Expression of Interest: Researcher for Crafts Atlas & Crafts Bank

Worldmap image by Jack Stapleton on Unsplash

Dear Researchers,

The ARCH gUG (Alliance for Rare Crafts Heritage, www.thearch.org), an international charity registered in Germany, is dedicated to celebrating, promoting, and ensuring the continuity of rare and exceptional craft skills. We invite applications for a researcher to join our Crafts Atlas and Crafts Bank project, a global initiative to document and preserve culturally rooted crafts. The Crafts Atlas is a developing open-source platform designed to document and share the rich diversity of culturally rooted crafts worldwide. It enables craftspeople, organizations, and researchers to contribute and access data on craft techniques, challenges, and training opportunities, fostering preservation and global collaboration. Your expertise is needed primarily for Phase 4 (Review and Validation), with opportunities to contribute to other phases.

This project captures craft techniques, challenges, and organizations via the Crafts Atlas platform and regional studies, with pilot work planned for Q4 2025/Q1 2026 (funding dependent). The role offers the chance to lead data review, propose preservation strategies, and shape a high-impact project, potentially leading to academic publications, policy influence, and connections with our global craft network.

Project Overview  

• Phase 1: Planning and Design

  
  

  Develop data templates, engage partners, secure funding (partially secured—your input welcome).

  
  

• Phase 2: Platform Development

  
  

  Create and test the Atlas platform, produce user guides.

  
  

• Phase 3: Initial Data Collection

  
  

  Launch platform, host workshops, conduct regional research.

  
  

• Phase 4: Review and Validation

  
  

  Ensure data accuracy, identify gaps, suggest craft preservation interventions.

  
  

• Phase 5: Expansion and Advocacy

  
  

  Expand globally, influence policies, develop the Crafts Bank to document all culturally rooted crafts.

  
  

Who We’re Looking For

We seek a mid-to-senior researcher who:

• Has expertise in cultural heritage, anthropology, data science, or related fields, with experience in data-driven or cultural preservation projects.

• Is passionate about preserving rare craft skills and ensuring data quality.

• Is collaborative, with strong analytical and communication skills, potentially balancing this role with other commitments (e.g., part-time work elsewhere).

  
  

What We Offer  

• Leadership in Phase 4, with options to engage in Phases 1–3 or 5.

• Part-time role (50%) over several months, with a salary of €60,000 (FTE, pro-rated).

• Access to our global network of craftspeople and trustee expertise, fostering academic and policy impact.

• Funding partially secured; stipend details to be finalized (grant-dependent).

  
  

How to Apply

Please send a brief note by June 30, 2025, to research@thearch.org with:

• CV (max 2 pages).

• Statement (max 200 words) on your interest and expertise.

Informal discussions are available throughout June 2025 to explore the role. Selected candidates will start ~July 2025, funding dependent.

Diversity & Inclusion

The ARCH gUG invites researchers from all backgrounds to contribute to our mission. Diverse perspectives strengthen our work, and every researcher has an equal opportunity to make a difference.

Contact

Email research@thearch.org or visit www.thearch.org. We look forward to connecting!