Postdoctoral Research Associate

Royal College of Art; Greater London; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading UK art institution seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate with expertise in game-engine software and environmental architecture. This role involves developing digital environments and collaborating with communities across Norway, Portugal, and Brazil. Candidates should hold a PhD in Architecture or Visual Cultures and have experience in transdisciplinary research. This part-time position offers unique opportunities in a socially engaged research project focused on environmental justice and land relations.

Benefits

Inclusive working environment

Flexible working arrangements

Engagement in interdisciplinary research

Qualifications

• PhD or late-stage candidate in Architecture or Visual Cultures.
• Experience producing environment-focused digital environments.
• Experience working with Traditional and Indigenous Peoples.

Responsibilities

• Preparing digital materials for collaborative workshops.
• Developing 3D Digital Environments using game-engine software.
• Contributing to the production of a digital toolkit.

Skills

Game-engine software expertise

Digital spatial visualisation

Experience in transdisciplinary research

Fluency in English

Advanced GIS skills

Education

PhD in Architecture or Visual Cultures

Tools

Unreal Engine

Blender

ArcGIS/QGIS

Job description

Overview

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate with a background in environmental or forensic architecture and strong expertise in game-engine software and digital spatial visualisation to join Visualising Relations to Land of Traditional and Indigenous Peoples (VRL), a research project funded by the UK Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC). Working across Norway, Portugal and Brazil, the project brings together forensic architecture, sociology and geography in close collaboration with TIPs organisations affected by the expansion of large-scale renewable energy projects. Using game-engine technologies, VRL develops immersive digital environments that integrate oral histories, geolocated testimonies, historical images and artefacts to support evidence-based visualisation of land relations that can be meaningfully recognised in EIA consultation and participation stages.

Responsibilities

• Preparing digital, cartographic and visual materials for collaborative workshops
• Developing 3D Digital Environments using game-engine software
• Audio-visual documentation of workshops (recording, filming, transcription)
• Contributing to the production of a digital toolkit and position paper
• Managing the project website and supporting project communications
• Assisting with public events, including an international symposium
• The role offers opportunities to co-author academic publications and present research at international conferences, and involves research travel to Portugal, Norway and Brazil.

Qualifications

• PhD in Architecture or Visual Cultures (or late-stage doctoral candidate)
• Experience in transdisciplinary research
• Advanced skills in Unreal Engine, Blender or similar
• Advanced GIS skills (ArcGIS/QGIS)
• Experience producing environment-focused digital environments
• Experience working collaboratively with Traditional and/or Indigenous Peoples
• Fluency in English

Desirable Criteria

• Visual fieldwork documentation (film, photography, drone surveys)
• Workshop planning with non-academic participants
• Research ethics and data management experience
• Academic writing and publication experience
• Project communication and website management
• Fluency in Portuguese

Additional Information

We warmly encourage applications from Postdoctoral Researchers with interests in digital spatial practices, environmental justice, Indigenous and Traditional Peoples' land relations, and experimental visual methodologies. This post offers a unique opportunity to contribute to an internationally collaborative, socially engaged research project at the intersection of architecture, visual culture and environmental policy, while developing innovative digital tools with real-world impact. Researchers seeking a flexible, part-time role alongside other academic or professional commitments are particularly encouraged to apply.

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. Please tell us if you need any assistance in applying or if you need the information in a different format. In your message to [e-mail] include