Scientific Staff / Creative Research Engineer 60%, (m/f/d)
Zürcher Hochschule der Künste
Zürich
Key information
- Publication date:13 January 2026
- Workload:60%
- Contract type:Permanent position
- Place of work:Zürich
Job summary
The ZHdK is a leading arts university in Zurich with diverse programs.
Tasks
- Develop interactive installations and performances in arts.
- Design real-time, data-driven interactive systems for projects.
- Support students and researchers in interdisciplinary initiatives.
Skills
- Master's in computer science or related fields required.
- Experience with interactive systems and installations needed.
- Proficiency in programming languages like Python or C++.
Is this helpful?
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 hands-on experiments and the development of technically and artistically sophisticated projects.
From April 1, 2026, or by agreement, we are looking for a fixed-term position for 2 years:
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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 hands-on experiments and the development of technically and artistically sophisticated projects.
From April 1, 2026, or by agreement, we are looking for a fixed-term position for 2 years:
Scientific Staff / Creative Research Engineer 60%, (m/f/d)
Your Tasks
You will primarily work on projects and collaborations within the Immersive Arts Space and have the opportunity to pursue independent initiatives aligned with the thematic focus of IAS.
You will primarily work on projects and collaborations within the Immersive Arts Space and have the opportunity to pursue independent initiatives aligned with the thematic focus of IAS.
- Development and realization of interactive installations, exhibitions, performances, and research systems
- Design and implementation of real-time, data-driven, and embodied interactive systems
- Building software tools and infrastructure for long-term use
- Participation as the technical backbone in interdisciplinary IAS projects
- Supervision and collaboration with students and researchers in interdisciplinary projects
- Contribution to scientific publications, conference participation, and public presentations
- Teaching activities within the framework of the minor "Immersive Arts – advanced"
Your Profile
We are looking for scientific staff with a strong technical background and a high interest in artistic and creative contexts. This position lies between engineering, artistic production, and applied research, with a focus on developing reliable, high-quality interactive systems. Advanced language skills in spoken and written German and English are required.
We are looking for scientific staff with a strong technical background and a high interest in artistic and creative contexts. This position lies between engineering, artistic production, and applied research, with a focus on developing reliable, high-quality interactive systems. Advanced language skills in spoken and written German and English are required.
- Master's degree or higher in computer science, engineering, creative computing, HCI, computing in the arts, or related fields
- Experience with interactive or creative systems such as installations, exhibitions, performances, or experimental research
- Practical experience in implementing prototypes into production-ready systems
- Experience in writing research proposals is an advantage
Your Technical Experience
- Real-time interaction systems and data pipelines
- Machine learning, computer vision, and/or LLM-based workflows
- Physical computing and embedded systems (e.g., Arduino, ESP32, sensors, actuators)
- Distributed or long-running installations (e.g., OSC, WebSockets, WebRTC, OpenTelemetry)
- Programming in Python, C++, C#, Java, or JavaScript
- Creative tools such as MaxMSP, OpenFrameworks, TouchDesigner, Unity, Unreal, or similar
What You Can Expect From Us
We offer you an interesting and challenging role in a lively and collegial environment at the Zurich Toni-Areal. We live an inclusive culture and value diversity. 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 ).
Additional information about the Zurich University of the Arts can be found at www.zhdk.ch . We gladly accept your complete application documents by February 15, 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 March 9 and the second on March 19, 2026.
We offer you an interesting and challenging role in a lively and collegial environment at the Zurich Toni-Areal. We live an inclusive culture and value diversity. 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 ).
Additional information about the Zurich University of the Arts can be found at www.zhdk.ch . We gladly accept your complete application documents by February 15, 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 March 9 and the second on March 19, 2026.
