Description
A collaboration between the University of Arts London (UAL), and Les Enfants Terribles (LET). This is an open call for a fully funded practice-based PhD project, in which the candidate will have the opportunity to delve into the interplay of conventional puppetry, digital avatars and robotics.
Overview: Embark on a pioneering PhD exploring digital puppetry, avatar creation, animatronics, and robotics. This project delves into their transformative potential across entertainment and education, highlighting ethical and creative dynamics.
Responsibilities:
- Conduct interdisciplinary research combining traditional puppetry, digital avatars, and robotics.
- Develop and test innovative applications using technologies like motion capture and machine learning.
- Analyse ethical implications and societal impacts of technology integration in arts.
- Collaborate with industry experts to refine methods and integrate feedback.
- Document and present research findings through academic journals, conferences, and community engagements.
Qualifications:
- Background in Performing Arts, Creative Coding, or Physical Computing.
- Proficiency in tools like Blender, Unreal Engine, Unity; knowledge of TensorFlow or PyTorch.
- Strong research, creative, and communication skills.
Opportunities:
- Mentorship from leading experts, access to advanced technology, and professional growth through collaborative research.
Ideal for candidates passionate about blending technology with the arts, aiming to influence the future of digital and robotic mediums.
- Academic Background: Must have a degree in Performing Arts, Gaming, Creative Coding, or Physical Computing.
- Technical Skills: Proficiency required in Blender, Unreal Engine, Unity, and familiarity with machine learning frameworks like TensorFlow or PyTorch.
- Experience: Ideally a grounding in puppetry, digital arts, and electronics.
- Personal Attributes: Innovation: Interest in advancing digital and traditional art forms.
- Collaboration: Willingness to engage closely with project partners and conduct ethnographic research.
- Critical Analysis: Ability to critically evaluate the impact of technology in societal and artistic contexts.
- Communication: Strong skills in presenting research findings both written and orally.
- Opportunities: Mentorship from experts at Les Enfant Terribles (LETS) and UAL. Access to cutting-edge technology for research. Opportunities for professional development through community engagement and presentations.
- Research: Investigate the synergy between traditional puppetry, digital avatars, and robotics. Explore innovative applications and technologies.
- Development: Implement and test advanced digital puppeteering methods and robotic interactions using motion capture and machine learning.
- Ethics: Assess the impact of new technologies on ethical standards and audience interaction in the arts.
- Collaboration: Work with industry experts to refine research approaches and incorporate feedback.
- Documentation: Maintain records, prepare detailed reports, and write academic papers to document findings.
- Presentation: Share results at academic conferences and in publications, contributing to the field's growth.
This role is designed to advance both practical and theoretical knowledge in digital puppetry and robotics.
Applicants for this role should first read the studentship brief and selection criteria in respective document. In selecting applicants, the panel will be looking for skills and experience that directly address the themes and concerns outlined.
All applications for these studentship must be received by UAL, by 20 May 2024.
All applicants must:
Submit UAL online PhD application to the College where the project is based (details outlined in briefs)
Quote the project title and reference in application
Include a personal statement of up to 1 side of A4, demonstrating: what they will bring to the project, how it fits with their skills, previous experience and interests.
Upload their CV to the UAL online application system
Include a project proposal addressing the project brief and applicant's particular emphasis or approach. Details for project proposals are outlined in the briefs.
Timeline
Deadline: 20 May 2024
Enrolment: September 2024
Interviews: June 2024
Offers: June/July 2024