The Royal College of Art is looking for a researcher to contribute to the development of a new urban design programme at Riyadh University of Arts (RUA), Saudi Arabia’s new flagship university for arts, design, and creative education.
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
RCA Benefits available here: https://www.rca.ac.uk/more/work-at-the-rca/staff-benefits/
The Royal College of Art (RCA) aims to foster an inclusive culture which promotes equality, values diversity and maintains a working, learning and social environment in which the rights and dignity of all its staff and students and stakeholders are respected.
We recognise the broad range of experiences that a diverse staff and student body brings and how this strengthens our research and enhances our teaching. In order for RCA to remain a world-leading institution we are committed to promoting equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) principles throughout all of our processes, from application through to appointment.
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