Work with us

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 Mai 2026. Motivations for the proposed length of period and starting date should be made clear in the cover letter.  

Profile

We are looking for an outstanding and genuinely transdisciplinary candidate engaging with one or more of the following fields:

• Art history or visual culture
• Philosophy, especially aesthetics, ethics or philosophy of mind
• Computer science, artificial intelligence, or digital humanities
• Media studies, literature, cultural studies

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.

Responsibilities

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:

• develop an original doctoral dissertation directly related to the themes of the project
• regular contributions to the reading group and ongoing project discussions
• co-organization of and participation in three international workshops
• AI based studies of narratives related to artificial intelligence
• collaboration with the PIs on the planned art exhibition

Project Environment

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.

Requirements

This position is intended for a doctoral student enrolled at any university worldwide who is possibly in the advanced stage of their dissertation.

• Master’s degree in a relevant field
• Strong interest in the intersection of AI, creativity, aesthetics and ethics
• Capacity to work in a transdisciplinary manner
• Excellent analytical and writing skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Excellent English skills; German and Italian are welcome.

What We Offer

• A predoctoral position within a leading international research institute
• Intensive transdisciplinary supervision
• Participation in internal reading groups, workshops and international events
• Integration into a vibrant research community in Florence

Application Documents

• Cover letter outlining your research interests and your motivation
• CV
• A research proposal (max 5 pages plus essential bibliography) that outlines your PhD project, and explains how it relates to the overarching research questions of The Art of AI
• One letter of recommendation

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.

Submission

https://apply.khi.fi.it 

The Kunsthistorisches Institut in Florenz – Max Planck Institute invites applications for a

6 months Student assistant position (part-time, 19 hours per week). Start at the earliest possible date.

The position is part of the three-year research project The Art of AI. Rethinking Notions of Creativity, Aesthetics and Ethics, led by Dr. Hana Gründler and Dr. Rafael Uriarte. The project examines how artificial intelligence transforms creativity, aesthetics and cultural practices. It combines art history, philosophy and computer science and engages with questions that range from historical narratives of automata and robots to contemporary challenges such as deep-fakes, AI assisted artistic production and shifting definitions of intelligence and creativity. It is based at the Kunsthistorisches Institut in Florenz – Max-Planck-Institute, one of the world’s leading institutions for research into art history and visual culture in Italy, Europe, and the Mediterranean region within a global context.

Profile

We welcome applications from students enrolled in one of the following or related fields:

• Art history or visual culture
• Philosophy
• Computer science, artificial intelligence or digital humanities

A strong interest in transdisciplinary work and in the cultural, aesthetic and ethical dimensions of artificial intelligence is essential.

Requirements

• Enrolment in a BA or MA programme in a relevant field
• Strong organisational skills and reliability
• Interest in the intersection of AI, art, culture and society
• Good English skills
• Ability to work carefully and independently
• Teamwork skills

Knowledge of either German or Italian is required. Basic experience with digital tools or programming is helpful but not necessary.

Project Environment

The student assistant will become part of a transdisciplinary team and will support a variety of project activities, including:

• assistance with the organisation and preparation of international workshops
• support in preparing, distributing and processing surveys
• help in gathering materials for the planned art exhibition
• bibliographical and image research
• basic support in maintaining the project web platform
• assistance in editing materials for publications and events
• participation in the regular reading group if of interest

Application Documents

• Short cover letter explaining your motivation and relevant skills
• CV

We offer you a 6-month position. You will work within a dynamic transdisciplinary environment with scientists from all over the world. During your stay, you will have the opportunity to participate in the institute’s lively scientific programme and use the library and photo library for your research.

The Max Planck Society strives for gender equality and diversity. We welcome applications from all backgrounds. The Max Planck Society also endeavors to employ more people with severe disabilities. Applications from people with severe disabilities are expressly welcome.

Please send your application documents by February 15^th, 2026, to:

https://apply.khi.fi.it

We are looking for an excellent and research driven candidate who has successfully completed his/her/their PhD (or will have done so by the start of the contract) and is positioned to propose a research project that corresponds thematically and methodologically to the research theme of the department The Polycentric Renaissance. Local Identities and Global Connections.

