Tutor (Research) Jewellery and Metal

Something Curated; London; On-site; GBP 54,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent institution in London is seeking a Tutor (Research) in the Jewellery and Metal programme, responsible for driving research and teaching at a postgraduate level. The role requires extensive knowledge of material-led practices, commitment to high-quality education, and the ability to collaborate effectively. Candidates should hold a postgraduate degree and demonstrate a significant contribution to applied arts, ensuring innovative delivery methods and active involvement in curriculum development.

Benefits

30 days annual leave

Contributory pension scheme

Interest-free season ticket loan

Qualifications

• A first degree in a relevant specialism and a postgraduate degree.
• Commitment to high-quality teaching and fostering a positive, inclusive learning environment for students.
• Evidence of the ability to supervise academic work at Master’s level.

Responsibilities

• Undertaking research at 3* and 4* level within the Applied Art disciplines.
• Contributing to curriculum development and supporting the creation of new pedagogical approaches.
• Providing academic support to students, including regular feedback and assessment.

Skills

Teaching

Research

Collaboration

Education

Postgraduate degree

Job description

The Jewellery and Metal MA (JaM) sits alongside the Ceramics and Glass MA as part of the Applied Art programmes situated within the School of Arts and Humanities. The two programmes are driven by a material-led approach to research and practice. Applied Art disciplines are always at the convergence of things. Whether that’s the cusp of art/design, material/immaterial, digital/analogue, Applied Art approaches require multidirectional attention and thoughtful and considered interactions with materials and materiality.

The programme emphasises a critical and reflexive approach to postgraduate study and to material- led, practice-based research. The programme philosophy seeks to unpick the relationship between people and things, pushing beyond the subject-object binary and JaM students explore the multiple ways we are entrapped and enthralled by the complex entanglement of the material and immaterial worlds. Through the emergent acts of making, JaM believes we can shed new light on these complex and essential relationships, revealing great depths in our understanding of, and being in, the world.

As applied artists, we engage with the making process as an essential way of materialising ideas, thoughts, feelings, offering a space for innovative and radical new ways of approaching jewellery, objects, and metal. We are responsive to the rapidly changing social and cultural landscape, drawing on history and technology in nurturing intellectual and creative skills directed at understanding and pushing forward jewellery and objects of human making. The rich and extensive bodies of knowledge associated with jewellery and metal object-making underpin an approach that is outward-looking and open to the wider discourse of “things” connected to contemporary life.

Purpose of the post:

We are seeking a practitioner and researcher with extensive knowledge of materiel-led, practices and a wide grasp of the critical theories and philosophies that support innovation within the disciplines of jewellery and metal and more widely the territories of applied art.

Applicants should be able to evidence a significant contribution to the field through their practice and research. The candidate should be able to evidence diverse, experimental and expansive approaches to the development of applied art practices and theories and be able to demonstrate an invested interest in teaching and pedagogy at postgraduate level. They will evidence the ability and enthusiasm for working collaboratively with colleagues in a team-based programme. They will be expected to take an active role in the development of the curriculum and develop innovative, research-informed, new modes of delivery.

The successful candidate will be expected to utilise their own expertise as a researcher/practitioner through the delivering of lectures, workshops, seminars and crits and where appropriate in put into and deliver cross-school (Urgency of the Arts) and cross-college (AcrossRCA) other programmes units and programmes in the School and the new College wide unit ‘Across RCA’. Their research will be expected to operate at a high level, consistently producing research outputs of at least 3* REF quality to enable submission to the REF. They will also be expected to pursue funding opportunities for their research and where possible, involve colleagues in collaborative projects contributing to the rich research culture and environment of the School.

The post holder will be expected to undertake administration around their teaching as required by the established structures and systems within the programme and across the School. The successful candidate will seek to promote the Programme, the College and its staff and students, acting as a positive advocate for the Royal College of Art.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

In this context, the role will include the following:

• Undertaking research at 3* and 4* level within the Applied Art disciplines, and the ability to plan and deliver 5-year research plans while working within the research structures and appropriate research clusters of the School of Arts and Humanities (SoAH).
• Establishing themselves as an active participant in the SoAH Material Engagements Research Cluster.
• Contributing to discussions on curriculum development, including planning and supporting the creation of new pedagogical approaches and delivery methods across pre-sessional (pre-MA), MFA, MA, PGR, Executive Education, and micro-credential programmes, as well as contributing to the development and exploration of hybrid and blended modes of teaching.
• Supervising, supporting, and responding to the work of MA and PhD students through lectures, workshops, seminars, and critiques informed by and contributing to ongoing research.
• Undertaking administrative responsibilities related to teaching, in accordance with the established structures across the School.
• Learning & teaching
• Provide academic, pastoral and technical (as appropriate) tutorial support to students, including regular one-to-one meetings as agreed
• Provide regular feedback to students to help them develop their skills and improve the quality of their work
• Participate in the assessment of student work, including through participation in the assessment board as required, ensuring a rigorous and fair assessment of the work
• If directed by the head of programme, lead a designated high-quality project, ensuring delivery on time and on budget
• Contribute to, and where appropriate lead on cross-college, cross- school and cross-disciplinary teaching and research activities as appropriate
• Keep abreast of innovation and best practice in learning and teaching in own subject
• Continually update own knowledge and understanding in academic specialism Supervise research students (MPhil or PhD as appropriate)
• Contribute to teaching, delivering high quality teaching content that meets the needs of individual students
• Actively engage in broader educational issues, such as external examining and attending conferences
• Contribute to curriculum design and supporting material to help ensure high quality academic content and innovation in learning and teaching, and assessment

