Digital Humanities Research Scientist (M/F/D)

Max-Planck-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der Wissenschaften e.V.; Roma; In loco; EUR 40.000 - 60.000; Tempo pieno

Descrizione del lavoro

A leading research institution in Europe is seeking a Digital Humanities Research Scientist for their Machine Visual Culture research group in Rome. The role involves working on interdisciplinary projects related to artificial intelligence and visual culture, leading discussions, and contributing to research activities. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in computational humanities or computer science, proficiency in English, and a collaborative mindset. The position offers a modern, accessible work environment with flexible hours and a salary package based on qualifications.

Servizi

Flexible working hours

Support for work-life balance

International academic environment

Competenze

• Experience with interdisciplinary projects involving AI and visual culture.
• Ability to contribute to the planning of seminars and research grants.
• Active participation in group research and discussions.

Mansioni

• Work on backend and frontend development for group projects.
• Lead seminars and discussions on computer vision and AI.
• Collaborate with team members for prototyping research initiatives.

Conoscenze

Backend and frontend development

Technical consulting

Collaborative prototyping

Excellent verbal and written proficiency in English

Formazione

Background in computational humanities, data science, computer science, or equivalent

Descrizione del lavoro

Digital Humanities Research Scientist (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, focusing on how machine vision systems both shape and are shaped by histories of seeing. Combining digital art history with critical AI studies and media archaeology, the group explores AI both as a revolutionary methodology for the study of 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.

Eligibility and Application Requirements

The Machine Visual Culture group is seeking a Digital Humanities Research Scientist to join the core team in Rome.

The successful candidate will:

• Be willing to work across both backend and frontend development in interdisciplinary projects
• Lead seminars and discussions of technical material (especially relating to computer vision and artificial intelligence) with scholars from diverse disciplinary backgrounds
• Work closely with other group members, including technical consulting and collaborative prototyping on research group projects; such as frontend code for public demos and computer vision / data science experiments
• 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:

• Background in computational humanities, data science, computer science, or a related discipline, or equivalent technical experience
• Research interests that align with the MPRG Machine Visual Culture.
• Excellent verbal and written proficiency in English
• 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

• Sample of prior work (code repository, website, etc) with description of personal involvement (max. 1 page)
• Contact details of two referees (reference letters are not required upfront)

Terms and Conditions

Positions are available for up to 12 months in the first instance. Candidates would normally be expected to start in March 2026 but earlier or later start dates will be considered.

We offer a modern, well-equipped, prestigious, and intellectually stimulating workplace with an international academic atmosphere. The institute is located in the city centre 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.

Application Deadline 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.