Research Associate Provenance Research, 50%

About the job

The Kunsthaus Zürich, the largest art museum in Switzerland, invites you to work in an inspiring environment with magnificent exhibitions and significant collections – from masterpieces of classical modernism to contemporary highlights, from the Middle Ages to the present day. We embrace diversity and openness and create a space where curiosity and joy in art come together. Become part of a warm team that jointly shapes cultural experiences and welcomes people from the most diverse backgrounds.

We are looking for you to start immediately or by arrangement as a temporary replacement, limited from 01.02.2027 to 31.08.2027.

Research Associate Provenance Research, 50%

Your tasks:

In this position, you will take on provenance research and the independent scholarly processing as well as electronic recording of provenance-relevant holdings, including new acquisitions and long-term loans. For this, you will consult the relevant specialist literature, conduct online research, and investigate internal and external archives. You will handle provenance-specific enquiries, carry out the necessary research, and manage the corresponding correspondence.

You will conduct in-depth research on works with indications of Nazi persecution-related dispossession, write detailed provenance reports, and support the provenance committee. In doing so, you will maintain professional exchange with other experts and institutions in consultation with your supervisor.

Furthermore, you will participate in various projects and take on their coordination if required. You will document the results of your provenance research both in the provenance research form and in the MuseumPlus Ria database. Additionally, you will manage the provenance aspects of the collection online and assist in the preparation and management of provenance aspects within the framework of exhibitions.

Your profile:

• Completed academic university degree in art history, history, or a subject relevant to provenance research
• Proven relevant professional experience in the field of provenance research on cultural assets lost due to Nazi persecution, experience with scholarly (archive) research and writing scientific publications and reports
• Good language skills as well as communication and expression abilities in German (native language), English, and French (spoken and written)
• Confident use of common ICT
• Experience with (museum) databases is an advantage and museum or archive practice is desirable
• Sense of responsibility, independent working style as well as communication and teamwork skills

We offer:

We offer you attractive employment conditions and the opportunity to continuously develop your professional expertise. In addition, you will benefit from an inspiring working environment that reflects the diversity and creativity of one of Switzerland’s most renowned art museums. Together with us, you actively shape the future of the Kunsthaus.

Have we aroused your interest? Then we look forward to receiving your complete application. Applications from recruitment agencies will not be considered.

Please contact Jessica Gantenbein, HR Business Partner, if you have any questions.