Posthuman Music CALL

Posthuman Music addresses the transformative impact of artificial intelligence and blockchain technologies on contemporary musical practices with special emphasis on the emergence of more-than-human creative agencies. The project will explore the evolving concept of 'posthuman music' as a forward-looking perspective that brings together human and non-human creative agents. PosthumanMusic represents a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research in composition, soundart, music philosophy, digital media studies, and contemporary philosophy (Posthumanism, Assemblage Theory) with potential implications for the future of music creation, distribution, and understanding.

We seek candidates with a strong artistic and theoretical orientation who wish to engage in cutting-edge research at the intersection of music creation, digital technology, and contemporary philosophy.

Available Positions

Position 1 - Generative Music Composition with AI and Blockchain

Focus: Artistic research in composition and/or sound art using generative systems, algorithmic processes, or blockchain-based infrastructures for creative production and dissemination.

Position 2 - Decentralized Creativity and Digital Media Studies

Focus: Research on new modes of authorship, collaboration, and value creation emerging from decentralized and networked media environments, with particular attention to digital art, cultural theory, or critical media studies.

Candidates Profile

Applicants should hold a master’s degree (or equivalent) in music, sound art, digital media, or a related field.
We particularly welcome applications from candidates who combine creative practice with conceptual or philosophical reflection, and who are motivated to contribute to an international and interdisciplinary research environment.

The positions are full-time doctoral fellowships within the context of Orpheus Instituut's artistic research community, the docARTES program, and the Posthuman Music project team.

For more information on the requirements and eligibility, see below.

Position Details

Position Type: Full-time doctoral researcher positions with employment contract

Contract Duration: 4 years, subject to satisfactory annual performance evaluation

Expected Start Date: September 2026 (or as mutually agreed)

Location/Workplace: Orpheus Instituut, Ghent, Belgium

Remuneration & Employment Conditions:

• The positions offer a competitive salary in accordance with Belgian collective bargaining agreements and institutional salary scales. The annual gross salary is approximately € 33.000,00 (before tax). The remuneration package includes social security and pension contributions.
• Full-time appointment (100% FTE) with a 4-year contract
• Initially limited to 12 months with automatic annual extension subject to satisfactory performance review
• The position qualifies as employment and provides full social security benefits
• The Host Institution is committed to providing flexibility regarding candidates' caring responsibilities

DOCTORAL POSITION 1 – Generative Music Composition with AI and Blockchain

Research Focus

This position focuses on practice-based research exploring new creative practices with AI and blockchain technologies in music composition and/or soundart. The successful candidate will be particularly committed to Research Strand 3 (New Creative Practices with AI and Blockchain) and Research Strand 4 (Creative Lab).

To know more about the project and its Research Strands, read this pdf.

Key Research Areas

• Generative AI in music composition: exploring human-AI collaborative composition and developing novel forms of collaboration between human composers and AI agents
• Algorithmic workflows: integrating AI and blockchain technologies into music composition practices
• Generative NFTs: examining dynamic digital assets and their implications for music invention, ownership, and distribution
• Particalization of music: investigating the construction, deconstruction, and reassembly of musical works into constituent elements (particles)
• Contemporary philosophy with a focus on Posthumanism and Assemblage Theory

 Specific Disciplinary Expertise Required

• Strong background in music composition and/or soundart demonstrated in a portfolio of works
• Good knowledge of coding and programming (Python, JavaScript, or similar), especially in artistic contexts, and willingness to learn new tools
• Familiarity with basic AI tools and essential machine learning frameworks
• Experience with digital audio workstations
• Knowledge of blockchain technologies and smart contracts (desirable but not essential)

Expected Contribution

• Develop innovative AI-based compositional tools and methods
• Create original musical works using generative AI and blockchain technologies
• Experiment with smart contracts as creative agents in music composition
• Contribute to the development of new taxonomies for musical works that reflect human-AI collaboration

