Interaction Designer / Interaction Designeress

Interaction Designer

60%-100%, Zurich, fixed-term

We are seeking a talented and creative Interaction Designer to craft compelling visual experiences and digital assets. In this role, you will be responsible for transforming complex data and concepts into clear, engaging visuals while collaborating closely with our engineering team to bring innovative ideas to life.

The scope of work could vary from 60% for one project to potentially 100% for two projects, depending on the right candidate and skill set.

Project Background

Alongside partners from academia and industry, we are engaged in visualization projects. The main research focus at the IVIA lab is studying interactive human-AI collaboration interfaces, aimed at enhancing effective problem-solving and decision-making. We are particularly interested in empowering humans by teaming them up with AI agents in co-adaptive processes. To support our projects, we are looking for a motivated Interaction Designer to join our team. The ideal candidate will have a structured and hands-on approach, thriving in a small, interdisciplinary environment.

This position is offered on a fixed-term basis for one year.

Job Description

• Design and create digital assets such as icons, SVGs, illustrations, and logos.
• Develop interactive widgets and visualizations that articulate complex content while incorporating gamification elements, including storytelling, user flow, and seamless state transitioning.
• Create mockups, wireframes, and prototypes using Figma, Penpot, or similar tools.
• Design modern, visually appealing web layouts and UI components.
• Produce data visualizations (static, animated, or interactive) utilizing tools like d3.js.
• Collaborate with developers to ensure seamless translation of designs into code.
• Contribute to brand identity through logo development, visual guidelines, and style systems.

Profile

• Degree in Interaction Design, Visual Communication, Graphic Design, or a related field.
• Background as a Motion Designer, 2D Animator, or Digital Illustrator/Animator is highly valued.
• A portfolio that explicitly showcases relevant past projects (e.g., web design, gamification, animation, and interactive visuals).
• Proficiency in design tools: Figma, Penpot, and Adobe Creative Suite (especially After Effects); experience with Affinity Suite is a plus.
• Experience with creating SVG assets and vector graphics for web.
• Familiarity with HTML/CSS and basic frontend concepts; experience with Onlook is a plus.
• Knowledge of d3.js or other visualization libraries is a strong plus.
• Experience with real camera recording embeddings is a plus (but not mandatory).
• Strong attention to typography, color, and layout.
• Ability to distill complex information into clear visual narratives.
• Experience with research or scientific communication is a plus.
• A proactive, creative thinker who enjoys iterative design processes.
• Demonstrated fluency in English (written and spoken), with effective communication skills; German language skills are beneficial.

Workplace

Your job will have a meaningful impact as part of ETH Zurich, an institution that not only supports your professional growth but also actively contributes to positive societal change. Enjoy a varied and engaging work experience in exciting, innovative organizations while collaborating in a highly committed multidisciplinary team. Benefit from regular meetings and close collaboration with Sinergia project partners.

We Offer

• Your role will make an impact: Join ETH Zurich and contribute to transformative societal initiatives.
• An interesting and varied job within exciting and innovative organizations.
• Collaboration with a dedicated, multidisciplinary team.
• Numerous benefits, including public transport season tickets, car sharing, a wide range of sports offered by the ASVZ, childcare options, and attractive pension benefits.

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

ETH Zurich promotes an inclusive culture. We are committed to equality of opportunity, valuing diversity, and nurturing an environment where the rights and dignity of all staff and students are respected. For more information, please visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website. Sustainability is also central to our mission as we work diligently towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We.

We look forward to receiving your online application using the form below. Please include:

• Motivation Letter
• Portfolio
• CV

For more information about us, please visit our website. Should you have any questions regarding the position, please reach out to Matthias Gabathuler at matthias.gabathuler@inf.ethz.ch (please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered).

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is one of the world's leading universities specializing in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge research, and transferring new knowledge into society. With over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries, our university fosters independent thinking and inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, we collaborate to develop solutions addressing global challenges today and in the future.