Zürcher Hochschule der Künste
Zürich
10 hours ago
Scientific Staff XR Junior Researcher 60%, (m/f/d)
- 02 April 2026
- 60%
- Permanent position
- Zürich
About the job
The Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK) is one of the largest and most diverse art universities in Europe, with around 2100 bachelor and master students. 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.
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The Immersive Arts Space (IAS) at ZHdK is an art and technology platform active in research, teaching, and production. IAS connects art, design, and technology through practical experiments and the development of technically and artistically sophisticated projects.
From August 2026 or by agreement, we are looking for a fixed-term position for 2 years with the option of extension for a:
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The Immersive Arts Space (IAS) at ZHdK is an art and technology platform active in research, teaching, and production. IAS connects art, design, and technology through practical experiments and the development of technically and artistically sophisticated projects.
From August 2026 or by agreement, we are looking for a fixed-term position for 2 years with the option of extension for a:
Scientific Staff XR Junior Researcher 60%, (m/f/d)
Your Tasks
You will represent the competence Extended Reality (XR) in the interdisciplinary core team of the Immersive Arts Space. As a scientific staff member, you will be active both in teaching and applied research. Your tasks include:
You will represent the competence Extended Reality (XR) in the interdisciplinary core team of the Immersive Arts Space. As a scientific staff member, you will be active both in teaching and applied research. Your tasks include:
- Responsible participation in the conception, development, and realization of interactive installations, exhibitions, performances focusing on Extended Reality (XR) and multiuser co-location
- Research and evaluation of new technologies combined with the development of new tools for the use of Extended Reality (XR) in the artistic and research-based context of the Immersive Arts Space
- Collaboration in interdisciplinary research projects
- Contribution to scientific publications, conference participation, and public presentations
- Maintenance and support of XR devices
- Teaching activities and supervision of students within the IAS teaching offerings
- Support of student projects from all departments of ZHdK
Your Profile
We are looking for a scientific staff member with a technical background and experience in artistic processes to collaborate in the interdisciplinary Immersive Arts Space. The position includes tasks in teaching, research, and development with a focus on Virtual and Mixed Reality. Very good German and English skills are required.
Your technical experience
We are looking for a scientific staff member with a technical background and experience in artistic processes to collaborate in the interdisciplinary Immersive Arts Space. The position includes tasks in teaching, research, and development with a focus on Virtual and Mixed Reality. Very good German and English skills are required.
- Master's degree (or higher) in Interaction Design, Game Design, Application Development, or a related field, plus at least 3 years of professional experience
- Experience in developing XR-based interactive systems in the context of installations, exhibitions, performances, or experimental research
- Practical experience in prototyping as well as implementing stable, scalable, and maintainable interactive installations
- Experience in planning, coordinating, and implementing interdisciplinary projects as well as independent project development
- Creative, experimental, and solution-oriented working style ("hacker mentality") and interest in further developing media technologies
- Solid knowledge of contemporary art and technology landscapes and interest in current professional discourses and reflective practice
Your technical experience
- Very good skills in handling Unity 3D and/or Unreal Engine
- Good programming skills in C# or C++, and experience with Python and networking protocols (OSC, Mirror)
- Solid competencies in interaction/game design/media art, programming, and 3D art/tech art
- Experience as a tech artist or in 3D modeling/animation
- Affinity for AI, familiarity, and interest in daily use of AI tools
What you can expect from us
We offer you an interesting and challenging task in a lively and collegial environment at the Zurich Toni-Areal. We stand for a diverse and inclusive working environment. We especially welcome applications from women and people of all gender identities. Our benefits are diverse and a matter of course.
We offer you an interesting and challenging task in a lively and collegial environment at the Zurich Toni-Areal. We stand for a diverse and inclusive working environment. We especially welcome applications from women and people of all gender identities. Our benefits are diverse and a matter of course.
Your contacts for further information
Christopher Salter, Head of Immersive Arts Space, ( christopher.salter@zhdk.ch )
HR contact person: Mirjam Schütz, HR Business Partner ( mirjam.schuetz@zhdk.ch )
Christopher Salter, Head of Immersive Arts Space, ( christopher.salter@zhdk.ch )
HR contact person: Mirjam Schütz, HR Business Partner ( mirjam.schuetz@zhdk.ch )
Additional information about the Zurich University of the Arts can be found at www.zhdk.ch . We gladly accept your complete application documents by May 8, 2026 via the "Apply online now" link at the end of this advertisement. Please note that we only consider online applications for this position. The first interview will take place on May 20, 2026 and the second on June 1, 2026.
