Research Associate in Sustainable Design for Electronic Textiles

Location: South Kensington campus

About the role:

Are you passionate about designing the future of sustainable technology?

We are seeking a researcher to investigate the sustainability of emerging e-textiles and develop innovative tools to help designers, engineers, and manufacturers make better decisions. Working at the heart of a major EU project, you’ll turn scientific insight into practical guidance - collaborating with world-leading scientists, engineers, and designers to embed sustainability from the very first thought.

What you would be doing:

You will play a central role in the EU-funded STELEC project (stelec.eu), which is developing the next generation of textile-based electronics for applications ranging from sensing and data processing to AI. Your mission will be to ensure these products are conceived, designed, and developed with sustainability at their core.

You will work across disciplines - bridging the gap between creative design and technical engineering - to understand the environmental and social impacts of e-textiles. You’ll gather and analyse data, map out full life cycles, and identify opportunities for improvement. Your findings will inform practical tools and resources that help others make better design decisions, whether they are building prototypes in the lab or designing garments in the studio.

Your work will influence not only the STELEC project, but will help others trying to incorporate sustainability at very early stages of technology development, and will push forwards the global conversation about how wearable technology can be part of a cleaner, fairer future.

What we are looking for:

We welcome applications from a wide range of backgrounds such as design, engineering, business, environmental science, or related fields. You don’t need to tick every box to apply – but above all you’ll be curious, collaborative, and ready to work across disciplines to make a tangible difference.

You will bring many of the following:

• The ability to create compelling visual communication materials - such as maps, diagrams, and data visualisations.
• Skills in working across disciplines to connect technical, creative, and environmental perspectives.
• Understanding of sustainable design principles - such as life cycle mapping and social and environmental analysis (experience with Life Cycle Assessment is desirable but not essential).
• Confidence in prototyping ideas and testing them with others - for example, through workshops or user trials.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to translate complex information into clear, actionable guidance.

We believe innovation is stronger when it draws on diverse perspectives. We particularly welcome applications from women and other groups underrepresented in STEM, and we are committed to creating an environment where everyone can thrive.

What we can offer you:

• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity.
• Grow your career: gain access to Imperial’s sector-leading dedicated career support for researchers as well as opportunities for promotion and progression.
• Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 41 days off a year and generous pension schemes).
• Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing.

Further Information

This is a full-time post (35 hours per week).

This role is for a fixed-term contract for 24 months (2 years) to start in early 2026 (no later than March).

If you require any further details about the role, please contact:

Leila Sheldrick l.sheldrick@imperial.ac.uk

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