A fully funded four-year PhD position at ZHdK’s ICST institute to research the intersection of post-instrumental performance and spatial audio through artistic practice.
This doctoral role is embedded within a Swiss National Science Foundation-backed project aimed at bridging the divide between high-resolution 3D spatial audio and the physical realities of post-instrumental performance. The successful candidate will engage in practice-based case studies that span composition, instrument design, and kinetic systems to develop new theoretical models.
Responsibilities
- Lead the artistic design and compositional implementation of interactive performance systems.
- Develop a theoretical framework that merges post-instrumental approaches with spatial audio techniques.
- Record and analyze the design workflow using qualitative methods like autoethnography and grounded theory.
- Publish research findings, present at academic conferences, and maintain the project’s open-access digital platform.
- Organize and assess expert workshops to evaluate how practitioners interact with the newly created systems.
Requirements
- Hold a Master’s degree or equivalent in Composition, Computer Music, Interactive Media, Performance Studies, or a closely related discipline.
- Demonstrate proficiency in real-time audio programming environments such as Max/MSP, Pd, or SuperCollider.
- Possess experience or a strong interest in physical computing (e.g., Arduino, Raspberry Pi), real-time computer vision, mechatronics, or spatial audio rendering standards like HOA and WFS.
- Communicate with excellent fluency in both written and spoken English.
Nice to have
- Background in audio-visual performance, sound installation art, or post-instrumental practices.
- A keen interest in designing instruments specifically for object-based performance.
- Proficiency in Python programming.
What the company offers
- Complete access to ICST’s advanced infrastructure, including HOA and WFS studios, motion capture laboratories, and hardware prototyping workshops.
- Full funding for a four-year period in accordance with Swiss National Science Foundation guidelines.
- A competitive salary package accompanied by comprehensive social benefits.
- Employment terms regulated by cantonal personnel legislation.
About the company
The Zürcher Hochschule für die Künste (ZHdK) stands as one of Europe’s largest and most diverse art academies, hosting students and staff from more than 75 countries. Its Institute for Computer Music and Sound Technology (ICST) unites scientists and artists from varied backgrounds to critically examine the dynamic relationship between technology and musical practice.
- A highly international community with participants from over 75 nations.
- An interdisciplinary environment where scientists and artists collaborate to explore technology and music.
How to apply
Documents to submit:
- Doctoral Research Exposé
- Cover Letter
- Writing sample
- Project Portfolio
- References
Application language: English
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