The project “The Art of AI. Rethinking Notions of Creativity, Aesthetics and Ethics,” led by Dr. Hana Gründler and Rafael Brundo Uriarte at the Kunsthistorisches Institut in Florenz – Max-Planck-Institut, seeks to appoint a Predoctoral Position (m/f/d): “The Art of AI. Rethinking Notions of Creativity, Aesthetics and Ethics”.
The Kunsthistorisches Institut in Florenz, founded in 1897, has been one of currently 86 institutes of the Max Planck Society, Germany's most successful research organisation for basic research, since 2002. Research focuses on the history of art and architecture from a transcultural perspective.
The project The Art of AI. Rethinking Notions of Creativity, Aesthetics and Ethics, led by Dr. Hana Gründler and Rafael Brundo Uriarte at the Kunsthistorisches Institut in Florenz – Max-Planck-Institut, seeks to appoint a:
Predoctoral position (m/f/d)
The transdisciplinary project explores how artificial intelligence reshapes creativity, aesthetics and cultural practices, and sheds light on the ethical and political implications of these transformations. It combines art history, philosophy, media theory and computer science and engages with questions that range from historical narratives of AI, automata and robots to contemporary challenges such as deepfakes, AI assisted artistic production and shifting definitions of intelligence and creativity.
The deadline for application is February 15th 2026, 12 pm CEST. Interviews will be held virtually at the beginning of March 2026. Candidates should propose a funding period of desired length (max. 36 months) with the earliest possible starting date in May 2026. Motivations for the proposed length of period and starting date should be made clear in the cover letter.
We are looking for an outstanding and genuinely transdisciplinary candidate engaging with one or more of the following fields:
Applicants who combine knowledge from several of these fields are especially encouraged to apply. The ideal candidate is curious, research driven and willing to work across disciplinary boundaries. A strong interest in the epistemic, aesthetic, ethical and cultural dimensions of AI is required.
The doctoral candidate will conduct their own research within the framework of the project. Excellence in research, commitment to pursue new insights through original scholarship, and willingness to become a constructive and committed part of a group of international scholars are essential. They will participate in a wide range of project activities, including:
The fellow will work at the interface of art history, philosophy and computer science within a highly transdisciplinary environment. The fellow will have access to an intellectually vibrant academic community at the KHI and will benefit from the institute's broad scholarly networks. The project offers close supervision by both principal investigators and continuous exchange with researchers from different disciplines visiting and collaborating with the project in the three years period.
This position is intended for a doctoral student enrolled at any university worldwide who is possibly in the advanced stage of their dissertation.
The position may not be held concurrently with another major fellowship award; applicants must disclose any supplementary funding and may not take on other obligations during their fellowship period.
The Max Planck Society offers a fixed-term contract of employment. Salary and benefits are determined according to the German Civil Service Collective Agreement (65% TVöD Bund E 13) or equivalent, depending on individual personal circumstances. Selected candidates enjoy all the privileges of the Institute, including library access, access to the Photothek, and their own carrel or desk.
We encourage individuals with non-conventional academic CVs and from communities that are underrepresented in academia to apply. The Max Planck Society is committed to fostering equal opportunities and diversity and welcomes applicants from all parts of society, regardless of gender, ethnicity, disabilities, or sexual orientation.
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