Developing Low-Cost Co-Designed Navigation Aids for SIDS & LDCs
 School of Design
Fixed-term: 3 years
Full-time (Years 1–2) | 0.3 FTE (Year 3)

The School of Design invites applications for a Research Associate to join an interdisciplinary research team working on Developing Low-Cost Co-Designed Navigation Aids for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs).

This newly funded project builds on the School of Design’s internationally recognised research in design for safety at sea and the New Economic Models for the Oceans (NEMO) programme. Aids to Navigation support safe maritime movement and reduce risks to vessels and passengers at sea. Current systems are typically industrially manufactured to international standards set by the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA), but their cost can be prohibitive for many island and developing nations.

This project aims to collaboratively design, prototype and test low-cost navigation aids created using local, sustainable and circular materials. Working closely with communities, partners and stakeholders in SIDS and LDC contexts, the research will develop new approaches to meeting international standards while improving maritime safety, supporting trade, and strengthening local employment opportunities. The project will culminate in a joint publication and case study demonstrating a new application of IALA standards.

We are seeking a highly motivated Research Associate with experience in research methods, stakeholder engagement and co-design practice. The successful candidate will contribute to research delivery, co-design activities, fieldwork, and design development, supporting both physical prototyping and communication of research outcomes.

Role Responsibilities

The postholder will:

• Undertake high-quality collaborative research contributing to project outputs and impact 
• Support co-design processes with local communities and stakeholders 
• Contribute to the design, prototyping and testing of low-cost aids to navigation 
• Conduct fieldwork and research activities in a range of international contexts 
• Assist with project coordination, research administration and reporting 
• Contribute to dissemination activities including publications, workshops, exhibitions and public engagement 
• Work collaboratively with academic, industry and third-sector partners 

Person Specification

You will demonstrate:

• A first degree in a relevant discipline and a postgraduate qualification or equivalent professional or research experience 
• A track record of using research methods within academic or practice-based contexts 
• Experience of stakeholder engagement and co-design, participatory or inclusive design approaches 
• Strong physical (3D) design and communication design skills 
• Ability to work collaboratively across cultures, disciplines and sectors 
• Understanding of ethical research practice and professional standards 
• Willingness to undertake international travel and fieldwork in varied climates and development contexts 
• Experience contributing to projects delivered within agreed timelines or budgets 

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to internationally significant research addressing maritime safety, sustainability and equitable design innovation.

Please see Information pack for further details.

Closing for applications 11.59 on Sunday 24 May 2026

Closing Date: 24 May 2026

Programme/Department: Research

Salary: £38,738 to £43,571 per annum
Please note this role reduces to 0.3FTE in 3rd and final year (salary adjusted accordingly)

School of Design
Fixed-term: 3 years
Full-time (Years 1–2) | 0.3 FTE (Year 3)

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher in Design Engineering to join an internationally focused research project: Developing Low-cost Co-Designed Navigation Aids for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs).

The project builds on the School of Design’s research in Design for Safety at Sea and New Economic Models for the Oceans (NEMO). Aids to Navigation (AtoN) are essential for maritime safety and must comply with International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) standards. However, existing industrial solutions are often prohibitively expensive for small island and developing nations.

This project will collaboratively design, prototype and test low-cost navigation aids using locally sourced, sustainable and circular materials. Working within an interdisciplinary research team and alongside international partners and coastal communities, the postholder will lead applied design engineering and co-design activities aimed at improving safety at sea, supporting sustainable trade and employment, and contributing to new global applications of IALA standards.

The role includes international travel and fieldwork in diverse environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Undertake high-quality applied research contributing to project outcomes and impacts 
• Lead design engineering, prototyping and testing activities 
• Work collaboratively with academic, industry and community partners 
• Support project management, reporting and delivery milestones 
• Produce high-quality research outputs including publications, reports and presentations 
• Communicate research findings to specialist and non-specialist audiences 
• Contribute to public engagement, workshops and collaborative events 
• Support best practice in research ethics, integrity and data management 

About You

Essential

• PhD in design engineering or related field, or Master’s degree with significant applied design engineering experience 
• Experience contributing to collaborative research or innovation projects 
• Experience managing and reporting on projects, including budgets 
• Understanding of research ethics, integrity and research data management 
• Excellent communication, presentation and interpersonal skills 
• Collaborative, proactive and problem-solving approach 

Desirable

• Publication record in design research, industrial design or design engineering 
• Knowledge of marine engineering practices or ocean navigation systems 
• Experience of HE–industry collaboration 
• Interest in interdisciplinary design-led research and sustainable or circular material processes 

Contract

Fixed-term for 3 years:

• Years 1–2: Full-time (1.0 FTE) 
• Year 3: 0.3 FTE focused on dissemination, publications and impact activities. 

Why Join Us?

This role offers the opportunity to deliver research with tangible global impact, working with international partners and communities to develop innovative, sustainable solutions that improve maritime safety.

Please see Information pack for more information.

Closing for applications at 11.59pm on Sunday 24 May 2026

Closing Date: 24 May 2026

Programme/Department: Research

Salary: £44,693 to £48,269 per annum
Please note this role reduces to 0.3FTE in 3rd and final year (salary adjusted accordingly)