Provenance Research Associate (50%) at Kunsthaus Zürich

Organisation: Kunsthaus Zürich
Location: Zürich, Switzerland
Contract: Fixed-term, part-time (50%), maternity/temporary cover
Duration: 1 February – 31 August 2027
Start date: Immediately or by agreement
Application deadline: Not specified

This listing has been translated from German. Native-level German and strong written and spoken English and French are required.

About the Role

Kunsthaus Zürich is seeking a Provenance Research Associate (Wissenschaftliche Mitarbeiter Provenienzforschung) to join its team on a temporary, part-time basis.

The successful candidate will undertake independent scholarly research into the provenance of artworks in the museum’s collections, including new acquisitions and long-term loans. The position involves archival research, documentation and the investigation of works potentially affected by Nazi persecution and dispossession.

The role also contributes to the museum’s exhibitions, online collection and broader provenance research initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct independent provenance research into artworks in the museum’s collections, new acquisitions and long-term loans.
• Consult academic literature, online resources and internal and external archives.
• Investigate provenance-related enquiries and prepare relevant correspondence.
• Undertake in-depth research into works with indications of Nazi-persecution-related dispossession.
• Prepare detailed provenance reports and support the museum’s Provenance Committee.
• Document research findings using provenance research forms and the MuseumPlus Ria database.
• Maintain provenance information for the museum’s online collection.
• Contribute to the research and presentation of provenance-related content in exhibitions.
• Collaborate with external specialists and institutions and assist with the coordination of research projects.

Candidate Profile

Applicants should hold a university degree in art history, history or another discipline relevant to provenance research.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Relevant professional experience researching cultural property confiscated or lost as a result of Nazi persecution.
• Experience conducting scholarly archival research and producing academic publications and reports.
• Native-level German and strong written and spoken English and French.
• Proficiency with standard digital tools and research systems.
• Experience using museum databases, with museum or archival experience considered an advantage.
• Strong organisational skills, independence, attention to detail and the ability to collaborate effectively.

Working Environment

Kunsthaus Zürich offers an opportunity to develop professional expertise within one of Switzerland’s leading art museums.

The position provides experience in collection research, provenance documentation and exhibition-related scholarship, contributing to the museum’s ongoing work on the histories and ownership of artworks in its care.

Image: Courtesy of Kunsthaus Zürich.