Senior Postdoctoral Researcher (1fte, FTC) School of Architecture

Royal College of Art; Greater London; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

The Royal College of Art invites applications from researchers to contribute to the development of a new urban design programme at Riyadh University of Arts (RUA), Saudi Arabia's flagship arts university.

The role focuses on applied research and curriculum development, examining urbanisation and contemporary urban design practice, and engaging with academics, policymakers and cultural institutions to ground the programme in local knowledge and regional contexts.

Qualifications

• Strong research profile in architecture and urbanism, with regional knowledge of Saudi Arabia and the Wider region.
• Experience in higher education teaching or curriculum development is advantageous.
• Experience publishing academic work is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to development of a new urban design programme at RUA.
• Lead applied research and curriculum development for the project.
• Engage with academics, policymakers and cultural institutions to ground the programme in local knowledge.

Skills

Research proficiency

Curriculum development

Analytical skills

Synthesis skills

Academic publishing

Education

PhD or equivalent research experience

Job description

The Royal College of Art is looking for a researcher to contribute to the development of a new urban design programme at Riyadh University of Arts (RUA), Saudi Arabia's new flagship university for arts, design, and creative education.

The researcher will participate in an applied research and curriculum development project examining urbanisation, contemporary urban design practice, and the discourses informing architecture and planning in Saudi Arabia.

The researcher will work with, amongst others, academics, policymakers and cultural institutions, ensuring that the programme is informed by local knowledge, expertise, and practice.

We are looking for someone with a strong research profile and established knowledge of the architecture and urbanism of Saudi Arabia and the wider region, including their social, cultural, environmental, and institutional contexts. Candidates should have a PhD or comparable research experience in practice, as well as strong analytical and synthesis skills. Experience of higher education teaching, curriculum development, academic publishing would be an advantage.

This is an exciting and unique opportunity to help establish new approaches to urban design pedagogy and research at a major new institution with the ambition to lead design and arts practice in the region and beyond.

Please see Information pack for further details.

Closing for applications: 11.59pm on Sunday 25 October 2026