Research AssociateTechnologist in Residence: Ecological Citizens (0.2fte, fixed term until 1.1.27)

Fixed term until 1 January 2027

The Royal College of Art is seeking a creative, strategically minded Technologist in Residence to join the Ecological Citizen(s) Network+ (EC) — a £3.3M Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council-funded initiative exploring how digital technologies can enable ecological citizenship and positive climate action in a sustainable, post-industrial society.

This is a unique 0.2 FTE opportunity for a designer–technologist to help shape the technological direction of a national, transdisciplinary research network. Working closely with the RCA core team and a growing network of funded projects and partners, you will act as the technological point of call across the programme — from concept development to implementation.  Based at Battersea, London with occasional travel to project partners (York and Wrexham).  The role is 4 days a month, with flexibility required to fit around the project(s), needs and requirements. Where possible (working with the candidate) the Ecological Citizen(s) team would like to cluster those days together.

About the Role

You will support three core strands of activity:

1. The EC team’s own design-led research
2. The growth and development of the Ecological Citizen(s) Network+
3. A portfolio of 29 externally funded projects supported through EC funding calls

Your work may span physical computing, human–computer interaction, software and hardware development, machine learning, public interest technologies, digital literacy, sensors, networks, or other EPSRC-relevant technologies. One week you might prototype a low-cost data collection tool; the next you may host a drop-in session advising funded teams on ethical data practices or strategic technology choices.

We are particularly interested in candidates who can think creatively and critically about appropriate technologies — imagining low-cost, accessible, environmentally responsible interventions that empower individuals, communities and organisations to participate in ecological citizenship.

What We’re Looking For

You will be:

• A confident technologist or designer with strong coding and digital skills
• Comfortable working independently and collaboratively across disciplines
• Experienced in ethically deploying prototypes, projects or interventions
• Able to translate complex technological ideas for diverse audiences
• Organised, adaptable and calm under competing priorities
• Motivated by sustainability, inclusion and the role of technology in shaping preferable futures

An understanding of research-funded projects, digital ethics, data protection and environmental impacts of technology will be valuable. Experience running workshops, supporting community-led tech initiatives, or developing accessible learning resources is welcomed.

Why Join Us?

Ecological and climate challenges demand new forms of digital responsibility and collective agency. EC is building the conditions for change — empowering communities, catalysing new partnerships and sparking innovative research at the intersection of design, technology and sustainability.

This is an opportunity to play a strategic, creative role in shaping how technology can serve ecological futures — within a collaborative, design-led research environment at one of the world’s leading art and design institutions.

If you are an experimental, thoughtful technologist who wants your work to contribute to a sustainable digital society, we would love to hear from you.

Closing for applications:  11.59pm 10th April 2026

Interviews are likely to be held on the afternoon of 22nd April 2026

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