Zürcher Hochschule der Künste
Zürich
Vor 10 Stunden
Creative Researcher XR Junior Researcher 60%, (w/m/d)
- 02 April 2026
- 60%
- Festanstellung
- Zürich
Über den Job
With around 2100 Bachelor's and Master's students, the Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK) is one of the largest and most diverse art academies in Europe. The fields of study and research include art education, design, film, fine arts, music, dance, theatre and transdisciplinarity. In the centre of Zurich, the ZHdK is a dynamic place where passionate people from over 75 countries work, study, teach, research and further their education. The university has numerous exhibition and performance venues where students' projects are shown to the public.
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The Immersive Arts Space (IAS) at ZHdK is an art and technology platform active in the fields of research, teaching and production. The IAS combines art, design and technology through practical experiments and the development of technically and artistically sophisticated projects.
We are looking to fill the following position, starting in August 2026 or by mutual agreement, on a fixed-term contract for two years with the option of extension:
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The Immersive Arts Space (IAS) at ZHdK is an art and technology platform active in the fields of research, teaching and production. The IAS combines art, design and technology through practical experiments and the development of technically and artistically sophisticated projects.
We are looking to fill the following position, starting in August 2026 or by mutual agreement, on a fixed-term contract for two years with the option of extension:
Creative Researcher XR Junior Researcher 60%, (w/m/d)
Your responsibilities
You will represent the field of Extended Reality (XR) within the Immersive Arts Space’s interdisciplinary core team. As a research assistant, you will be involved in both teaching and applied research. Your responsibilities will include:
You will represent the field of Extended Reality (XR) within the Immersive Arts Space’s interdisciplinary core team. As a research assistant, you will be involved in both teaching and applied research. Your responsibilities will include:
- Taking a leading role in the conception, development and realisation of interactive installations, exhibitions and performances, with a focus on Extended Reality (XR) and multi-user co-location
- Researching and evaluating new technologies, combined with the development of new tools for the use of Extended Reality (XR) within the artistic and research-based context of the Immersive Arts Space
- Collaboration on interdisciplinary research projects
- Contribution to academic publications, conference participation and public presentations
- Maintenance and management of XR equipment
- Teaching and supervision of students within the framework of the IAS’s course offerings
- Support for student projects across all departments of the ZHdK
Your profile
We are looking for a research assistant with a technical background and experience in artistic processes to join our interdisciplinary team at the Immersive Arts Space. The role involves teaching, research and development, with a focus on virtual and mixed reality. Excellent command of German and English is essential.
Technical experience may include
We are looking for a research assistant with a technical background and experience in artistic processes to join our interdisciplinary team at the Immersive Arts Space. The role involves teaching, research and development, with a focus on virtual and mixed reality. Excellent command of German and English is essential.
- A master’s degree (or higher) in Interaction Design, Game Design, Software Application Development or a related field, plus at least 3 years’ professional experience
- Experience in developing XR-based interactive systems for installations, exhibitions, performances or experimental research
- Practical experience in prototyping and in implementing stable, scalable and maintainable interactive installations
- Experience in the planning, coordination and implementation of interdisciplinary projects, as well as in independent project development
- A creative, experimental and solution-oriented approach to work (‘hacker mentality’), as well as an interest in further developing media technologies
- In-depth knowledge of the contemporary art and technology landscape, as well as an interest in current professional discourse and reflective practice
Technical experience may include
- Excellent knowledge of Unity 3D and/or Unreal Engine
- Programming skills in C# or C++, and experience with Python and networking protocols (OSC, Mirror)
- Solid expertise in interaction design, game design, media art, programming and 3D art/tech art
- Experience as a tech artist or in 3D modelling/animation
- An interest in AI and familiarity with use of AI tools
What you can expect from us
We offer an interesting and challenging role in a lively and collegial environment in Zurich's Toni-Areal. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive working culture. We particularly welcome applications from women and people of all gender identities. We offer multiple benefits .
We offer an interesting and challenging role in a lively and collegial environment in Zurich's Toni-Areal. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive working culture. We particularly welcome applications from women and people of all gender identities. We offer multiple benefits .
Your contacts for further information
Christopher Salter, Head of Immersive Arts Space, (E-Mail schreiben)
Contact person HRM: Mirjam Schütz, HR-Business Partner (E-Mail schreiben)
Christopher Salter, Head of Immersive Arts Space, (E-Mail schreiben)
Contact person HRM: Mirjam Schütz, HR-Business Partner (E-Mail schreiben)
Further information about Zurich University of the Arts can be found at www.zhdk.ch . We are happy to receive your complete application documents by 8 May 2026 via the “Apply online now” link at the end of this advertisement. Please note that we are only accepting online applications for this position. The first interview will take place on 20 May 2026 and the second on 1 June 2026.
