Associate Lecturer -Innovation Design Engineering (IDE) (0.4FTE, Fixed term)

Associate Lecturer – Innovation Design Engineering

School: School of Design
Programme: Innovation Design Engineering (IDE)

The Royal College of Art (RCA) is the world’s leading university of art and design, driving innovation, creativity, and collaboration across disciplines. Within the School of Design, we engage with a broad spectrum of design – from industry-focused and collaborative projects in engineering and science, to experimental and theoretical practices that push the boundaries of knowledge and application.

We are seeking a highly motivated Associate Lecturer to join the Innovation Design Engineering (IDE) programme — a unique transdisciplinary collaboration between the RCA and Imperial College London. IDE develops a new generation of innovators who integrate design, engineering, science, and enterprise to tackle the complex challenges facing society and the planet.

About the Programme

IDE is about transformation — of individuals, practices, and impact. Our students learn to think critically and creatively, working across disciplines to create meaningful and sustainable change. The programme fosters collaboration, experimentation, and entrepreneurship, encouraging engagement with industry, research, and global innovation ecosystems. Our graduates go on to become world-leading designers, engineers, researchers, entrepreneurs, and changemakers.

The Role

As Associate Lecturer, you will contribute to the teaching and delivery of the IDE programme through lectures, workshops, tutorials, crits, and assessment. You will work closely with colleagues and students in a dynamic postgraduate environment, supporting the development of creative, analytical, and technically skilled innovators.

A particular focus of this post will be on the Regenerative Materials, Structures and Aesthetics unit – a foundational module that introduces students to sustainable materials, prototyping, and transdisciplinary making practices. We are especially interested in candidates with practical experience in making and prototyping techniques, materials, and tools, who can inspire students to adopt regenerative approaches and apply design-led thinking to global challenges.

You will also contribute to the wider life of the programme, including the organisation of exhibitions and events, and provide pastoral and academic support to students.

About You

You will have:

• A first degree (essential) and ideally a Master’s degree in a related design or engineering discipline.
• Demonstrated experience in innovation design practice and a passion for working across disciplines.
• Experience of teaching, tutoring or mentoring at postgraduate level, both in-person and online.
• Expertise in making and prototyping methods, with a strong understanding of design engineering-related methodologies.
• A commitment to fostering an inclusive, collaborative, and supportive learning environment.
• A commitment to equality, diversity, and continuous professional development.

What We Offer

At the RCA, you’ll be part of an internationally renowned community of artists, designers, engineers, and researchers dedicated to shaping the future through creativity and critical inquiry. You’ll contribute to one of the world’s most innovative design programmes, working alongside leading practitioners and educators in a stimulating and collaborative environment.

If you are passionate about design innovation, sustainability, and nurturing the next generation of creative leaders, we would love to hear from you.

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