Research Assistant - #1751572

Models by Jaz Martell | Photographer: Alys Tomlinson

The opportunity

This is an exciting opportunity for an individual with a background in industrial/product design or interaction design to play a key role supporting an innovative research project hosted at University of the Arts London (UAL).

As a Research Assistant, you will work directly with Dr Paulina Yurman, the principal investigator of Maternal Machines: Design Speculations about Fantasies; a design research project funded by Wellcome, exploring designs and technologies related to maternal and infant care.

You will provide support with the design and development stages of the project and work on the design and prototyping of concepts and the visualisation of potential scenarios with design and technology in situations related to maternal and infant care.

This is a fixed term 12 month contract, requiring 2.5 days a week to be worked at various UAL sites and remotely.

Your profile

The ideal candidate will be a designer with a track record of playful prototyping (physical and digital).

You will need to showcase competency in the visualisation of design ideas as well as the use of visual digital tools for communicating research.

You should also be able to work with a variety of materials, digital platforms and processes.

In terms of qualifications, an MA in Industrial Design / Interaction Design or a BA in Product/Industrial Design with a good portfolio of work is essential.

We are UAL

University of the Arts London (UAL) generates and inspires the creativity the world needs for a better future. Since 1842, our colleges have been defining creative education. With curiosity, imagination and intent we make work which creates lasting change for people and our planet. London is core to who we are, a place where we meet and share ideas with people from different backgrounds and cultures.

Our creative network influences learning, culture, industry and society on a global scale. Our academics and practitioners deliver creative education and inspire new ways of thinking through research and innovation. We work with students at every level from pre-degree and short courses to postgraduate and online learning, enabling them to build the careers they want. Together, we are a community of makers, thinkers, pioneers and storytellers redesigning the future.

As a University we are ranked second in the world for Art and Design. We are formed of 6 Colleges with unique histories and identities: Camberwell College of Arts, Central Saint Martins, Chelsea College of Arts, London College of Communication, London College of Fashion and Wimbledon College of Arts. UAL also has 4 Institutes, 5 Research Centres, 1 Pre-Degree School and 2 subsidiary companies delivering specialist activities.

Application process

We operate a fair and open anonymous selection process. Thus, you will need to create an account and submit an application through our job board. As part of this, you will need to provide a supporting statement/answer some competency questions to demonstrate your suitability. Our recruitment process involves: Application, Shortlisting, Interview and Assessment, Offer, Onboarding.

We understand the benefits of using AI in work. But, if you are thinking of using it to submit an application, we ask you to think about what value it adds. AI tools tend to lack the personal touch and authenticity we value in candidates. We encourage you to showcase your unique knowledge and skills using your own voice.

If we receive a high volume of applications, the closing day date might close early. We aim to communicate any changes to the closing date with at least 24 hours’ notice. If you have any general questions or have accessibility needs, please refer to our Contact us page.

Candidates are advised to submit applications early.