’s internal salary regulations)

• Fixed-term contract for 3 years, with the possibility of renewal after internal evaluation

• Employee benefits according to current AVU standards

Work Conditions – Assistant Professors (team members)

• Start date: beginning of the academic year 2026/2027

• Employment: full-time (1.0 FTE)

• Starting gross monthly salary: CZK 36,000

• Fixed-term contract for 3 years, with possible renewal after internal evaluation

• Employee benefits according to current AVU standard

Application Details

Applications must be submitted in English or Czech by the candidate for the Head of Studio position, who can propose the composition of the assisting team. The selection process consists of three rounds:

1. Round 1: The expert committee reviews all valid applications and selects candidates for Round

2. 2. Round 2: Presentation – candidates present their teaching concept.

3. Round 3: Personal interviews with the Rector and members of the management team. Candidates shortlisted after public presentations will be invited.

The selection process, including interviews, can be conducted online.

The application must include:

• Pedagogical concept for the 3 academic years 2026–2029 (to be publicly presented if advanced to Round 2), including the proposed team of Assistant Professors

• Motivation letter for the Head of Studio position

• Structured CV including previous employment, teaching and professional experience, and contact information

• Portfolio documenting restoration practice (PDF format, max. 30 MB)

• Officially certified copies of the highest degree(s) obtained; in the case of foreign degrees, formal nostrification will be required upon hiring

Please send your eventual inquiries and complete application electronically to opencall@avu.cz.