Main Responsibilities

• Conduct independent practice-based research under the supervision of the Principal Investigator and Postdoc 2, developing it into a doctoral dissertation
• Create AI-generated and hybrid musical compositions combining human and algorithmic creativity
• Develop experimental prototypes and digital tools integrating AI and blockchain
• Generate music NFTs with embedded generative properties
• Present research findings at international conferences and represent the project in artistic and academic forums
• Contribute to collaborative team activities and participate in regular project meetings
• Publish research results in peer-reviewed international journals (target: 2-4 papers during the appointment)
• Follow the doctoral curriculum including mandatory training sessions, methodological seminars, and internal presentations
• Finish and publish the doctoral thesis and artistic portfolio within the timeframe of the project
• Contribute to project dissemination including performances, installations, and public engagement activities
• Support project coordination and administrative tasks as appropriate

DOCTORAL POSITION 2 – Decentralized Creativity and Digital Media Studies

Research Focus

This position examines how artificial intelligence and blockchain technologies are reshaping artistic practices, cultural production, and notions of creativity from compositional, philosophical and digital media studies perspectives. The successful candidate will be particularly committed to Research Strand 2 (Decentralized Creativity: Algorithmic Agency) and Research Strand 4 (Creative Lab).

To know more about the project and its Research Strands, read this pdf.

Key Research Areas

• Generative AI in music composition: exploring human-AI collaborative composition and developing novel forms of collaboration between human composers and AI agents
• Algorithmic workflows: integrating AI and blockchain technologies into music composition practices
• How AI and blockchain enable distributed authorship and challenge traditional intellectual property regimes
• Novel practices and interventions that destabilize conventional ideas of creative agency and ownership
• Emerging redistributions of creative agency across human and nonhuman actors
• Societal implications of AI and blockchain in cultural production
• Governance frameworks for AI and digital assets in creative domains

Specific Disciplinary Expertise Required

• Background in digital media studies, media theory, cultural studies, or related fields
• Familiarity with contemporary debates on digital culture, intellectual property, and cultural production
• Interest in posthumanism, assemblage theory, and critical approaches to technology
• Knowledge of AI and blockchain applications in the arts (technical expertise not required but interest essential)
• Background in music composition and/or soundart ((desirable but not essential)

Expected Contribution

• Develop theoretical frameworks for understanding emerging agential assemblages in music
• Analyze how AI and blockchain afford new forms of distributed authorship
• Contribute to debates on governance of AI and digital assets in cultural domains
• Examine legal and policy implications of AI/blockchain in music creation and distribution

Main Responsibilities

• Conduct independent research under the supervision of the Principal Investigator and Postdoc 1, developing it into a doctoral dissertation
• Critical media analysis of AI and blockchain-based musical artworks and projects
• Ethnographic research including interviews with artists, curators, and technologists
• Comparative case studies of AI/blockchain music projects
• Discourse analysis of relevant academic literature and cultural commentary
• Legal and policy analysis of intellectual property laws relevant to AI/blockchain art
• Present research findings at international conferences and represent the project in academic forums
• Contribute to collaborative team activities and participate in regular project meetings
• Publish research results in peer-reviewed international journals (target: 2-4 papers during the appointment)
• Follow the doctoral curriculum including mandatory training sessions, methodological seminars, and internal presentations
• Contribute to project dissemination and public engagement activities
• Support project coordination and administrative tasks as appropriate

REQUIREMENTS AND ELIGIBILITY

Academic Qualifications

• Master's degree (or equivalent) in relevant disciplines obtained by the position start date
• Evidence of excellent academic and artistic performance (certificates required)

Language Requirements

• Excellent command of written and spoken English (working language of the project)

Personal Competencies

• Strong motivation to pursue doctoral research and complete a PhD within the foreseen timeframe
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within an international team
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills
• Commitment to producing high-quality academic and creative work
• Willingness to engage in interdisciplinary dialogue and collaboration

Eligibility Notes

• Candidates of any nationality are eligible to apply
• Candidates who have already obtained a PhD degree are not eligible
• Candidates should not be enrolled in another doctoral programme at the time of appointment
• The host institution welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of age, gender, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, or religion. We particularly encourage applications from underrepresented groups in music research and digital humanities.

