University of Vienna, July 1, 2016 - June 30, 2019
Application deadline: May 1, 2016

2 PhDs / 1 Post-doc in project "Universal aesthetics of lines and colors?"

At the University of Vienna (15 faculties, 4 centres, about 188 fields
of study, approx. 9.400 members of staff, more than 90.000 students)
the positions of

two PhD Candidates and one Post-doc

are vacant.

The positions for the duration of three years are integrated in the
WWTF funded project “Universal aesthetics of lines and colors? Effects
of culture, expertise and habituation”, headed by Prof. Raphael
Rosenberg, Department of Art History, CReA, and Prof. Helmut Leder,
Department of Basic Psychological Research, EVA Lab.

The project connects art (historical) theories and empirical methods to
study aesthetic reactions to line and color. We measure whether, where,
and to what extent differences between individuals occur –both on the
level of aesthetic effects and aesthetic liking. We study the beholding
process of isolated single lines/colors, their interplay and whole
paintings. We develop new scales to capture aesthetic effects and use
physiological devices (eye-tracking / fEMG). We examine universality by
testing whether cultural background (Austria vs. Japan) and expertise
modulate aesthetic effects and liking.

The project is hosted by the research platform Cognitive Sciences, in
addition the PhD candidates will be embedded in the newly founded
Vienna Doctoral Academy (VDA) for Cognition, Behaviour and Neuroscience
(COBENE) at the University of Vienna. Both organizations stand for
promotion of inter- and transdisciplinary knowledge exchange.

The positions offer participation in an innovative project, excellent
supervision by experienced researchers, well equipped labs, a positive
and stimulating research climate. Participation in the teaching
responsibility of either one of the departments is possible. The
project will support active participation of research conferences.
Positions should start on July 1st 2016.

Profile:
- Above average degree in either art history or psychology
- Interest in interdisciplinary research in psychology of the arts

- Ability to work in a team is essential

Application:
Please send your application until May 1st 2016 to
michaela.golubits@univie.ac.at with “Application Line and Color” in the
e-mail header and pdf-attachments including a one page letter of
motivation, CV, copies of certificates, and specimen of writing (table
of content, introduction, one chapter, summary/conclusion of your
Master / PhD Thesis, if possible a copy of its evaluation, optionally
other publications).