Postdoctoral Research Associate

ROYAL COLLEGE OF ART; Greater London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading art education institution in Greater London seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate with a PhD in Architecture or Visual Cultures. This part-time role (0.2 FTE) focuses on environmental or forensic architecture, leveraging game-engine technologies for digital visualizations. Responsibilities include developing 3D environments, managing project communications, and contributing to academic publications. The ideal candidate will have advanced skills in Unreal Engine and GIS tools, experience in collaborative research, and the ability to work with Indigenous Peoples. Remote work options are available, especially for researchers balancing this role with other commitments.

Qualifications

• PhD in Architecture or Visual Cultures or late-stage doctoral candidate.
• Experience in transdisciplinary research.
• Advanced skills in game-engine software.

Responsibilities

• Prepare digital, cartographic and visual materials for collaborative workshops.
• Develop 3D Digital Environments using game-engine software.
• Assist with public events, including an international symposium.

Skills

Experience in transdisciplinary research

Advanced skills in Unreal Engine, Blender or similar

Advanced GIS skills (ArcGIS/QGIS)

Fluency in English

Experience working collaboratively with Traditional and/or Indigenous Peoples

Education

PhD in Architecture or Visual Cultures

Tools

Unreal Engine

Blender

ArcGIS

QGIS

Job description

Overview

Postdoctoral Research Associate (0.2 FTE, 7 hours per week)

Fixed-term until January 2027

Start date: ASAP (preferred 1 March 2026)

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.

Role and Responsibilities

The post holder will support the research and innovation activities of the project, including:

• 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.

Essential Criteria

• 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

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.