With around 2100 Bachelor's and Master's students, the Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK) is one of the largest and most diverse art academies in Europe. The fields of study and research include art education, design, film, fine arts, music, dance, theatre and transdisciplinary. In the center of Zurich, the ZHdK is a dynamic place where passionate people from over 75 countries work, study, teach, research and further their education. The university has numerous exhibition and performance venues where students' projects are shown to the public.
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The Department of Performing Arts and Film at Zurich University of the Arts fosters a stimulating exchange between teaching and research thanks to its diverse range of programs. The Production Design course is an integral part of the collaborative film program. What sets the course at ZHdK apart is that across many of its modules, it consistently reflects the division of roles, team structures and production reality of the film industry.

Due to retirement, per 1 August 2027 we’re seeking in the Film Department an:

Artistic Professor in Production Design 50% (all genders)

The artistic professor is responsible for managing the Major Production Design module within the Bachelor’s degree program in Film and accompany the Master’s films from a production design perspective. The professor ensures the systematic development of the curriculum and develops existing and new courses and formats in close collaboration with the other film disciplines.


Your responsibilities

• Design and delivery of courses and practical projects within the BA Major in Production Design, in close collaboration with the BA Major in Film.
• Independent teaching and mentoring responsibilities within both independent and collaborative teaching formats.
• Primary supervision of Bachelor’s dissertations (Worldbuilding) and supervision of student involvement in final films produced by BA and MA Film students.
• Collaboration with external production companies and industry professionals to realise practical film projects.
• Ongoing involvement in the curricular, organisational and content-related development of the BA Film programme (curriculum development, committees, events, representation).
• Continuous dialogue with professionals and institutions in the industry, as well as contributing to the further development of production design as a discipline within the international film context.

Your profile
More than five years of relevant professional and practical experience as a filmmaker. You must have an established reputation and recent work of international standard. We expect several years teaching experience in the arts at university level, as well as a strong professional network. A Master’s degree or equivalent qualification is required. Excellent language skills in German and English are also essential. A robust professional network within the Swiss film industry is an explicit requirement in order to facilitate students’ access to relevant partners, productions and career opportunities.

It would be desirable to be available on an hourly basis from autumn 2026 onwards, so that we can plan a curriculum closely linked to the Bachelor’s degree in Film for the autumn semester of 2027, select students for the new cohort of the Production Design course, and ensure to give an adequate induction.


What you can expect from us
We offer an interesting and challenging role in a lively and collegial environment in Zurich's Toni-Areal. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive working culture. We particularly welcome applications from women and people of all gender identities. We offer multiple benefits.


Your contacts for further information
For further information, please contact Sabine Boss if you have any technical queries (sabine.boss@zhdk.ch), the film's director is happy to be available. Contact person HRM: Mirjam Schütz, HR-Business Partner (mirjam.schuetz@zhdk.ch).

We look forward to receive your full application by 28 May 2026via the “Apply online now” link at the bottom of this advertisement. In addition to the standard application documents, your application should include a statement outlining your vision for the development of the field of study for a contemporary Production Design program at ZHdK (max. two A4 pages). Availability on an hourly basis from autumn 2026 would be desirable to ensure the planning of a curriculum closely linked to the Bachelor’s Major in Film by the autumn semester of 2027, the selection of Production Design students for the new intake, and an appropriate induction period.

Please note that we are only accepting online applications for this position. Interviews will take place on 22 June 2026 and the university-wide presentation on 3 July 2026, at the university. You can find information about the programme at www.zhdk.ch and www.filmstudieren.ch.