This call has been translated from German. Proficiency in German is likely essential; please contact the employer if unsure.
Museum für Gestaltung Zürich is Seeking a Curator, Applied Arts Collection (75%)
The Museum für Gestaltung Zürich is Switzerland’s leading museum for design and visual communication. Its collection brings together over half a million objects from graphic and design history and is of international significance. As part of the Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK), the museum is engaged in research and teaching and regularly produces its own publications. The museum reaches a broad, international audience through its three locations in Zurich – at Ausstellungsstrasse, on the Toni-Areal university campus, and at the Pavillon Le Corbusier – as well as through touring exhibitions and in the digital space.
Due to a succession in the Applied Arts curatorial department, we are looking for a Curator, Applied Arts Collection (75%)
starting June 1, 2026, or by agreement. In this position, you will be responsible for the management and strategic development of our Applied Arts collection.
Your Responsibilities
You will strategically and conceptually develop the collection in consideration of ICOM criteria. This includes the acquisition, cataloguing, and communication of collection objects through our own exhibitions, publications, and other (digital) formats. As a member of the program commission, you will actively help shape the exhibition program. You will be responsible for the conceptual leadership as well as the holistic planning and implementation of complex exhibition projects—from the initial concept through all phases to ongoing operations.
Your Profile
For this varied and responsible role, we are looking for an inquisitive, independent personality with academic rigor and a passion for communication. We are addressing a professional with an interest and passion for the various disciplines of the Applied Arts collection and the following profile:
- University degree in art history or equivalent education
- Sound knowledge of the history of international applied arts
- Affinity for both historical and contemporary applied arts
- Concise oral and written expression
- Ability to enthusiastically delve into a variety of thematic areas
- Experience in collection management (research, classification, inventory, archiving, digitization, communication)
- Affinity and interest for digital assets and digitization in the subject area
- Relevant and established professional network in the field
- Experience in project management in the areas of exhibitions and research
- Manual dexterity
- Strong service orientation and sense of responsibility
- Team player with pronounced social skills
- Good French and English skills
- Additionally advantageous are:
- Leadership experience
- Publication experience
- Experience and interest in acquiring third-party funding
What you can expect
Look forward to a thematically diverse, organizationally demanding, and exciting role with significant creative freedom. You will work in a vibrant environment with a well-coordinated team in the dynamic Toni-Areal in Zurich. The salary is based on the compensation regulations of the Canton of Zurich. Our benefits are diverse.
Your contacts for further information
Renate Menzi, Curator Design Collection: renate.menzi@zhdk.ch, +41 43 446 66 50
You can find more information at www.museum-gestaltung.ch.
How to apply
We are pleased to accept your complete application documents until November 9, 2025, via the “Apply Now” link at the end of this posting. Please note that for this position, we will only consider online applications submitted via the link. Applications from recruitment agencies will not be considered.
The interview rounds (Round 1 and 2) will take place on November 19 and 26, 2025 (in the afternoon on both dates).
