The researcher will participate in an applied research and curriculum development project examining urbanisation, contemporary urban design practice, and the discourses informing architecture and planning in Saudi Arabia.

The researcher will work with, amongst others, academics, policymakers and cultural institutions, ensuring that the programme is informed by local knowledge, expertise, and practice.

We are looking for someone with a strong research profile and established knowledge of the architecture and urbanism of Saudi Arabia and the wider region, including their social, cultural, environmental, and institutional contexts. Candidates should have a PhD or comparable research experience in practice, as well as strong analytical and synthesis skills. Experience of higher education teaching, curriculum development, academic publishing would be an advantage.

This is an exciting and unique opportunity to help establish new approaches to urban design pedagogy and research at a major new institution with the ambition to lead design and arts practice in the region and beyond.

Please see Information pack for further details. 

Please note, the role may require occasional travel to Saudi Arabia, to support project delivery, stakeholder engagement, and  related activities.

Closing for applications: 11.59pm on Sunday 25 October 2026

Closing Date: 25 Oct 2026

Programme/Department: Research

Salary: £49,533 to £53,609 per annum
Full time and fixed term post to 31.8.2028

Salary: £49,680 - £53,756 (Grade 8)

Duration: Maternity cover (12 months FTC)

Hours: Full-time, 35hrs per week

Location: London - Onsite, Kensington Campus

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced, adaptable, and highly motivated individual to manage the Sculpting, Mould Making, Casting and Bio Materials Department at the Royal College of Art. The department consists of two separate workshops, one specialising in Sculpting, Mould making and Casting for Art Fabrication and Product Development, the other a Bio Material laboratory, both unified by their forward-thinking approach to materials.

You will be an expert in the areas of sculpture, moulding, casting and art production, serving as the definitive source of knowledge in these areas, as well as leading a small multidisciplinary team of technical experts with wide-ranging specialisms. This role seeks to continue to support this team to further develop the strong culture of positive interdisciplinary collaboration across the RCA and lead in supporting student, staff and research projects within these specialisms.

Location

The RCA Kensington Campus, beside the historic Royal Albert Hall and Kensington Gardens.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for someone who thrives in a fast paced environment and is passionate about problem solving through hands-on teaching and learning. The ideal candidate will have:

• Experience managing and administering for the effective day-to-day operations within a similar workshop space.
• A strong background and technical expertise in either sculpting, mould making, casting, silicones and resin, and composite materials, with a deep commitment to supporting experimental and practical work across a diverse range of materials and processes.
• Experience providing highly skilled technical assistance, guidance and instruction for a wide variety of making processes to support complex project development.
• The ability to motivate, lead and line manage a small team of dedicated technicians to ensure the effective provision and availability of specialist equipment, processes and work areas.
• An interest in Biofabrication and technologies, and the future of material development.
• A forward-thinking approach, with a focus on innovation and the continued support of the technician's advancement in these specialist areas.
• A commitment to high-quality outcomes for both staff and students and a passion for experimental work and collaborative learning.

What will the job involve?

This role is based onsite in a specialist resource we call the Future Materials Workshops at the RCA’s Kensington campus. It involves the day-to-day management of the space, including the line management of a small technical team. You will be an expert in the field of moulding and casting with extensive knowledge in sculpting, art fabrication and production. The role will require you to be responsible for ensuring the effective provision and availability of specialist equipment and work areas to support academic delivery, student learning, research, and knowledge exchange. The role requires planning, organising, and delivering high-level technical instruction, demonstrations, and guidance, while also supporting and managing technicians to do the same. You will take an active lead in maintaining and improving health and safety standards, ensuring best practices are consistently applied.

Administrative responsibilities include budgeting, purchasing, task allocation, supervision, and performance management through regular reviews and the College’s appraisal process.

Working closely with Master’s students, you will support independent research and experimental work across a wide range of materials and processes, fostering a culture of peer-to-peer learning and continuous development within a collaborative technical team.

Further Information:

Founded in 1837, the Royal College of Art is the world’s largest community of postgraduate art and design students. It is also the oldest art and design university in continuous operation and has been ranked as the world's number one art and design university for a remarkable 12 consecutive years, according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026 – the worldwide survey of academic and industry opinion.

Please be aware that the questions within the application form are an important first step in the interview process. We ask you to take time to provide full, detailed responses as they will play a key role in determining whether you progress to the next stage

We acknowledge that AI can be a useful tool; however, these application questions have been selected to showcase the expertise and knowledge you will bring to the role. We value hearing your personal experience and ask that you consider answering them in your own words to demonstrate your background in this technical field.

Please see the information pack for further details of this exciting new role. If you would like further details or an informal chat about the role, please contact Alastair Hamer - Technical Services Manager - Technology via email alastair.hamer@rca.ac.uk

Closing Date: 18 Oct 2026

Programme/Department: Technical

Salary: £49,680 to £53,756 per annum
Fixed Term