Research Associate (m/f/d) for Studio and Performance Practice with Supplementary Lectureship (60%)

ZHdK, with around 2100 Bachelor’s and Master’s students, is one of the largest and most diverse art universities in Europe. The study and research areas include Art Education, Design, Film, Fine Arts, Music, Dance, Theatre and Transdisciplinarity. Located in the heart of Zurich, ZHdK is a dynamic place where passionate people from over 75 countries work, study, teach, research and continue their education. The university includes numerous exhibition and performance venues where students’ project works are publicly presented.

Starting from the spring semester 2027 (as of 1 February 2027), a position is to be filled as

at the ICST – Institute for Computer Music and Sound Technology and in the Composition and Theory profile.

We are looking for a person with a completed Master’s degree as a sound engineer or in the field of electroacoustic composition, experience in university teaching or the willingness to qualify in higher education didactics, as well as comprehensive technical skills in studio practice, recording and production, sound reinforcement and sound direction.
We expect versatile practical experience in the technical and artistic realisation of contemporary and experimental music with electronics, as well as aesthetic openness and interest in participating in research projects in the field of studio and performance practice.

At ICST, as a research associate with a 50% workload, you will take on the technical management and sound direction for the institute’s events, supervise studio residencies and participate in the selection process as well as in technical coordination. In addition, you will supervise concert and installation projects within the framework of the Studio for Contemporary Music (SZM) events with a workload of 2.2%. You will coordinate and develop the studio equipment and material pool of ICST, further your education in the field of 3D audio (multichannel systems, Ambisonics, Wavefield Synthesis etc.) and contribute to its further development for studio and stage practice. Furthermore, you will collaborate in research projects and contribute to the strategic development of research and teaching.

Within the framework of the lectureship with a workload of 7.8%, you will teach the compulsory subject "Performance Practice of Electroacoustic Music III and IV" in the Composition and Theory degree programme. You will convey technical, practical and artistic aspects of the performance practice of electroacoustic music to composition students and instrumentalists with a focus on live electronic music: repertoire knowledge, technical basics, system design, mixing desk, handling patches and controllers, sound direction, rehearsal work, handling notation and interpretation.

Further activities in the Department of Music are possible by arrangement with the Composition and Theory programme management and the management of the Studio for Contemporary Music.

We offer you an interesting and demanding role in a lively and collegial environment at the Zurich Toni Areal. We live an inclusive culture and value diversity.

The trial lessons and the subject interview will take place on 12 and 13 October 2026 in Zurich.

For information, please contact Prof. Germán Toro Pérez, Head of ICST ( german.toro-perez@zhdk.ch ).

Human Resources Management contact person: Fabienne Trautner, HR Business Partner Department of Music, fabienne.trautner@zhdk.ch