SMART Partnership Associate (Design and Sustainable Fabrication)

Cardiff Metropolitan University; Newport; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A higher education institution in Newport is seeking a Research Associate to support a project focused on sustainable design and market development. The ideal candidate will engage in research, community facilitation, and practical design work, contributing to the circular economy initiatives alongside Wastesavers. This role offers opportunities for professional growth and collaboration across South Wales.

Benefits

20 days plus bank holidays

Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme

Excellent family friendly policies

Access to learning and development opportunities

Excellent sports and fitness facilities

Free family access to wellbeing support

Qualifications

• Superb organizational skills and a passion for sustainable design.
• Ability to apply both traditional and digital design techniques.
• Strong research skills to shape a sustainable retail model.

Responsibilities

• Support business and research project through design and fabrication.
• Conduct individual and collaborative research activities.
• Develop and apply design research techniques.
• Present research progress and contribute to publications.

Skills

Organizational skills

Creativity

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Design techniques

Proficiency in IT tools

Tools

Microsoft Office

Adobe CC

CAD/CAM software

Digital media platforms

Job description

To help achieve the goals of our Welsh Government funded SMART Partnership project, we’re looking for a Research Associate to support an exciting collaboration between Cardiff Metropolitan University and Wastesavers Charitable Trust Ltd. This role will play a key part in driving market development for Wastesavers through upcycling, skill sharing and networking within the circular economy.

Your work will combine practical design skills, community engagement / facilitation and documentation / reporting, alongside building an effective digital media presence for the project.

The role will be based at Wastesavers (primary Newport and also across South Wales), and Cardiff Met Llandaff campus.

Responsibilities

• Supporting the business and research project through design and fabrication, for the circular economy in consultation with the Principal Investigator.
• Conducting individual and collaborative research activities including workshops with Wastesavers staff and volunteers, network meetings, and practical design work.
• Developing and applying design research techniques under supervision and self‑directed, using both traditional and digital tools.
• Using initiative and creativity to solve problems and deliver practical and business outcomes that support a sustainable business model.
• Presenting research progress and outcomes to project stakeholders and contributing to reports, publications, and dissemination activities.

What you’ll bring

With superb organisational skills and a passion for sustainable design, you’ll bring creativity and analytical thinking to a project that combines research, innovation, and real‑world impact. Your ability to apply both traditional and digital design techniques will enable you to develop practical solutions, while your strong research skills will help shape a sustainable retail model for the circular economy.

Additionally, you’ll:

• Apply your knowledge of research methods and sustainable fabrication to deliver impactful outcomes.
• Use initiative and problem‑solving skills to identify opportunities for market innovation.
• Communicate complex ideas clearly through reports, presentations, and workshops.
• Demonstrate proficiency in IT tools, including Microsoft Office, Adobe CC, CAD/CAM software, and digital media platforms.
• Show evidence of design‑led commercial and/or research projects.
• Be willing to travel between campuses and company sites to ensure project success.

Why join Cardiff Metropolitan University?

We are a values‑based University. We are proud of our culture, and we are there for our people. Our community spirit is the golden thread that underpins our values and behaviours. We support and embrace inclusion that enables everyone to feel respected and able to perform at their best. By joining our University, you'll find yourself in a unique environment where a wealth of knowledge and resources are readily available, supporting you with your career development.

Benefits

• 20 days plus bank holidays, qualifying for an additional day per year for each year served (up to a max of 5 days). There are also two corporate volunteer days available, plus one day leave for the employee’s birthday.
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme with generous monthly contributions.
• Excellent family friendly policies – take a look on our Policy Hub page.
• Opportunities to learn and develop your skills with access to library and digital services facilities.
• Excellent sports and fitness facilities with subsidised membership.
• Free family access to our independent specialist wellbeing support provider, Health Assured.

Contact us

For more information about the role please contact Jon Pigott on [e-mail], or feel free to contact Aleksandra Janusiewicz, the Recruitment Advisor supporting this vacancy on [e-mail].

All applications must be submitted online.

The person specification will be used as a tool for shortlisting; so please make sure you use this information when writing your application. You can find useful hints and tips about how to apply by visiting our Application Guidance page.

If you would like to discuss your advert with a member of the recruitment team please contact [e-mail] for guidance and support.