Postdoctoral Research Associate (0.4fte)

ROYAL COLLEGE OF ART; London; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading art and design institution in London seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate to advance AI capabilities in haute couture craftsmanship. The role involves conducting research, collaborating with partners in the UK and Hong Kong, and producing high-quality research outputs. The ideal candidate has a PhD in a relevant field, experience in textile processes and software development, and strong communication skills. Join us to contribute to pioneering work at the intersection of AI, design, and heritage craft.

Qualifications

• PhD or Master's with significant research experience required.
• Experience producing quality research outputs is essential.
• Desirable skills include full-stack development and collaborative project experience.

Responsibilities

• Conduct rigorous, collaborative research aligning with the project's aims.
• Work with academic and industry partners in the UK and Hong Kong.
• Produce high-quality outputs including conference papers, journal articles, and presentations.
• Contribute to exhibitions and stakeholder engagement.
• Support funding applications and project development.

Skills

Textile processes

Backend software development

Large language model engineering

Communication

Collaboration

Problem-solving

Education

PhD or equivalent in design research, textile engineering, or software development

Tools

Python

Job description

Postdoctoral Research Associate - AI Design Lab (Part-Time, 14 hours/week until 31 July 2027)

Royal College of Art, London

The Royal College of Art (RCA) invites applications for a talented and driven Postdoctoral Researcher to join the groundbreaking AI-Design Lab (AiDLab) - a major collaboration between the RCA and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (HKPU), funded by the InnoHK programme. This unique partnership explores how artificial intelligence and design can tackle the pressing challenges of the 21st century, combining world-class research with industry innovation.

About the AI-Design Lab

AiDLab brings together expertise from design, engineering, AI, and business to pioneer cutting-edge research across three core areas:

1. AI and 3D modelling for fit, customisation, and performance in clothing manufacture
2. AI and robotics for personalised healthcare, ageing, wellbeing, and transport systems
3. AI and machine learning to enhance efficiency, quality, and sustainability in fashion

The RCA leads three ambitious projects within these areas, working closely with HKPU colleagues and industry partners.

About the Role - Project ANTLER I

This role focuses on advancing AI capabilities in digitised haute couture craftsmanship, particularly embroidery. ANTLER I bridges traditional artistry with emerging digital technologies, preserving rare skills while enabling innovative applications in luxury fashion. The aim: to stabilise and evolve craftsmanship for tomorrow's couture practitioners through AI-driven digital archives and design tools.

As a Postdoctoral Researcher, you will:

• Conduct rigorous, collaborative research aligning with the project's aims
• Work with academic and industry partners in the UK and Hong Kong
• Produce high-quality outputs including conference papers, journal articles, and presentations
• Contribute to exhibitions and stakeholder engagement
• Support funding applications and project development

About You

We are seeking a researcher with:

• A PhD (or equivalent) in a relevant field such as design research, textile engineering, or software development - or a Master's with significant research experience
• Knowledge of textile processes, backend software development, and large language model engineering
• Experience producing quality research outputs
• Strong skills in communication, collaboration, and problem-solving

Desirable skills include:

• Expertise in LLM recommendation and language interfaces
• Full-stack development experience (front-end & back-end integration, database management)
• Proficiency in Python applications
• Experience in collaborative HE/industry projects

Why Join Us?

This is a rare opportunity to work at the intersection of AI, design, and heritage craft within a leading art and design institution. You will contribute to pioneering work with global impact, building networks across academia and industry, and shaping the future of fashion innovation.