The Polycentric Renaissance explores global connections within a very defined context, that of the Iberian monarchy between the 15^th and the 17^th centuries. It will trace connections between viceroyal kingdoms, from the Mediterranean to Central and South America, which despite their geographical distances were bound together as part of the same world, sharing the same bureaucratic system, the same norms, and representations. It considers connections in the conceptions of the past, from different perspectives.

Read more on the project on https://www.khi.fi.it/en/forschung/abteilung-dedivitiis/index.php .

The Academic Assistant will conduct his/her/their own research within the framework of the new department and of the project Polycentric Renaissance.

He/she/they will be engaging with one or more of the following fields:

• Art, architecture, and antiquarianism in one or more of the areas of or with a connection to the territories of the Iberian monarchies between the 16th and 18th centuries.
• Archaeology and anthropology in one or more of the areas of or with a connection to the territories of the Iberian monarchies between the late pre-Hispanic and the modern periods.

We expect the candidate to be open and capable of moving across disciplinary boundaries and to dialogue with experts in other fields, as well as with contemporary art historians and artists. Alongside excellence in research, the candidate should demonstrate flexibility and readiness to take on responsibilities, commitment to pursuing new insights through original scholarship, international experiences, and capability of working in group. Candidates must be fluent in English and Spanish. Additional language skills (preferably active) may include knowledge of one or more of the following languages: Italian, German, Portuguese.

Application Deadline
The deadline for application is February 28, 2026, 12 pm CET.
Interviews will be held preferably in person, in March and April 2026. 

Position Starting Date
May 1, 2026. In justified cases, we may also consider later starting dates.
The position is offered for one year, extendable up to three years.

Responsibilities
In addition to working on an independent research project, the selected candidate will contribute to the scientific activities and help with organizational tasks of the department of Professor de Divitiis.
The Academic Assistant will:

• collaborate in the coordination of the works of docs and postdocs working on the project;
• collaborate with guest scholars, also from other disciplines;
• contribute to the project’s output (publications, databases, digital and other media).
• plan and organize internal and external meetings, seminars, workshops, visits, trips, annual summer courses, exhibitions or other activities in collaboration with the Director.

This is a residential position. By the start of the appointment, candidates are expected to have taken up residence in Florence. The position may not be held concurrently with another employment or major fellowship award; applicants should not take on other obligations during their employment period. Candidates are expected to contribute actively to the intellectual life of the department and of the institute.

Salary
If the requirements are met, we offer remuneration in accordance with the collective agreement for the public service (TVöD Bund) with corresponding social benefits. If the TVöD is not applicable, adequate remuneration will be paid in accordance with Italian law.

Application
Applications are welcome in German, English, or Italian. To apply the candidate must upload the following documents:

• Cover letter that clearly states the candidate’s interest and potential contribution to the project, and describes his/her/their scientific and organizational skills.
• PhD certificate, or if necessary, confirmation of the supervisor of expected completion.
• Description of PhD thesis, including contents (max. 1000 words; max. 4-5 pages).
• Description of proposed research project (max. 1000 words; max. 4-5 pages) with selected bibliography.
• Curriculum vitae and list of publications.
• Support letter from at least two academic referees.
• Publications or writing samples (no more than 3 – e.g. draft of an article, publication, PhD thesis chapter).

Please find here the application portal: https://apply.khi.fi.it/ .

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.

We are looking for an excellent and research driven candidate who has successfully completed his/her/their PhD (or will have done so by the start of the contract) and is positioned to propose a research project that corresponds thematically and methodologically to the research theme of the department Archipelago. Memory, Trade, and Art in the Mediterranean Islands.

Archipelago investigates the network formed by the islands, both large and small, across the Mediterranean. The project considers in parallel the internal complexity of the large islands, each of which has its own orography, local antiquities, stratified past, conflicting cultures and even borders; and at the same time on their nature as connected worlds, which related to one another and to the facing shores of Europe, Africa, and Anatolia. While tracing possible convergences and divergences between commercial and cultural exchanges, which also involved northern Europe, the project considers how local communities faced urgent technical challenges, some from the past, such as moving ships, and others which were important in the past and remain so today, such as the supply of water.

Read more on the project on https://www.khi.fi.it/en/forschung/abteilung-dedivitiis/index.php .

