Innovation Associate

Airborne Comrades Association; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 24,000 - 36,000; Part time

Job summary

The Royal College of Music seeks an Innovation Associate to join the Centre for Performance Science on a fixed-term (9 month), part-time (0.4 FTE) basis. The role starts 1 October 2026 and requires a PhD (or equivalent) in performance science or related fields, with experience in coaching high-level performers and conducting empirical research.

You will communicate findings effectively and build professional relationships under pressure.

Qualifications

• PhD (or equivalent) in performance science, psychology, education, pedagogy, or related discipline.
• Experience coaching or teaching performance at a high level.
• Experience designing, conducing, and analysing qualitative and quantitative research.
• Excellent written and spoken communication, public presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct performance science research projects within the Centre for Performance Science.
• Support and contribute to high-level coaching/teaching programmes in performance.
• Collaborate with researchers and stakeholders to disseminate findings.

Skills

Performance coaching

Qualitative research

Quantitative research

Public speaking

Education

PhD (or equivalent)

Job description

Founded in 1882, The Royal College of Music (RCM) is a world leading music conservatoire with a prestigious history and contemporary outlook. Our excellence was recognised by the 2026 QS World University Rankings, in which we were ranked as the No. 1 institution in the UK and Europe, and second globally, for both Music and Performing Arts. The College has held global first and second positions in Performing Arts for five successive years, while Music is a new subject introduced to the rankings in 2024.

To help expand our distinctive work in science-based executive performance training, the Royal College of Music is seeking to engage an Innovation Associate to join its Centre for Performance Science. We are looking for candidates with the following attributes:
• You should have or be about to complete a PhD (or equivalent) in performance science, psychology, education, pedagogy, or a related discipline focusing on theories and practices underpinning expert performance.
• You should have experience coaching or teaching performance at a high level.
• You should have experience in designing, conducing, and analysing qualitative and/or quantitative empirical research.
• You should have excellent skills in spoken and written communication, public presentation, building and maintaining professional relationships, and performing in high pressure settings.

This post is offered on a fixed-term (9 month), part-time (0.4 FTE) basis and is available from 1 October 2026.

Job reference number: 500-26
Closing date: 9am Monday 14 September 2026
Interview date: Monday 21 September 2026

Contact details

[e-mail]
0207 591 4855 & 0207 591 4782
Prince Consort Road
London
SW7 2BS

Related information

• Download 500 26 Innovation Associate Applicant Information Pack

The next ABO conference will take place in Birmingham from 3-5 February 2027 .