Postdoctoral Research Associate (Design Engineer) Aids to Navigation - 1fte fixed term

🔒 Confidential Employer
Posted 8 May 2026
LOCATION
London
TYPE
Contract
LEVEL
Associate
SALARY
£48,269 / year
CATEGORY
Engineering
This employer holds a UK Home Office sponsor license — sponsorship for this specific role is at the employer’s discretion

SKILLS

Design Engineering Prototyping Collaborative Research Project Management Research Ethics Communication Co-design Applied Research

FULL DESCRIPTION

Postdoctoral Research Associate (Design Engineer) Aids to Navigation - 1fte fixed term

Company: [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal]

Location: Kensington & Battersea, London, United Kingdom

Salary: £44,693 - £48,269 per annum (reduces to 0.3 FTE in Year 3)

Contract: Fixed-term, 3 years (Full-time Years 1-2, 0.3 FTE Year 3)

School/Area: School of Design

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 Details

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.

How to Apply

Closing date: 24 May 2026 at 11.59pm. Apply Online

Further details: Information Pack

[Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] Benefits available here: https://www.rca.ac.uk/more/work-at-the-rca/staff-benefits/

For assistance, please contact [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] including the web address and your name and email.

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