Zürcher Hochschule der Künste
With around 2,100 Bachelor and Master students, Zurich University of the Arts is one of the major and most diverse universities of the arts in Europe. The study and research programme covers the areas of art education, design, film, fine arts, music, dance, theatre and transdisciplinary studies. In the centre of Zurich, the ZHdK is a dynamic place where passionate people from over 75 countries work, study, teach, research and further their education. The university has numerous exhibition and performance venues, where students projects can be shown to the public.
In the Department of Performing Arts and Film, Immersive Arts Space, we are looking for a Senior Researcher to join the Performing AI project (funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation) for a fixed‑term of two years starting March 2026 or later.
Senior Researcher, 100% (fixed-term for 2 years) Performing AI is a 4-year interdisciplinary project that brings together researchers from the Universities of Fribourg, Lausanne, and the University of Tokyo with backgrounds in STS, sociology, performance studies, media arts and artificial life/artificial intelligence.
We aim to investigate how AI is enacted in governmental policy, how artistic practice engages with AI, and how AI is reconfigured in interdisciplinary domains such as complex systems and artificial life. The research will be carried out at the Immersive Art Space (ZHdK) in close collaboration with the Ikegami Laboratory (University of Tokyo, AISAC – Atomi Information Science and Arts Centre). It builds on prior work using biological AI techniques such as spiking neural networks and cellular automata to explore an "aesthetics of behaviour" in A‑Life performance.
The role is to practically explore human‑machine performativity in live artistic performance settings where robotic (non‑anthropomorphic) and AI systems (LLMs‑driven machines, agential AI, biological AI techniques) are coupled with theatre machinery (lighting, sound). The goal is to develop new dramaturgical and technological techniques that translate the “liveliness” of human action into material, mechanical, and embodied systems that can interact with performers and audiences on stage and in installation settings.
The working language is English; knowledge of French or Japanese would be an asset.
Requirements
PhD in Computer Science, HCI, Computing Arts or related fields
Strong background in artificial intelligence, machine learning, interactive systems or programming applied to creative contexts
Experience in kinetic, robotic, mechatronic, or similar design
Experience working in professional artistic projects in the media, digital, immersive or performing arts
Programming skills related to AI (e.g. PyTorch, MCP, LangChain…) and multimedia creation (e.g. Max/MSP, OpenFramework, Touch Designer)
Interest in critical reflection on topics such as human‑robot interaction and artistic and cultural uses of AI
Application Materials
Biosketch outlining background, research statement, and intended contribution to the topic (max. 2 pages)
Curriculum vitae (CV) (max. 3 pages)
Portfolio (e.g. publication list, code repository, writing sample, creative output, artwork) (max. 3 pages)
Contact information for two academic or professional references
Please submit your application online by 11 January 2026 via the "Apply online now" link at the end of this advertisement. Only online applications will be considered.
Interviews are expected to take place on 20/21 January 2026.
For further information please contact alexandre.saunier@zhdk.ch or christopher.salter@zhdk.ch. More information can be found at www.zhdk.ch.
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In the Department of Performing Arts and Film, Immersive Arts Space, we are looking for a Senior Researcher to join the Performing AI project (funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation) for a fixed‑term of two years starting March 2026 or later.
Senior Researcher, 100% (fixed-term for 2 years) Performing AI is a 4-year interdisciplinary project that brings together researchers from the Universities of Fribourg, Lausanne, and the University of Tokyo with backgrounds in STS, sociology, performance studies, media arts and artificial life/artificial intelligence.
We aim to investigate how AI is enacted in governmental policy, how artistic practice engages with AI, and how AI is reconfigured in interdisciplinary domains such as complex systems and artificial life. The research will be carried out at the Immersive Art Space (ZHdK) in close collaboration with the Ikegami Laboratory (University of Tokyo, AISAC – Atomi Information Science and Arts Centre). It builds on prior work using biological AI techniques such as spiking neural networks and cellular automata to explore an "aesthetics of behaviour" in A‑Life performance.
The role is to practically explore human‑machine performativity in live artistic performance settings where robotic (non‑anthropomorphic) and AI systems (LLMs‑driven machines, agential AI, biological AI techniques) are coupled with theatre machinery (lighting, sound). The goal is to develop new dramaturgical and technological techniques that translate the “liveliness” of human action into material, mechanical, and embodied systems that can interact with performers and audiences on stage and in installation settings.
The working language is English; knowledge of French or Japanese would be an asset.
Requirements
PhD in Computer Science, HCI, Computing Arts or related fields
Strong background in artificial intelligence, machine learning, interactive systems or programming applied to creative contexts
Experience in kinetic, robotic, mechatronic, or similar design
Experience working in professional artistic projects in the media, digital, immersive or performing arts
Programming skills related to AI (e.g. PyTorch, MCP, LangChain…) and multimedia creation (e.g. Max/MSP, OpenFramework, Touch Designer)
Interest in critical reflection on topics such as human‑robot interaction and artistic and cultural uses of AI
Application Materials
Biosketch outlining background, research statement, and intended contribution to the topic (max. 2 pages)
Curriculum vitae (CV) (max. 3 pages)
Portfolio (e.g. publication list, code repository, writing sample, creative output, artwork) (max. 3 pages)
Contact information for two academic or professional references
Please submit your application online by 11 January 2026 via the "Apply online now" link at the end of this advertisement. Only online applications will be considered.
Interviews are expected to take place on 20/21 January 2026.
For further information please contact alexandre.saunier@zhdk.ch or christopher.salter@zhdk.ch. More information can be found at www.zhdk.ch.
#J-18808-Ljbffr