The Academic Assistant will conduct his/her/their own research within the framework of the new department and of the project.
He/she/they will be engaging with one or more of the following fields:

• Art and architecture in one or more islands of the Mediterranean and/or connected areas between the 15th and 17th centuries 
• Archaeology and antiquarianism in one or more islands of the Mediterranean and/or connected areas between the 15th and 17th centuries

We expect the candidate to be open and capable of moving across disciplinary boundaries and to dialogue with experts in other fields, as well as with contemporary art historians and artists. Alongside excellence in research, the candidate should demonstrate flexibility and readiness to take on responsibilities, commitment to pursuing new insights through original scholarship, international experiences, and capability of working in group. Candidates must be fluent in English and German. Additional language skills (preferably active) may include knowledge of one or more of the following languages: Arabic, Greek, Italian, Spanish, Turkish.

Application Deadline
The deadline for application is February 28, 2026, 12 pm CET.
Interviews will be held preferably in person, in March and April 2026. 

Position Starting Date
May 1, 2026. In justified cases, we may also consider later starting dates.
The position is offered for one year, extendable up to three years.

Responsibilities
In addition to working on an independent research project, the selected candidate will contribute to the scientific activities and help with organizational tasks of the department of Professor de Divitiis.
The Academic Assistant will:

• collaborate in the coordination of the works of docs and postdocs working on the project;
• collaborate with guest scholars, also from other disciplines;
• contribute to the project’s output (publications, databases, digital and other media);
• plan and organize internal and external meetings, seminars, workshops, visits, trips, annual summer courses, exhibitions or other activities in collaboration with the Director.

This is a residential position. By the start of the appointment, candidates are expected to have taken up residence in Florence. The position may not be held concurrently with another employment or major fellowship award; applicants should not take on other obligations during their employment period. Candidates are expected to contribute actively to the intellectual life of the department and of the institute.

Salary
If the requirements are met, we offer remuneration in accordance with the collective agreement for the public service (TVöD Bund) with corresponding social benefits. If the TVöD is not applicable, adequate remuneration will be paid in accordance with Italian law.

Application
Applications are welcome in German, English, or Italian. To apply the candidate must upload the following documents:

• Cover letter that clearly states the candidate’s interest and potential contribution to the project, and describes his/her/their scientific and organizational skills.
• PhD certificate, or if necessary, confirmation of the supervisor of expected completion.
• Description of PhD thesis, including contents (max. 1000 words; max. 4-5 pages).
• Description of proposed research project (max. 1000 words; max. 4-5 pages) with selected bibliography.
• Curriculum vitae with list of publications.
• Support letter from at least two academic referees.
• Publications or writing samples (no more than 3 – e.g. draft of an article, publication, PhD thesis chapter).

Please find here the application portal: https://apply.khi.fi.it/ .

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.

4A_Lab: Art Histories, Archaeologies, Anthropologies, Aesthetics is a joint program of the Kunsthistorisches Institut in Florenz – Max-Planck-Institut (www.khi.fi.it), and the Stiftung Preußischer Kulturbesitz (www.preussischer-kulturbesitz.de), in collaboration with further partners in Berlin. The Stiftung Preußischer Kulturbesitz is an internationally outstanding cultural and scientific institution with unique museums, archives, libraries, research institutes and facilities. The Kunsthistorisches Institut in Florenz is a highly connected Max Planck Institute for art historical research, in dialogue with other disciplines, dedicated to the history of art and architecture in transcultural and global perspectives. A prime concern of the Institute’s agenda is to combine historical research with critical engagement in current debates and challenges, such as ecology, heritage, urbanization, migration and diversity, aesthetic and artistic practices, media and material cultures, artificial intelligence, the digital transformation, and the future of museums.

