Curator: Applied Arts Collection 75%
Key information
- Publication date:29 September 2025
- Workload:75%
- Contract type:Unlimited employment
- Place of work:Zürich
Job summary
The Museum of Design Zurich is a leading Swiss institution. It offers a unique opportunity to work in a vibrant environment with diverse benefits.
Tasks
- You will manage and develop the craft collection strategically.
- Engage in acquisitions, research, and presentations of collection items.
- Plan and execute complex exhibition projects from concept to operation.
Skills
- A degree in art history or equivalent experience is required.
- Strong communication skills in French and English are essential.
- Experience in collection management and project leadership is a must.
Is this helpful?
The Museum of Design Zurich is the leading Swiss museum for design and visual communication. Its collection unites over half a million objects from the history of graphics and design and is of international significance. As part of the Zurich University of the Arts ZHdK, the museum is engaged in research and teaching and regularly produces its own publications. At its three locations in Zurich – at Ausstellungsstrasse, on the Toni-Areal university campus, and in the Le Corbusier Pavilion – as well as through traveling exhibitions and in the digital space, the museum reaches a broad, international audience.
As part of a succession arrangement in the Applied Arts Curatorium, we are looking for a
As part of a succession arrangement in the Applied Arts Curatorium, we are looking for a
Curator: Applied Arts Collection 75%
In this position, you are responsible for the care and strategic development of our collection in the field of applied arts.
Your tasks
You will strategically and content-wise further develop the collection taking into account the ICOM criteria. This includes acquisition, cataloging, and mediation of collection objects in own exhibitions, publications, and other (digital) formats. As a member of the program commission, you actively shape the exhibition program. You are responsible for the content leadership as well as the holistic planning and implementation of complex exhibition projects – from the initial concept through all phases to ongoing operation.
Your profile
For this varied and responsible role, we are looking for a curious, independent personality with a scientific approach and joy in mediation. We are addressing a specialist with interest and passion for the various disciplines of the applied arts collection and the following profile:
- University degree in art history or equivalent education
- Good knowledge of the history of international applied arts
- Affinity for both historical and contemporary applied arts creation
- Concise oral and written expression
- Ability to engage deeply with thematically diverse areas
- Experience in collection management (research, classification, inventory, archiving, digitization, mediation)
- Affinity and interest in digital reproductions and digitization in the subject area
- Relevant and established network in the subject area
- Experience in project management in the fields of exhibition and research
- Manual dexterity
- Strong service orientation and sense of responsibility
- Team player with pronounced social skills
- Good French and English skills
Additionally advantageous are:
- Leadership experience
- Publication experience
- Experience and interest in third-party funding acquisition
What you can expect from us
Look forward to a content-rich, organizationally demanding, and exciting activity with great creative freedom. You will work in a lively environment with a well-coordinated team in the dynamic Toni-Areal in Zurich. The salary is based on the salary regulations of the Canton of Zurich. Our benefits are diverse.
Your contacts for further information
Renate Menzi, Curator Design Collection: renate.menzi@zhdk.ch , +41 43 446 66 50
Further information can be found at www.museum-gestaltung.ch .
We gladly accept your complete application documents by November 9, 2025, via the "Apply online now" link at the end of this advertisement. Please note that we only consider online applications via the link for this position.
Personnel agencies will not be considered.
The interview rounds (1 and 2) will take place on November 19 and 26, 2025 (each in the afternoon).
