Specialist Technical Instructor, Physical Computing (0.4FTE, Fixed term until March 2027) Internal Vacancy for RCA Employees Only

Royal College of Art; Monmouth (OR); On-site; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

The Royal College of Art is seeking a Specialist Technical Instructor in Physical Computing for Battersea, London. This 0.4 FTE fixed-term role runs Sep 2026 to Mar 2027, aligned with the Technical Services team to advance physical computing and creative coding.

You will lead demonstrations, support equipment setup, and help students and staff solve technical challenges in wearable tech and related processes.

Qualifications

• Significant, highly skilled, specialist knowledge of physical computing and coding.
• Fluency in one or more established coding language (Python, Processing, C++)
• Significant knowledge and experience of Arduino, Raspberry Pi and soldering & micro-electronics.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• The ability to use initiative and work as part of a team.
• Excellent organisational, time management, planning and problem solving skills
• Excellent user focus and a flexible approach.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical instruction, support, advice and demonstrations in physical Computing, Creative Coding, Wearable Tech and related technical processes.
• Support the growth of Physical Computing and Creative Coding including the buying and setting up of new equipment and services.
• Continual learning as part of a dynamic team.
• Assist students and staff in problem solving and finding technical solutions.
• Maintain specialist equipment and safety and keep accurate records.
• Support College Teaching, Learning, Research activity that may require Physical Computing and Creative Coding as appropriate for the role.

Skills

Physical computing

Python

Processing

C++

Arduino

Raspberry Pi

Soldering

Micro-electronics

Teamwork

Tools

Arduino

Raspberry Pi

Soldering

Job description

Specialist Technical Instructor, Physical Computing (0.4FTE, Fixed term until March 2027) Internal Vacancy for RCA Employees Only

Date advertised

17 September 2026

22 September 2026

School/Area

Education & Student Success

Programme/Department

Technical Services

Required hours

Part Time

Site

Battersea, London, United Kingdom

0.4fte fixed term until March 2027

INTERNAL APPLICATIONS ONLY

Role: Specialist Technical Instructor in Physical Computing Salary: Grade 7

Duration: 7 months - Fixed Term Contract (Sep ‘26 - Mar ‘27)

Hours: 0.4 FTE

Location: London - Battersea Campus

We are looking for an experienced, adaptable, dynamic, highly motivated and outcome focused person to work with our technical support team at the Royal College of Art.

The day job as a Specialist Technical Instructor

• Provide technical instruction, support, advice and demonstrations in physical Computing, Creative Coding, Wearable Tech and related technical processes.
• Support the growth of Physical Computing and Creative Coding including the buying and setting up of new equipment and services.
• Continual learning as part of a dynamic team.
• Assist students and staff in problem solving and finding technical solutions.
• Maintain specialist equipment and safety and keep accurate records.
• Support College Teaching, Learning, Research activity that may require Physical Computing and Creative Coding as appropriate for the role.

What you will need to have

• Significant, highly skilled, specialist knowledge of physical computing and associated coding and programming processes including; fluency in one or more established coding language (Python, Processing, C++)
• Significant knowledge and experience of one or more of the following processes; Arduino, Raspberry Pi and soldering & micro-electronics.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• The ability to use initiative and work as part of a team.
• Excellent organisational, time management, planning and problem solving skills
• Excellent user focus and a flexible approach

Applications for expressions of interest will close on the 22nd Sept 2026.

The Recruitment Process

As part of your application you may be invited to an in-person interview or technical test.

The Royal College of Art is committed to creating an environment of mutual respect, where differences are valued and celebrated and where innovation, creativity and diversity can flourish.

We welcome and encourage applications from all members of the RCA community and recognise some may need additional support completing an application process, for example dyslexia. The Royal College of Art is also a committed member of the Two Ticks’ Positive About Disability Scheme.

If this application is not accessible to you and you wish to declare a learning difference or disability then you may request to submit an audio or video file, or speak to us about other ways in which we can support your application - [e-mail]

The Royal College of Art (RCA) aims to foster an inclusive culture which promotes equality, values diversity and maintains a working, learning and social environment in which the rights and dignity of all its staff and students and stakeholders are respected.

We recognise the broad range of experiences that a diverse staff and student body brings and how this strengthens our research and enhances our teaching. In order for RCA to remain a world-leading institution we are committed to promoting equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) principles throughout all of our processes, from application through to appointment.

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Royal College of Art, Kensington Gore, London SW7 2EU

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