SMART Partnership Associate (Design and Sustainable Fabrication)

To help achieve the goals of our Welsh Government funded SMART Partnership project, we’re looking for a Research Associate to support an exciting collaboration between Cardiff Metropolitan University and Wastesavers Charitable Trust Ltd. This role will play a key part in driving market development for Wastesavers through upcycling, skill sharing and networking within the circular economy.

Your work will, combine practical design skills, community engagement / facilitation and documentation / reporting, alongside building an effective digital media presence for the project. 

The role will be based at Wastesavers (primary Newport and also across South Wales), and Cardiff Met Llandaff campus.

You’ll lead the way by:

• Supporting the business and research project through design and fabrication, for the circular economy in consultation with the Principal Investigator.
• Conducting individual and collaborative research activities including workshops with Wastesavers staff and volunteers, network meetings, and practical design work.
• Developing and applying design research techniques under supervision and self-directed, using both traditional and digital tools.
• Using initiative and creativity to solve problems and deliver practical and business outcomes that support a sustainable business model.
• Presenting research progress and outcomes to project stakeholders and contributing to reports, publications, and dissemination activities.

What you’ll bring

With superb organisational skills and a passion for sustainable design, you’ll bring creativity and analytical thinking to a project that combines research, innovation, and real-world impact. Your ability to apply both traditional and digital design techniques will enable you to develop practical solutions, while your strong research skills will help shape a sustainable retail model for the circular economy.

Additionally, you’ll:

• Apply your knowledge of research methods and sustainable fabrication to deliver impactful outcomes.
• Use initiative and problem-solving skills to identify opportunities for market innovation.
• Communicate complex ideas clearly through reports, presentations, and workshops.
• Demonstrate proficiency in IT tools, including Microsoft Office, Adobe CC, CAD/CAM software, and digital media platforms.
• Show evidence of design-led commercial and/or research projects.
• Be willing to travel between campuses and company sites to ensure project success.

Why join Cardiff Metropolitan University?
We offer excellent benefits such as:

• 20 days plus bank holidays, qualifying for an additional day per year for each year served (up to a max of 5 days). There are also two corporate volunteer days available, plus one day leave for the employee’s birthday.
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme with generous monthly contributions.
• Excellent family friendly policies – take a look on our Policy Hub page.
• Opportunities to learn and develop your skills with access to library and digital services facilities.
• Excellent sports and fitness facilities with subsidised membership.
• Free family access to our independent specialist wellbeing support provider, Health Assured.

Contact us

For more information about the role please contact Jon Pigott on jpigott@cardiffmet.ac.uk

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