Senior Research Assistant in Weaving/3D Weaving

Opportunita; Newcastle upon Tyne; Remote; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent pension schemes

Flexible working

Generous holiday entitlement

Job summary

Northumbria University is seeking a Senior Research Assistant in Weaving and 3D Weaving to support a UKRI-funded project in the Fashion Engineering Lab. The role is fixed-term for up to nine months, based in Newcastle, and offered at 0.6–1.0 FTE with potential extension depending on funding and performance.

You will bring Jacquard loom expertise, loom programming skills, and a strong knowledge of weave structure design. A textiles-related degree is required; a PhD is not necessary.

Qualifications

• Demonstrable knowledge of Jacquard loom operation, set-up and programming.
• Experience in weave structure design and related techniques.
• Desirable experience with 3D weaving design and prototyping.

Responsibilities

• Design weave structures and prepare loom files.
• Test 3D garment prototypes and evaluate performance.
• Contribute to project reports and publications.

Skills

Jacquard loom operation

Weave structure design

3D weaving design

Loom programming

TC2 digital loom

Education

Textiles/related discipline degree

Tools

TC2 loom

Job description

Senior Research Assistant in Weaving/3D Weaving

Northumbria University is seeking a Senior Research Assistant in Weaving and 3D Weaving to support a UKRI-funded project led by Dr. Yuyuan Shi within the Fashion Engineering Lab. Based in Newcastle, this fixed-term role lasts up to nine months until June 2027, working at 60% full-time equivalence with potential for extension based on performance and funding availability. The position requires demonstrable expertise in Jacquard loom operation, setup, programming, and familiarity with the TC2 digital loom, alongside strong knowledge of weave structure design. Applicants must hold a degree or equivalent experience in textiles, weaving, fashion, or related disciplines; a PhD is not required. Responsibilities include designing weave structures, preparing loom files, testing 3D garment prototypes, and contributing to research publications. Candidates should submit a CV, covering letter, and a portfolio of previous weaving work as a PDF under ten pages.

Project Description

ABOUT THE ROLE

Working as part of a multi-disciplinary team, you will support the Project Lead, Dr Yuyuan Shi, in the delivery of research activity on a UKRI funded project. You will bring your Jacquard loom expertise and your skill in weave structure design to the work, which includes weaving and testing 3D garment prototypes, designing weave structures, preparing loom files, and contributing to reports and publications.

This is a fixed-term post for up to 9 months, ending on 30 June 2027, at 0.6 / 1.0 FTE. There is potential for the contract to be extended, subject to performance and the availability of funding.

Applicants should hold a degree, or have equivalent professional experience, in textiles, weaving, fashion or textile design, or a related discipline. A PhD is not required. You will have demonstrable specialist knowledge of Jacquard loom operation, set-up, and programming, familiarity with the TC2 digital Jacquard loom, and sound knowledge of weave structure design. Experience of 3D weaving design is desirable. You will enjoy working collaboratively and will keep careful records of your work.

If you would like an informal discussion about the role, please contact Dr Yuyuan Shi: [e-mail]

ABOUT US

Join Northumbria University, a research-intensive institution unlocking potential and changing lives locally and globally. Named Times Higher Education's University of the Year in 2022 and Modern University of the Year in 2025, we rank top 25 in the UK for research power. Discover more about us.

With over 37,000 students from 140+ countries, we offer world-leading research, award-winning partnerships, and an outstanding student experience. We empower our exceptional staff, promoting a positive work-life balance and offering great benefits, including excellent pension schemes, flexible working, generous holiday entitlement and more.

• excellent pension schemes
• flexible working
• generous holiday entitlement
• more

Our Northumbria Values, co-created by our team, define who we are: Academic Excellence, Innovation, Inclusivity, Collaboration, and Ambition. Our Behaviours shape our work culture: We listen and learn, support one another, respect everyone, trust each other, and are bold.

Based in Newcastle upon Tyne and London, we are an on-campus organisation and offer flexible hours and location where the role allows. We pride ourselves on diversity and inclusivity, holding a Silver Athena Swan in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality, a bronze Race Equality Charter Award and we are a Disability Confident Leader. We also hold the HR Excellence in Research award for implementing the concordat supporting the career Development of Researchers and are members of the Euraxess initiative to deliver information and support to professional researchers. The University has implemented a range of flexible working arrangements, and we are happy to explore candidate requirements as part of the recruitment process.