WHAT WE OFFER

Professional Development

• Supervision by a leading expert in artistic research, performance, and music philosophy with extensive experience in ERC projects
• Co-supervision by experienced postdoctoral researchers specializing in your research area
• Integration into a dynamic, international, and interdisciplinary research team
• Access to excellent research infrastructure and resources at the Orpheus Instituut
• Comprehensive doctoral training programme
• Funding for conference attendance and professional networking
• Support for publication costs and open-access fees
• Opportunity to build an international research network in music research, digital humanities, and creative technologies
• Career development support including preparation for postdoctoral positions and future grant applications
• Participation in three major international conferences organized by the project
• Access to workshops with invited experts in AI, blockchain, music philosophy, and digital media theory

Work Environment

• Collegial and supportive research environment at a leading institute for artistic research
• Regular project workshops and research seminars
• Work-life balance policies and family-friendly workplace
• Located in Ghent, Belgium, a vibrant cultural city with excellent quality of life, multiple sports facilities, and strong music scene

Research Output

• The primary outcome is a doctoral dissertation written in English and an artistic portfolio of original musical compositions, NFTs, prototypes, and performances
• Additional outcomes include 2-4 peer-reviewed publications during the appointment
• All publications will be made available via open access in accordance with ERC requirements

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

STEP 1 (Expression of Interest)

• Period: From October 22 to December 5, 2025
• How to Submit: Express your interest by filling out this form.
• Purpose: This preliminary step allows the project team to provide feedback on fit and suitability before candidates invest time in preparing a full application. Candidates will receive a response by mid-December 2025, indicating whether they are encouraged to proceed with a full application.

STEP 2: docARTES Application (Deadline: January 15, 2026)

• Shortlisted candidates from Step 1 will be required to submit a formal application to the docARTES doctoral programme.
• The docARTES review panel will evaluate applications and notify candidates of their decision by February 16, 2026.

STEP 3: docARTES Interview (Week of April 20-24, 2026)

• Candidates who successfully pass Step 2 will be invited for interviews with the docARTES selection panel.
• Interviews will have a duration of approximately 45 minutes. Candidates will be expected to:
  • Present their research interests and proposed project (10minutes)
  • Present creative portfolio
  • Discuss their application and research proposal with the panel
  • Demonstrate readiness for doctoral-level research

Final Selection and Notification

• The final selection will be made by the project's team in consultation with the docARTES programme, based on merit and the principle of equal opportunities.
• All applicants will be notified of the final outcome via email by mid-May, 2026.
• The selection process adheres to the principles of transparency, equal treatment, and merit-based evaluation in accordance with European Research Council, docARTES programme, and Orpheus Instituut guidelines.

SUMMARY TIMELINE

• December 5, 2025: Expression of Interest (apply now)
• mid-December 2025: Notification (shortlisted candidates are invited to Step 2)
• January 15, 2026: docARTES application
• February 16, 2026: Notification (shortlisted candidates are invited to interview)
• April 20-24, 2026: docARTES interview
• First week of May 2026: Final decision notification
• 1 September 2026: Expected start date

Questions

• About the Scientific Content of the Project: Dr Paulo de Assis paulo.deassis@orpheusinstituut.be
• About Application Procedures: Kayo Quintens communication@orpheusinstituut.be

LEGAL NOTES

Equal Opportunities: The Orpheus Instituut is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals regardless of age, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, religion, or socioeconomic background. The institution particularly encourages applications from underrepresented groups in composition, music research, contemporary philosophy, and digital humanities.

Data Protection: Application materials will be processed in accordance with the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Belgian data protection law. Personal data will be used solely for the purposes of this selection procedure and will be treated confidentially. By submitting an application, candidates consent to the processing of their personal data for this purpose. Data will be deleted within 6 months after completion of the selection process, unless candidates expressly request immediate deletion after receiving notification of the outcome.

Accessibility: Candidates requiring accommodations during the application or interview process due to disability should contact [contact person/email] to discuss their needs. Disclaimer: The Orpheus Instituut reserves the right to cancel or postpone the call without obligation if circumstances require. The institution is not liable for any costs incurred by applicants in connection with their application.

We look forward to receiving your application and to welcoming talented and motivated doctoral candidates to our research team!

European Research Council (ERC): This project has received funding from the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union's Horizon Europe research and innovation programme (Grant Agreement No. 101200558).