Postdoctoral Research Associate

Postdoctoral Research Associate – AI-Design Lab

Full-time, fixed-term until 31 July 2027

The AI-Design Lab is a major international collaboration between The Royal College of Art (RCA) and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (HKPU), funded by Hong Kong’s InnoHK programme. Together, we are exploring how artificial intelligence and design can tackle some of the most pressing challenges of the 21st century across three research themes:

1. AI in Fashion Design

2. AI in Textile & Apparel Quality Control

3. AI in Ergonomic Design

The RCA will lead three projects across these themes, working with researchers from both institutions and industry partners.

About the Project

You will join FabricFlow – an innovative AI-powered ecosystem that revolutionises how fabrics are tracked and managed in the fashion industry. By combining advanced AI recognition with live inventory monitoring, FabricFlow addresses long-standing inefficiencies in supply chains caused by manual processes, disconnected data, and lack of transparency.

The Role

As a Postdoctoral Research Associate, you will contribute to both computational and applied aspects of the project, including fabric recognition, multimodal data integration, and AI-led supply chain analytics. You will produce high-quality research, collaborate with academic and industry partners, and help deliver impactful outcomes with commercial potential.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct rigorous, collaborative research aligned with project goals.
• Develop and apply deep learning models, particularly in computer vision, NLP, and multimodal systems.
• Publish in peer-reviewed journals and present at conferences.
• Contribute to funding proposals and manage awarded projects.
• Engage with sponsors, industry collaborators, and public audiences.
• Support teaching, workshops, and potentially supervise junior researchers.
• Uphold best practice in ethics, data management, and research governance.

About You

You will have (or be near completion of) a PhD in computer science, applied mathematics, machine learning, data science, or a related field, with expertise in AI or data-driven systems. Essential skills include:

• Proven experience in deep learning, using frameworks such as PyTorch or TensorFlow.
• Strong programming skills in Python and/or C++.
• A track record of high-quality research outputs.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills.
• Flexibility and creativity in approaching complex challenges.

Desirable

• Experience in HE/industry collaborations.
• Peer-reviewed publications in machine learning, language modelling, computer vision, or applied AI.
• Familiarity with large, complex datasets and prototyping tools.
• Experience in successful grant writing.

Why Join Us?

This is a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of AI, design, and industry transformation within one of the world’s most prestigious art and design institutions. You will be part of a collaborative, forward-thinking team with the scope to make a tangible impact on global fashion and textile supply chains.

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