CALL FOR APPLICATIONS FOR A UPM–IUAV PREDOCTORAL RESEARCH CONTRACT WITHIN THE EUROPEAN NETWORK ‘DECADOCS’
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| Publicada por: | Doctorado/PhD |
The Advanced Architectural Design PhD Programme at the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid offers the opportunity to participate in the DECADOCS Doctoral Network, funded by the European Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Networks (MSCA DN), through a four-year predoctoral contract to be carried out jointly between ETSAM-UPM and the IUAV University of Venice (Italy).
DECADOCS is an innovative European Doctoral Network project that reinterprets the concept of decadence from a sustainability perspective within a transnational and multidisciplinary framework. The Network includes doctoral research projects and experts in the fields of literature, politics, architecture, fashion, music, tourism, and media studies. It provides intersectoral training in collaboration with museums, archives, and other institutions in order to enhance its scientific and social impact.
The doctoral research project associated with the UPM-IUAV contract is entitled “The Meaning of Decadence in Architecture: New Hotels Typologies in Venice and Beyond, Translated Forms and Ideas”. It explores the meaning of decadence in architecture through projects and works related to tourism and travel from the late nineteenth century to the present day. One of the project’s key references is the archive of the architect Giovanni Sardi in Venice. The selected candidate will carry out research activities, archival work, documentation, publications, conference participation, and presentations within the training activities offered by the Network.
The doctoral thesis will be developed under a cotutelle agreement (dual degree) between UPM and IUAV, under the supervision of Professors Sergio Martín Blas and Fernanda de Maio. The first two years of the contract (2026 and 2027) will be based at UPM in Madrid, while the following two years (2028 and 2029) will be based at IUAV in Venice. Travel is expected between these two institutions and the other members of the European consortium, which comprises a total of ten institutions.
Predoctoral candidates may be of any nationality and must meet, among other requirements, the mobility rule stipulating that they must not have worked or studied in Spain for more than 12 months during the three years immediately preceding the recruitment date (expected between January and March 2026). Applicants must also be eligible for admission to a doctoral programme in Europe. The project will be conducted in English. In addition, candidates must have knowledge of either Spanish or Italian.
The salary will follow the guidelines of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Programme (approximately €3,800 gross per month, plus €710 gross per month mobility allowance, and an additional €600 per month where family allowance eligibility applies). The contract is full-time and requires exclusive dedication to the project throughout its four-year duration.
Interested candidates must prepare the following documentation, all in English:
1.- Cover letter stating your motivation to apply for the position and your key competencies relevant for this position.
2.- Up-to-date CV, including details of your BA and MA degrees.
3.- Copies of your diplomas and transcripts of records (BA and MA).
4.- Contact information of two academic referees.
5.- Evidence of proficiency in academic English (such as a sample of academic writing from the MA, max. 5,000 words, and/or a proficiency diploma).
6.- Proof of ID (passport or identity card).
7.- Declaration of Honour stating that you fulfil the eligibility criteria.
Additionally, candidates selected for interview will be required to prepare a brief online presentation (15 minutes) explaining how they intend to develop the project.
More information and details about the project and candidate requirements:
https://decadocs.blog/research-project-1/
More information about the DECADOCS Doctoral Network:
Key dates:
Official publication of the call on EURAXESS: Early October 2025
Application deadline: 25 October 2025
Online interviews with shortlisted candidates: 17–22 November 2025
Expected contract start date: Between January and March 2026
UPM contact for further information: