Doctoral candidate in Artistic Research 100%, Zurich, fixed-term
ETH Zürich
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Doctoral candidate in Artistic Research
100%, Zurich, fixed-term
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Art in Space and Time (AISAT) - ETH Zurich invites applications for a doctoral position within a newly funded
interdisciplinary research project at the intersection of Art and Physics, centered on light quantum physics and
observation.
The 4-year fully funded doctoral project is part of a unique research collaboration between Prof. Dr. Rosa Barba
(Chair of Art in Space and Time, ETH Zurich) and Prof. Dr. Puneet Murthy (Department of Physics, ETH Zurich). It
explores how fundamental phenomena of light and matter particularly in the quantum physical realm can be approached
trough a synthesis of artistic and scientific perspectives.
Job description
The transdisciplinary research will specifically combine:
- Artistic inquiry and expanded cinematic / installative practices.
- Setting up of an Art & Science laboratory for exploratory experiments.
- Engagement with concepts and techniques from quantum optics.
- The development of public-facing artistic installations grounded in real physical systems.
The study is hence inherently exploratory and research-driven, and it treats Art and Science as equal, complementary,
and interwoven modes of inquiry.
The doctoral researcher will essentially be based at the Chair of Art in Space and Time, at the Department of
Architecture, and will work closely with the Nanoscale Quantum Optics group in the Department of Physics. This joining
provides a singular, experimental and generative ground to foster novel epistemologies from within a distinctive
perspective and related methodologies.
Profile
We are looking for an artist and researcher with:
- A strong curiosity about the natural sciences and a desire to work across disciplinary boundaries.
- More specifically, the candidate should have a body of work that already expresses crucial inquiries in light,
matter, perception, and physical phenomena "and" is truly experimental.
Building on the artist researcher's standing, she/he/they would contribute to the course Understanding Light we are
conducting, which is embedded in AISAT; and the doctoral candidate will also be involved in co-shaping the further
building of the Art & Science lab.
The selected candidate will hold the first artistic practice-based PhD position at ETH. The position assumes both
practical and theoretical outcomes.
The ideal candidate:
- Has a background in art, architecture, film, or a related field
- Demonstrates a deep interest in light, matter, perception, and physical phenomena
- Is curious about scientific concepts, particularly in physics, and open to engaging with scientific methods and
laboratory work
- Is motivated to work within a research environment, combining conceptual thinking, experimentation, and making
- Is comfortable navigating uncertainty and exploratory research processes
- Is interested in long-term, in-depth doctoral research at the art–science interface
The doctoral researcher will be introduced to the relevant physical concepts and experimental techniques as part of
the project, working intimately and experientially with physicists in the laboratory.
Excellent written and verbal English is required. Fluency in other languages is an asset. Taught languages are English
and German, however a broad base of languages is present in the team, such as German, English, French, Italian,
Portuguese, Hindi, and Spanish.
Submission Deadline: 30 March 2026
Workplace
Workplace
We offer
- A fully funded 4-year doctoral position at ETH Zurich. The doctoral fellow needs to be based in Switzerland. The
standard salary is in accordance with ETH's policy of basic starting salaries for doctoral students
(https://ethz.ch/en/the-eth-zurich/working-teaching-and-research/welcome-center/employment-contract-and-salary/salary.html).
- A rare opportunity to work at the interface of art and fundamental physics.
- Access to physics laboratories, artistic research spaces, and interdisciplinary networks.
- Close mentorship from both artistic and scientific supervisors.
- An intellectually open environment encouraging experimentation, reflection, and innovation.
chevron_right Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich
We value diversity and sustainability
In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value
diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students
are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open
environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish. Sustainability is a core value for us – we are consistently
working towards a climate-neutral future.
Curious? So are we.
We look forward to receiving your online application, written in English, compiled into a single PDF file with the
following documents:
- Verification of a Master’s degree
- Curriculum Vitae (5 pages max.)
- Portfolio, including artist statement (20 pages max.)
- Research plan outlining the applicant’s motivation relevant to the position, research questions, methodological
approach, proposed implementation, and a preliminary timeline (5 pages max.)
- Two references with contact details (including name, email address, phone number, affiliation)
For additional information or in case of any queries, please contact, doctorate-aisat@arch.ethz.ch.
Successful candidates will be enrolled in the program of Art in Space and Time within the Department of Architecture
at ETH. For general information on the doctoral program in the Department of Architecture, please visit our website.
About ETH Zürich
ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our
excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000
people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an
environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we
work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.
