Director of the Helen Hamlyn Centre for Design

The Royal College of Art (RCA) is the world’s most influential university of art and design, founded in 1837. As the largest community of postgraduate-only art and design students globally, RCA has held the title of the world’s number one art & design university for an unprecedented eleven consecutive years (QS World Subject Rankings 2015–24).

Under the leadership of our new President & Vice-Chancellor, Professor Christoph Lindner, we are pursuing an ambitious strategic vision for 2030. This vision centers on generating new knowledge from research, enhancing teaching excellence, and translating this knowledge to create societal, economic, and cultural benefits through partnerships across the UK and internationally.

At RCA, our research addresses global challenges, including climate change, the circular economy, healthy ageing, and the future of AI. The Helen Hamlyn Centre for Design (HHCD), established over 30 years ago, remains the RCA's longest-running research centre, focusing on inclusive design for an ageing population. The HHCD examines inclusive design through healthcare, age, and ability, working with partners ranging from the NHS to insurance companies.

In this context, the RCA seeks to appoint a new Director for the Helen Hamlyn Centre for Design. This key role will report to the Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research & Innovation and will provide leadership and vision to ensure the Centre remains the world’s leading research hub for inclusive design.

The ideal candidate will have:

• A proven track record in inclusive design, research leadership, and grant capture.
• An academic profile at reader, associate professor, or professorial level, with an internationally recognized research focus aligned with the Centre’s goals.
• A vision to enhance research capacity and support collaboration across the Centre.

How to Apply

The Royal College of Art is supported by Perrett Laver in this search.

For inquiries, please contact Arshya Dayal at arshya.dayal@perrettlaver.com or
+44 (0)20 3928 7392.

To apply, please submit your CV and a covering letter addressing the competencies outlined in the role description. Visit https://candidates.perrettlaver.com/vacancies quoting reference number 7848.

Deadline: 9:00 BST, Tuesday 27th May 2025.

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The RCA is committed to creating an inclusive environment, and we encourage applications from all qualified individuals.

Further details: Information Pack 

RCA Benefits available here: 

https://www.rca.ac.uk/more/work-at-the-rca/staff-benefits/

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.

Please tell us if you need any assistance in applying or if you need the information in a different format.

In your message to resourcing@rca.ac.uk include:

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