Call Predoctoral & Postdoctoral Research Fellows; M​/F​/D

Call for Predoctoral & Postdoctoral Research Fellows (M/F/D)
Max Planck Research Group "Machine Visual Culture:
Artificial Intelligence and the History of Seeing"The Machine Visual Culture research group investigates the reciprocal relationship between artificial intelligence and visual culture. We are especially interested in how machine vision systems both shape and are shaped by visual culture. Combining digital art history with critical AI studies, the group explores AI both as a revolutionary methodology for the study of the history of art and visual culture, and also as a cultural phenomenon in its own right with important implications for the humanities.

Machine Visual Culture offers an interdisciplinary approach that positions AI as both a subject of cultural critique and a transformative approach to art historical research. The research group collaborates closely with international partners, in particular with Cambridge Digital Humanities at the University of Cambridge.

We welcome applications from candidates of all disciplines; projects should be synergetic with the group’s main research interests. Projects may for instance engage with Digital Art History, Digital Humanities, History of Technology, Media Archaeology / Media Theory, Computational Aesthetics, Digital/Video/Media Art, or other relevant fields. Projects that engage with the Bibliotheca Hertziana’s digitised collections are encouraged.

We especially welcome applicants from hybrid or interdisciplinary backgrounds. Candidates with some technical expertise in computer science or related fields are encouraged to apply to these fellowships; they may also wish to consider the advertised position of Digital Humanities Research Scientist.

Eligibility and

Application Requirements Predoctoral Fellowships (3-12 months)
The Predoctoral Fellows will contribute to collaborative research projects in the group while working towards the completion of their individual PhD.Eligibility Criteria Enrolled as a PhD student

A clear research plan that demonstrates how a fellowship in Rome as part of the Machine Visual Culture research group will benefit the PhD project

Ability to reside in Rome for the duration of the appointment

Willingness to actively engage in the group’s research activities, including seminars, reading sessions, and conferences

Application Documents Description of research project including timeline (max. 1000 words, not including bibliography)
Sample of work or sample publication (max. 2000 words)
Contact details of two referees (reference letters are not required upfront)
Postdoctoral Fellowships (3-12 months)
The Postdoctoral Fellow will be part of designing and developing collaborative research projects in digital art history and critical AI studies within the research group. They will work closely with the group leader and contribute to the planning and organisation of seminars, workshops, publications and research grants. Active participation in the activities of the research group and institute is expected.

Eligibility Criteria

PhD submitted by (or around) the start of the appointment.

Research expertise that aligns with the Max Planck Research Group Machine Visual Culture. We particularly welcome candidates that cut across artificial intelligence and digital art history / visual culture.

Ability to reside in Rome for the duration of the appointment

Willingness to take a leading role in the research group’s research activities, including seminars, reading sessions, and conferences

Application Documents Statement of research interests (max. 1000 words)
Sample of work or sample publication (max. 2000 words)
Contact details of two referees (reference letters are not required upfront)
Terms and Conditions Positions are available for up to 12 months. Shorter projects will also be considered. Fellows would normally be expected to start in April 2026 but earlier or later start dates may be considered, though not after September 2026.We offer a modern, well-equipped, prestigious, and intellectually stimulating workplace with an international academic atmosphere. The institute is located in the city center and easily accessible by public transport.

Salary and social benefits for this position are in line with the remuneration scheme of the German Embassy in Rome; the salary of the selected candidate is commensurate with qualifications. We promote an open and welcoming workplace culture, support work-life balance, and offer flexible working hours.

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.

Final date to receive applications and Submission Applications must be submitted in English by Monday 12th January 2026. We expect to hold interviews remotely during the week of the 19th January.
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