About ETH Zürich
ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our
excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000
people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an
environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we
work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.
100%, Zurich, fixed-term
print Drucken
Art in Space and Time (AISAT) - ETH Zurich invites applications for a doctoral position within a newly funded
interdisciplinary research project at the intersection of Art and Physics, centered on light quantum physics and
observation.
The 4-year fully funded doctoral project is part of a unique research collaboration between Prof. Dr. Rosa Barba
(Chair of Art in Space and Time, ETH Zurich) and Prof. Dr. Puneet Murthy (Department of Physics, ETH Zurich). It
explores how fundamental phenomena of light and matter particularly in the quantum physical realm can be approached
trough a synthesis of artistic and scientific perspectives.
Job description
The transdisciplinary research will specifically combine:
- Artistic inquiry and expanded cinematic / installative practices.
- Setting up of an Art & Science laboratory for exploratory experiments.
- Engagement with concepts and techniques from quantum optics.
- The development of public-facing artistic installations grounded in real physical systems.
The study is hence inherently exploratory and research-driven, and it treats Art and Science as equal, complementary,
and interwoven modes of inquiry.
The doctoral researcher will essentially be based at the Chair of Art in Space and Time, at the Department of
Architecture, and will work closely with the Nanoscale Quantum Optics group in the Department of Physics. This joining
provides a singular, experimental and generative ground to foster novel epistemologies from within a distinctive
perspective and related methodologies.
Profile
We are looking for an artist and researcher with:
- A strong curiosity about the natural sciences and a desire to work across disciplinary boundaries.
- More specifically, the candidate should have a body of work that already expresses crucial inquiries in light,
matter, perception, and physical phenomena "and" is truly experimental.
Building on the artist researcher's standing, she/he/they would contribute to the course Understanding Light we are
conducting, which is embedded in AISAT; and the doctoral candidate will also be involved in co-shaping the further
building of the Art & Science lab.
The selected candidate will hold the first artistic practice-based PhD position at ETH. The position assumes both
practical and theoretical outcomes.
The ideal candidate:
- Has a background in art, architecture, film, or a related field
- Demonstrates a deep interest in light, matter, perception, and physical phenomena
- Is curious about scientific concepts, particularly in physics, and open to engaging with scientific methods and
laboratory work
- Is motivated to work within a research environment, combining conceptual thinking, experimentation, and making
- Is comfortable navigating uncertainty and exploratory research processes
- Is interested in long-term, in-depth doctoral research at the art–science interface
The doctoral researcher will be introduced to the relevant physical concepts and experimental techniques as part of
the project, working intimately and experientially with physicists in the laboratory.
Excellent written and verbal English is required. Fluency in other languages is an asset. Taught languages are English
and German, however a broad base of languages is present in the team, such as German, English, French, Italian,
Portuguese, Hindi, and Spanish.
Submission Deadline: 30 March 2026
Workplace
Workplace
We offer
- A fully funded 4-year doctoral position at ETH Zurich. The doctoral fellow needs to be based in Switzerland. The
standard salary is in accordance with ETH's policy of basic starting salaries for doctoral students
(https://ethz.ch/en/the-eth-zurich/working-teaching-and-research/welcome-center/employment-contract-and-salary/salary.html).
- A rare opportunity to work at the interface of art and fundamental physics.
- Access to physics laboratories, artistic research spaces, and interdisciplinary networks.
- Close mentorship from both artistic and scientific supervisors.
- An intellectually open environment encouraging experimentation, reflection, and innovation.
chevron_right Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich
We value diversity and sustainability
In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value
diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students
are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open
environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish. Sustainability is a core value for us – we are consistently
working towards a climate-neutral future.
Curious? So are we.
We look forward to receiving your online application, written in English, compiled into a single PDF file with the
following documents:
- Verification of a Master’s degree
- Curriculum Vitae (5 pages max.)
- Portfolio, including artist statement (20 pages max.)
- Research plan outlining the applicant’s motivation relevant to the position, research questions, methodological
approach, proposed implementation, and a preliminary timeline (5 pages max.)
- Two references with contact details (including name, email address, phone number, affiliation)
For additional information or in case of any queries, please contact, doctorate-aisat@arch.ethz.ch.
Successful candidates will be enrolled in the program of Art in Space and Time within the Department of Architecture
at ETH. For general information on the doctoral program in the Department of Architecture, please visit our website.
About ETH Zürich
ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our
excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000
people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an
environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we
work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.
About ETH Zürich
ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our
excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000
people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an
environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we
work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.