4A_Lab connects disciplines, collections and institutions. It attempts to foster dialogue and exchanges between disciplines, and promotes methodological inquiries in relation to the ecologies of objects, artifacts and practices, collections, and archives, in particular of those kept in the Stiftung Preußischer Kulturbesitz. These include Ägyptisches Museum und Papyrussammlung (Egyptian Museum and Papyrus Collection), Alte Nationalgalerie, Antikensammlung (Museum of Classical Antiquities), Ethnologisches Museum (Museum of Ethnology), Gemäldegalerie (Picture Gallery), Gipsformerei (Plaster Cast Workshop), Hamburger Bahnhof – Nationalgalerie der Gegenwart (Museum of Contemporary Art), Institut für Museumsforschung (Institute for Museum Research), Kunstbibliothek (Art Library) and Museum für Fotografie (Museum of Photography), Kunstgewerbemuseum (Museum of Decorative Arts), Kupferstichkabinett (Cabinet of Prints and Drawings), Münzkabinett (Numismatic Collection), Museum Europäischer Kulturen (Museum of European Cultures), Museum für Asiatische Kunst (Museum of Asian Art), Museum für Islamische Kunst (Museum of Islamic Art), Museum für Vor- und Frühgeschichte (Museum of Prehistory and Early History), Musikinstrumentenmuseum and Staatliches Institut für Musikforschung (State Institute for Musicology), Neue Nationalgalerie, Rathgen Forschungslabor, Skulpturensammlung und Museum für Byzantinische Kunst (Museum for Sculpture and Byzantine Art), Vorderasiatisches Museum (Museum of the Ancient Near East), Zentralarchiv (Central Archive), as well as
Forschungscampus Dahlem, Geheimes Staatsarchiv (Prussian Secret State Archives), Ibero-Amerikanisches Institut (Ibero-American Institute), and Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin.

The 4A_Lab invites researchers to study aesthetic practices and ecologies, materialities, medialities, mobilities, temporalities, as well as discourses of scale. It focuses on objects, practices, environments, and narratives (OPEN) in their historical, social and historiographical dimensions, including histories of collecting, display, or dispossession, in a conversation that transcends geographical and chronological boundaries. For the 2026-2029 period, the program will run without a specific focus theme. It aims to create a space for dialogue for university and museum scholars, as well as other participants, in order to strengthen transdisciplinary collaborations, to challenge the borders of the 4A disciplines, to combine skills and to foster a conversation between more conceptual and more empirical approaches, including new forms of outreach. The program aspires to promote transversal networking and critical reflections on historical and contemporary challenges and concerns.

For more detailed information, please visit www.khi.fi.it/4A-Lab.

Candidates

Applicants should have obtained their master's degree or their doctorate/PhD (within the last seven years prior to their application) in one of the relevant disciplines. Applications are welcome from all regions, with various disciplinary formations, such as Art History, Aesthetics, Archaeology, Anthropology/Ethnology, History and neighboring fields dealing with artifacts, artistic production, material culture, and aesthetic practices relating to objects, images, languages, architectures, heritage and nature/culture discourses. A clear reference in the proposed research project to the collections of the above-mentioned institutions of the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation or their histories is strongly encouraged. Applicants should be interested in engaging in reflexive research, while pursuing their individual projects within a transdisciplinary and transregional context. They are expected to participate in the program activities, such as regular seminars, site-specific workshops, and conferences. In the overall context of the 4A_Lab program and the framework of the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation, the fellows will be part of a creative, intellectually stimulating and discursive environment.

The Kunsthistorisches Institut in Florenz – Max-Planck-Institut is an equal opportunity employer. It is committed to standards of good scientific practice, the European Code of Conduct for Research Integrity, and a respectful work environment.

Fellowships

Fellowships start in September/October 2026 or May 2027 with a duration of 6 to 36 months for predoctoral and 6 to 24 months for postdoctoral fellows. The fellowships follow the guidelines of
the Max Planck Society (doctoral funding contract based on the Collective Wage Agreement for the Civil Service; postdoctoral contract: TVöD Bund E13).

Organizational support regarding visas, insurance, housing, etc. will be provided. Successful applicants become 4A_Lab Fellows at the Kunsthistorisches Institut in Florenz – Max-Planck-Institut (www.khi.fi.it) and at the Stiftung Preußischer Kulturbesitz (www.preussischer-kulturbesitz.de) and are expected to take up residence in Berlin.

The working language is English.

Application

To apply, please submit the following documents as PDF files via the KHI application portal:

- Motivation letter (max. 500 words, in English)
- Curriculum vitae (in English)
- Project description (no longer than four pages, max. 1600 words, in English)
- Sample of scholarly work (an article, conference paper or book/dissertation chapter)
- Names and contact information of two referees (including their email addresses)
- Indication of preferred host institution/s (SPK)

Please submit the complete application by 10 March 2026 (CET) via the KHI’s application portal: https://apply.khi.fi.it/ 

The application portal will open on 31 January 2026. Successful candidates will be notified in May 2026.

Contact
4A_Lab
Sigismundstraße 4 10785 Berlin / Germany
Email: 4a_lab@khi.fi.it