Research

• Disseminate research findings through appropriate channels, in line with the College’s overall strategy.
• Maintain and annually review a five-year individual research plan.
• Develop and pursue research interests aligned with the strategic direction of the College and School, in consultation with the Head of Programme and the Dean.
• Define relevant research objectives and prepare tailored proposals for appropriate audiences. Consistently produce research outputs of at least 3* REF quality to support REF submission.
• Ensure that research contributes meaningfully to the overall standing and reputation of the School.
• Conduct and lead individual research projects, building a coherent programme of research that supports the College’s reputation and contributes to School research funding targets.
• Academic Management, Administration & Citizenship
• Participate in student recruitment, including assessing student ability and potential to inform decision-making.
• Promote the College to prospective students through speaking engagements, attendance at promotional events, and other relevant activities.
• Lead field trips in accordance with programme requirements, enhancing student learning and ensuring pedagogic value.
• Undertake risk assessments where necessary, complying with relevant policies and procedures to ensure the safety of students and colleagues.
• Contribute to College committees as appropriate, supporting effective governance and decision- making.
• Knowledge Transfer & Executive Education
• Contribute to funding proposals and manage any individual grants awarded, ensuring delivery against agreed objectives.
• Seek to develop industry links within your area of specialism to enhance the visibility of the College and create opportunities for students.

Skills, Knowledge and Experience Essential

• A first degree in a relevant specialism and a postgraduate degree.
• Commitment to high-quality teaching and fostering a positive, inclusive learning environment for students.
• Demonstrated commitment to equality of opportunity and the ability to work harmoniously with colleagues and students from diverse cultures and backgrounds.
• Evidence of the ability to supervise academic work at Master’s level.
• Commitment to continuous professional development.
• Evidence of, or clear potential to produce, research outputs of at least 3* REF quality, aligned with the strategic direction of the College.
• A postgraduate certificate (PGCert) in Higher Education and/or accredited Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (HEA), or a willingness to undertake the appropriate training to achieve this within two years of appointment.

Desirable

• Experience in devising and delivering courses, including setting and assessing written work, at undergraduate or postgraduate level.
• A doctorate in a relevant field, or equivalent evidence of professional practice or academic achievement.
• For those supervising research students: completion of research supervision training, or willingness to undertake and complete appropriate training within two years of appointment.

Additional Information:

• Salary working 5 days per week: from £54,263 per annum pro rata inclusive of London Allowance.
• 30 days annual leave plus extended breaks at Christmas and Easter pro-rata for part-time staff
• A contributory defined benefit pension scheme and interest-free season ticket loan are available
• The successful candidate will be required to work at Kensington/Battersea Campus as well as across the RCA’s other London sites (White City) as necessary and reasonably requested.
• Grade: 9

Post: Tutor (Research)

School: Arts & Humanities

Programme: Jewellery and Metal

Grade: 9

Responsible to: Head of Programme

FTE: 0.8

Tenure: Permanent

Pension

The Royal College of Art is a member of the Superannuation Arrangements of the University of London (SAUL) which is a contributory defined benefit pension scheme. The college will contribute a sum equal to 16% of your salary while you pay 6%.

Holiday

30 days paid leave a year plus bank and public holidays normally observed in England and Wales. In addition, the college is normally closed for six days a year, one day on either side of Easter and the remainder between Christmas and New Year. Part-time staff will be entitled to the pro rata equivalent.

Season ticket loans

Interest-free loans are available for staff to purchase annual season tickets.

Enhanced maternity and adoption pay

Qualifying employees are entitled to enhanced maternity/adoption pay: 26 weeks’ full pay, 13 weeks Statutory Maternity/Adoption Pay. This compares to the statutory provision of 90% of average pay for 6 weeks followed by Statutory Maternity/Adoption Pay for 33 weeks.

Enhanced paternity pay

Qualifying employees are entitled to six weeks’ paternity leave entitlement at full pay.

Enhanced sick pay

Occupational sick pay after three months’ service is three months full pay/three months half pay.

24/7 confidential support

Staff and family members in their household have access to a free, external confidential support service for work, financial, legal, family and personal problems 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Occupational health

Occupational Health support for the College is provided by Imperial College’s occupational health service at their South Kensington Campus.

Life Cover

Active members of the SAUL pension scheme automatically receive life cover. A lump sum of four times your salary together with a refund of your contributions and a 2/3 pension for your dependent/spouse is payable should you die whilst in employment.

Library

All staff are welcome to join the college library.

Events

All staff are welcome to attend exhibitions, lectures and private views held by academic schools and programmes.