Research Associate, Royal College of Art

Review: Research Associate, CirculAI Fashion at the Royal College of Art

The Royal College of Art, in collaboration with The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, presents a compelling opportunity for a part-time Research Associate to join the groundbreaking CirculAI Fashion project. This initiative, a significant part of the InnoHK funded AI-Design Lab (AiDLab), is at the forefront of addressing the urgent need for sustainability within the global fashion industry. If you are passionate about merging cutting-edge artificial intelligence with design innovation to drive positive environmental change, this role warrants your close attention.

Advantages for Potential Candidates:

• Impactful Research: This role offers the chance to contribute to a high-impact research project directly aimed at reducing the environmental footprint of the fashion industry. You will be instrumental in developing an AI tool that empowers design teams to make more sustainable decisions and champions the transition to circular fashion systems.
• World-Class Collaboration: You will be part of a major collaboration between two leading institutions, the Royal College of Art and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, under the umbrella of AiDLab. This provides exposure to world-leading expertise in design, AI, and innovation.
• Skill Development: The position is rich with opportunities for professional growth. You will gain invaluable experience in reviewing state-of-the-art circular design guidelines, developing training frameworks for AI models, and conducting user-centered research.
• Industry Engagement: A key aspect of the role involves liaising with industry partners to collate datasets, offering practical exposure to real-world challenges and the application of research in practice.
• Academic & Industry Advancement: Your contributions will advance both academic understanding and industry practice, offering a unique blend of scholarly rigor and practical application.
• Part-Time Flexibility: The 0.5 FTE (17.5 hours per week) nature of the role provides a degree of flexibility, potentially allowing for the continuation of other professional development or personal commitments.
• Prestigious Institution: Working at the Royal College of Art places you within a globally renowned centre for art and design education and research.

Key Considerations for Your Career Path:

• Academic Foundation: The role requires a strong academic background, ideally an MA or MRes in a related field such as fashion or textile design, textile engineering, supply chain management, or materials science. Candidates close to completing these qualifications will also be considered.
• Industry Experience is Key: Practical experience within industrial textile and fashion supply chains is essential. This demonstrates an understanding of the complexities and realities of the industry.
• Knowledge of Circularity: A solid grasp of circular design methods, materials, processes, and technologies is crucial. The success of this project hinges on this expertise.
• Research Acumen: Proficiency in qualitative and quantitative research methods, particularly for identifying user needs, is a core requirement. Familiarity with research ethics and user-centered processes is also paramount.
• Communication & Collaboration: Strong written and verbal communication, presentation skills, and a collaborative, proactive mindset are vital for effective teamwork and stakeholder engagement.
• Problem-Solving Aptitude: This role demands creativity, confidence, and a proactive approach to problem-solving, especially when navigating the challenges of AI development and sustainability implementation.
• Role Duration: The position is for a fixed term of 12 months, commencing in January 2026. Candidates should consider how this aligns with their long-term career aspirations.
• Location: The role is based in Battersea.

This Research Associate position offers a fantastic opportunity for individuals looking to make a tangible difference in the fashion industry through innovation and research. It is an excellent stepping stone for those aspiring to leadership roles in sustainable design, AI-driven innovation, or academic research within the fashion and textile sectors.