Head of Institute of Multilingual Communication (Professorship)

About the role

The Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) seeks a full‑time professor to lead its Institute of Multilingual Communication (IMK). As a member of the School Management, you will shape the institute’s research‑based and practice‑oriented profile while sharing overall leadership of its 50 staff members.

Key responsibilities

• Participate in the School Management of the ZHAW School of Applied Linguistics.
• Provide strategic leadership and representation for the whole School.
• Develop and manage the institute’s four activity areas: teaching, continuing education, research, and business services.
• Lead directly reporting research and administrative staff.
• Conduct practice‑oriented teaching and research, preferably on multilingual communication in artificial‑intelligence contexts.
• Network nationally and internationally to raise the institute’s profile.
• Support employee development and professional advancement.

Required profile

• Doctorate with a strong research record and several years of relevant practical experience.
• Extensive university teaching and research experience, with ability to develop innovative, practice‑oriented content.
• Integrative, transformative leadership style that inspires staff, promotes participation, and drives change.
• Entrepreneurial and innovative mindset for strategic decision‑making and intercultural collaboration.
• Broad international network and familiarity with multilingual Switzerland’s educational and professional landscape.
• Excellent command of German and English, plus at least one additional language.

Required skills