Doctoral candidate in Artistic Research

Doctoral candidate in Artistic Research

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

We offer

• 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.

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, [email protected].

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.