Head of Art Technology (80–100%)

About the job

Founded in 1951, the Swiss Institute for Art Research (SIK-ISEA) is an internationally renowned centre of expertise in art history and art technology. Its core activities include services, research, documentation, and knowledge transfer related to art in Switzerland. The nationwide institute, headquartered in Zurich, with a Romandy branch at the University of Lausanne and a contact office at the Museo d’arte della Svizzera italiana (MASI) in Lugano, holds the status of an autonomous and non-profit research institute.

We are seeking a committed, entrepreneurial, and academically distinguished leader to head our Art Technology Department from 1 February 2027 or by agreement. This vacancy arises due to the retirement of the current postholder.

Your responsibilities:

• You will lead the Art Technology Department in terms of expertise, personnel, and organisation, representing it within the institute’s management; you will report to the directorate.
• You will be responsible for the department’s budget, resources, infrastructure, and financial management.
• You will oversee the department’s service offerings in conservation-restoration, art technological investigations, scientific analyses, and authenticity assessments, ensuring the high quality of cost estimates, expert reports, condition reports, and documentation.
• You will personally conduct some of the aforementioned services and strategically develop the offerings further.
• You will promote innovative investigation and documentation methods as well as the targeted use of new technologies.
• You will develop art technological research projects and be responsible for securing their funding through third-party sources.
• You will contribute to the institute’s educational offerings.

Your profile:

• You hold a degree in conservation-restoration, art technology, or a comparable field. A completed doctorate in a relevant subject is advantageous.
• You think and act entrepreneurially, have substantial experience in a comparable leadership role, and possess good German language skills as well as strong organisational, communicative, and strategic abilities.
• You lead your team with empathy and appreciation and value open collaboration within a flat hierarchy.

We offer:

• A varied role within a committed and well-coordinated team
• Working in a historic setting in the heart of Zurich
• Attractive employment conditions
• At least 5 weeks’ holiday, increasing to 6 weeks from the age of 50
• Good social benefits

If you would like to learn more about this exciting position, Karoline Beltinger, Head of Art Technology, will be happy to provide further information from 21 September 2026 at 044 388 51 01.

We look forward to receiving your application by 9 October 2026.