Organizer Information
The Kunsthistorisches Institut in Florenz (KHI), founded in 1897, is part of the Max Planck Society, Germany’s leading research organization for basic research. Since 2002, it has been one of the 86 Max Planck Institutes focusing on transcultural approaches to the history of art and architecture. KHI fosters an intellectually vibrant international research environment, promoting transdisciplinary scholarship across art history, philosophy, media theory, and digital technologies. The institute provides access to extensive library collections, archival resources, and collaborative networks for scholars worldwide.Title & Description
Predoctoral Position (m/f/d) – The Art of AI: Rethinking Notions of Creativity, Aesthetics, and Ethics
This position invites doctoral students to join a transdisciplinary research project exploring the intersections of art history, philosophy, media studies, and artificial intelligence (AI). The project investigates how AI reshapes notions of creativity, aesthetics, and cultural practice while addressing ethical and societal implications. Candidates will contribute original research toward their doctoral dissertations, participate in collaborative workshops, and engage with a planned art exhibition, gaining immersive experience in both academic and applied dimensions of contemporary AI studies in art.Role Overview
- Position: Predoctoral Research Fellow
- Contract Type: Fixed-term employment (grant/fellowship-based)
- Reporting To: Dr. Hana Gründler and Rafael Brundo Uriarte, Principal Investigators
- Salary & Benefits: Determined according to German Civil Service Collective Agreement (65% TVöD Bund E 13); includes library access, desk space, and institute privileges
- Employment Period: Maximum 36 months; proposed starting date May 2026
- Location: Florence, Italy (Kunsthistorisches Institut in Florenz – Max Planck Institute)
- Application Fee: None
Position & Tasks
- Conduct independent research leading to a doctoral dissertation aligned with the project themes.
- Engage in AI-based studies examining narratives related to artificial intelligence.
- Participate actively in reading groups, project discussions, and collaborative meetings.
- Co-organize and attend three international workshops exploring AI, aesthetics, and ethics.
- Collaborate with principal investigators on a planned art exhibition related to the project.
- Work within a transdisciplinary environment, integrating insights from art history, philosophy, media studies, and computer science.
- Contribute to publications, presentations, and other academic outputs as appropriate.
Categories
- Primary: Curatorial, Research, Interdisciplinary Arts, AI, Art Critic, Visual Arts
- Secondary: Media Arts, Philosophy, Digital
Eligibility
- Doctoral student enrolled at any university worldwide
- An advanced stage of the dissertation is preferred
- Master’s degree in art history, philosophy, media studies, AI, or related fields
- Demonstrated capacity to work transdisciplinarily across multiple academic domains
- Excellent analytical, research, and writing skills
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in English (German and Italian welcome)
- Open to candidates from diverse backgrounds, including underrepresented communities in academia
Program Benefits
- Intensive transdisciplinary supervision by principal investigators
- Access to KHI’s extensive library, Photothek, and research facilities
- Participation in internal reading groups, workshops, and international events
- Integration into a vibrant research community in Florence
- Opportunity to collaborate on a curated art exhibition and project-related publications
Application Fee
NoneApplication Requirements
- Cover letter detailing research interests, motivation, and proposed funding period
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Research proposal (max. 5 pages + essential bibliography) aligned with the project’s research questions
- One letter of recommendation
- Disclosure of any concurrent funding or obligations
How to Apply?
Online ApplicationKey Dates
- Application Deadline: 15 February 2026
- Interviews: Early March 2026 (virtual)
- Proposed Start Date: May 2026 (flexible within project maximum of 36 months)
Location
Florence, ItalyAdditional Details
- Grant/fellowship-based position with fixed-term contract
- Requires participation in international workshops and occasional project events
- Encourages candidates with non-traditional academic backgrounds
- Commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity in academia