Lead Researcher: Interactive Media Art, Technology and Design at the Ars Electronica Futurelab

Location: Linz, Austria
Contract: Permanent
Hours: 32–40 hours per week
Salary: €3,598–€5,164 gross per month, based on 40 hours per week and depending on qualifications and experience
Start date: As soon as possible
Application deadline: 12 October 2026

Ars Electronica Futurelab is seeking a Lead Researcher specialising in interactive media art, technology and design.

The successful candidate will introduce new artistic and technological perspectives to the Futurelab’s projects and research activities. Working with an interdisciplinary team, they will develop innovative, future-oriented prototypes that deliberately extend beyond purely screen-based applications.

The role combines creative design and development with the technical coordination of internal and external projects throughout their full lifecycle.

Responsibilities

The Lead Researcher will:

• Contribute artistic and technological perspectives to research and project development;
• Develop experimental prototypes at the intersection of art, technology and society;
• Explore interactive experiences beyond screen-based applications;
• Undertake creative design and technical development;
• Coordinate the technical delivery of internal and external projects;
• Support projects throughout their complete lifecycle;
• Collaborate with an international and interdisciplinary team; and
• Develop projects that create impact, encourage dialogue and contribute to social change.

Requirements

Applicants should have:

• Professional experience in one or more areas such as AI development, game and multimedia development, human-computer interaction, interface or information design, robotics, physical computing, media technologies, or virtual and mixed reality;
• Strong programming and technical implementation skills;
• A university degree in a relevant discipline or an equivalent qualification;
• Experience working artistically and experimentally with emerging technologies;
• A practical, hands-on approach;
• An interest in intercultural teams and project environments;
• Excellent English-language skills; and
• Project management and communication skills.

Applicants are not expected to meet every requirement. Candidates with relevant professional experience and a strong interest in particular areas are encouraged to apply.

Benefits

Ars Electronica offers:

• Flexible and family-friendly working hours;
• Home-working options;
• Restaurant vouchers through Pluxee;
• A monthly contribution towards the KlimaTicket;
• Affordable parking in a central location;
• Occupational health services;
• Workplace psychological support;
• A discounted cultural card;
• Employee events; and
• A supportive team working across diverse projects.

Ars Electronica promotes equal opportunities. Where candidates have equal qualifications, preference will be given to female applicants.

About Ars Electronica

Ars Electronica Linz is a cultural, educational and research institution of the City of Linz.

Its principal activities include the Ars Electronica Center, Ars Electronica Festival, Prix Ars Electronica, Ars Electronica Futurelab, Ars Electronica Solutions and Ars Electronica Export.

The organisation employs more than 200 permanent staff from around the world, alongside a similar number of temporary employees.