Natural History Museum of the University of Zurich

Digital Modeller and Editor 80 - 100 %

Start of employment upon agreement, ideally by mid-2025, 2-year fixed-term contract, temporary

The Natural History Museum of the University of Zurich will be making the prototype of a 65-metre-long mini-diorama with thousands of miniature models of extinct organisms from the last 650 million years. The diorama has the working title 'The Great Journey' and is envisioned as a prototype of 10 metres, with around 300 miniatures. These will start life as digital 3D-models that will then be 3D-printed. The digital 3D-models will be created via commissions or licensed from sources and creators around the world – and by you!

Your responsibilities

You will take leading and supporting roles in creating, editing, and managing the digital 3D-models of extinct organisms. This will involve tasks such as:
  • Developing original design concepts for extinct organisms
  • Sculpting digital 3D-models of extinct organisms
  • 3D-printing prototypes of models
  • Maintaining clear and effective communication with external model creators
  • Scaling and tweaking externally sourced/commissioned digital 3D-models

Your profile

Essentials:
  • A passion for palaeontology and science and a lot of creativity and curiosity
  • 3+ years of professional experience as a 3D Character / Creature Artist
  • Expert-level user of relevant software: Zbrush, Blender, Maya or similar
  • Experience in managing and streamlining workflow from 3D-sculpting / 3D-editing to 3D-printing, including optimisation of models for print, and software for planning print-supports (e.g., Lychee or Chitubox)
  • Good 2D-sketching skills
  • Proficiency in Adobe Photoshop
  • Capable of working independently as well as collaboratively
  • Acute attention to detail, diligent, and highly organised
  • Good English skills

Advantageous:
  • Experience in 3D resin printing workflow (printer maintenance, washing, curing)
  • Proficiency in reading and speaking German
  • Art, Design, or Technical Degree
  • Working knowledge of Discord

Information on your application

We look forward to your application, which must contain:
  • Letter of motivation and your CV with names and contact details of up to three references and/or any available reference letters, as a single PDF file.
  • Portfolio of 2D / 3D creature design work and other 3D work you want to showcase, as a single PDF file and/or as a link to a web repository.
Incomplete applications without the required documents and applications in the incorrect format will not be considered.

Application deadline: 31.03.2025

What we offer

Our employees benefit from a wide range of attractive offers. More

What we offer

Work-Life Balance
  • Flexible working models (such as part-time positions, mobile working, job-sharing)
  • Childcare at the kihz foundation of UZH and ETH


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Learning and Development
  • Wide range of continuing education courses of UZH and the Canton of Zurich
  • Language Center run jointly with ETH Zurich

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Food
  • Food and drinks at reduced prices in the UZH cafeterias
  • Lunch-Check-card with UZH contribution

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Healthcare
  • Special conditions on the Academic Sports Association ASVZ
  • Free seasonal flu vaccinations
  • Rest and relaxation at the quiet room in the university tower

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Discounts
  • Private traffic: Carsharing, rent a vehicle, parking space
  • Digitalization: Hardware, software, mobile phone subscriptions
  • Special conditions on hotel reservations

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Conditions of Employment
  • Policies of the UZH
  • Most UZH staff are employed according to public law


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International Services
  • Support for people from outside Switzerland

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Campuses
  • Campuses Zurich City, Zurich Irchel, Oerlikon and Schlieren
  • Sites Zurich West, Old Botanical Garden, Botanical Garden and Lengg

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Further information

Questions about the job

Dennis Hansen
Dennis Hansen
Project Leader
Contact Form

Contact question to: Dennis Hansen
Dennis Hansen

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Questions about the application procedure

Dennis Hansen Project Leader
Contact Form

Contact question to: Dennis Hansen

Thank you for your message. We will get back to you shortly.
Working at UZH
The University of Zurich, Switzerland's largest university, offers a range of attractive positions in various subject areas and professional fields. With around 10,000 employees and currently 12 professional apprenticeship streams the University offers an inspiring working environment on cutting-edge research and top-class education. Put your talent and skills to work with us. Find out more about UZH as an employer!
More → https://www.uzh.ch/cmsssl/en/explore/work.html

Please apply via our job portal www.jobs.uzh.ch.

Working at UZH

The University of Zurich, Switzerland's largest university, offers a range of attractive positions in various subject areas and professional fields. With around 10,000 employees and currently 12 professional apprenticeship streams the University offers an inspiring working environment on cutting-edge research and top-class education. Put your talent and skills to work with us. Find out more about UZH as an employer! More
UZH