Digital Humanities Research Scientist at Max Planck, Italy

About Position/Job

The Bibliotheca Hertziana – Max Planck Institute for Art History in Rome invites applications for a Digital Humanities Research Scientist to join the Max Planck Research Group “Machine Visual Culture: Artificial Intelligence and the History of Seeing”, led by Dr Leonardo Impett. This fully funded, full-time research position focuses on the reciprocal relationship between artificial intelligence, machine vision, and visual culture, examining how histories of seeing shape—and are shaped by—AI systems.

The role integrates digital art history, computer vision, critical AI studies, and media archaeology, positioning AI as both a methodological tool and a cultural object of inquiry. Based in Rome, Italy, the post offers strong international collaboration, particularly with Cambridge Digital Humanities at the University of Cambridge, and supports interdisciplinary research, public-facing digital outputs, and scholarly engagement over an initial 12-month appointment.

Position/Job Details

Position: Digital Humanities Research Scientist (M/F/D)
Institution: Bibliotheca Hertziana – Max Planck Institute for Art History
Department: Max Planck Research Group “Machine Visual Culture: Artificial Intelligence and the History of Seeing”
Research field: Digital Humanities, Artificial Intelligence, Visual Culture
Location: Rome, Italy
Number of posts: One
Job Type: Full-time research scientist position
Start Date (Anticipated): March 2026 (flexible)
Working Hours: As per institutional norms
Salary Range: In line with the German Embassy remuneration scheme in Rome, commensurate with qualifications
Required Degree/Diploma: Degree

Research area

Digital art history and visual culture studies
Artificial intelligence and computer vision
Computational humanities and data-driven research
Critical AI studies and media archaeology

Eligibility & Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

Background in computational humanities, data science, computer science, or a related discipline, or equivalent technical experience
Research interests aligned with Machine Visual Culture: Artificial Intelligence and the History of Seeing
Excellent written and spoken English
Ability to reside in Rome for the duration of the appointment

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with frontend and backend development
Knowledge of computer vision or AI methodologies
Experience leading technical discussions or interdisciplinary seminars
Prior involvement in digital humanities or collaborative research projects

Key Responsibilities

Conduct interdisciplinary research on AI and visual culture
Collaborate on computer vision experiments and digital prototypes
Develop frontend code for public research demos
Lead and participate in seminars, workshops, and reading groups
Contribute to publications, grant applications, and academic events
Actively engage in the intellectual life of the institute

Application Process

How to Apply

Submit your application online via the Bibliotheca Hertziana recruitment portal before the deadline.

Required Documents:

Cover letter (maximum 2 pages)
Curriculum vitae (maximum 2 pages)
Sample of prior work (code repository, website, or similar) with description of personal contribution (maximum 1 page)
Contact details of two referees (no reference letters required at this stage)