6 fully funded Ph.D. positions in “Cultural Systems” at the IMT School for Advanced Studies Lucca

Lucca, Italy

2026-06-03 (Europe/Rome)

The IMT School for Advanced Studies Lucca is now recruiting 6 talented doctoral candidates in its Cultural Systems (CS) Ph.D. Program.

In a unique multidisciplinary environment, the CS Program – Track in Management of Cultural Heritage and Museum Studies trains talented graduates from different backgrounds to undertake cutting-edge research in the many scientific fields related to cultural systems, and to operate as high-level, innovative cultural heritage professionals. Research- and practice-oriented courses will allow you to get innovative, up-to-date, high-quality training, relevant to careers in Academia, the cultural heritage sector, creative industries, and private companies. Students are involved in cross-disciplinary experimental activities and research projects in direct contact with cultural heritage, institutions and companies, and with leading academics and practitioners in the field. The Erasmus+ framework and ad hoc mobility agreements support students’ international student’s mobility.

CS framework

• Contract Type: 36-month scholarship
• Commitment: Full time
• Location: Lucca (Tuscany, Italy)
• Official language: English
• Starting date: November 1, 2026

Your Role

• First year: Attend and pass graduate courses
• Second and third year: Engage in your research project agreed upon with your Advisor (both in Lucca and abroad) under the guidance of at least one Advisor chosen among the Faculty members
• Participate in the daily academic and campus life, including seminars, conferences, workshops, public outreach activities, field trips and activities, research projects, etc.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree or equivalent in the Humanities, Social Sciences, ICT or related fields (to be obtained by 31st October 2026)
• High level of proficiency in English
• Enthusiasm for research, motivation, self-confidence, critical thinking

What We Offer

• An exciting multidisciplinary and international research environment with wide opportunities to interact with scholars from related disciplines in several other international Universities, as well as with cultural heritage Institutions and leaders
• Work under the supervision of at least one Advisor from the Faculty
• Interactions with several other doctoral candidates, postdoc researchers, and Faculty members;
• A tailor-made scientific training program composed from a wide range of courses and seminars by leading researchers
• Mentoring, training, and career development support
• A highly competitive full-time PhD Position with
  • a scholarship for a maximum period of 3 consecutive years
  • social security coverage
  • free accommodation on campus (all year round)
  • free meals on campus (lunch and dinner, all year round)
  • additional research funds
  • additional international mobility funds
  • insurance coverages (liability, accident)
  • no tuition fees

EFC Project
Scuola IMT Alti Studi Lucca is a member of the EFC - Educating Future Citizens network, which includes eight Scuole Universitarie Superiori in Italy. IMT PhD students have the opportunity to participate in joint activities and are encouraged to engage with partner institutions to foster academic and research collaborations.‍

How to Apply
Submit your application through the online application system at the following link (registration required): https://pica.cineca.it/imtlucca/imtlucca-phd-cs-2026/

Students graduating by 31st October 2026 can also apply.

Deadline for applications: June 3, 2026 at 1pm (CEST time)

Application Schedule

• Interview of short-listed candidates: July 20, 2026
• Notification of admission: end of July 2026

More information

More information at https://cs.imtlucca.it/

Contact: phdapplications@imtlucca.it

Job details

Title: 6 fully funded Ph.D. positions in “Cultural Systems” at the IMT School for Advanced Studies Lucca

Employer: IMT School for Advanced Studies Lucca

Location: Piazza S. Ponziano, 6 Lucca, Italy

Published: 2026-02-25

Application deadline: 2026-06-03 13:00 (Europe/Rome)

Job type: PhD

Field: Cultural Studies, Cultural History