Specialist Technical Instructor - Future Materials, Casting & Composites

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced, adaptable and highly motivated person  to provide specialist technical expertise, instruction, demonstration and support in, Mould Making, Sculpting, Casting and Composites at the Royal College of Art. The focus of the role is on art fabrication and product development with a forward thinking  approach to materials as part of a wider technical resource called the Future Materials Workshops.

You will serve as an expert instructor in moulding, casting, and art production, supporting students, staff, research projects, interworkshop collaboration as well as  assisting the Lead Technical Instructor in the operational management and ongoing development of the area. 

We are particularly interested in individuals who have a strong background in sculpting, moulding, casting and finishing wearable prosthetic appliances as this is an area we are looking to develop within the space.

Location 

The RCA Kensington Campus, beside the historic Royal Albert Hall and Kensington Gardens. 

The Workshop  

The Casting and Composites workshop consists of 3 distinct areas -  

Mould making, Casting and Materials (MCM) - A workshop for gypsum based media, selected silicones and alginate, as well as small scale construction. Activities such as painting, varnishing, carving and sanding are also supported.

The Silicones and Composites room  - A clean space for working with non hazardous, sensitive materials and  the preparation of mould forms and boxes prior to pouring moulding or casting materials.

Extracted Workshop - A fully extracted environment for using more hazardous composites and casting materials like epoxy and polyurethane resins, as well as pre-preg carbon fibre processes.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for someone who thrives in a fast paced environment and is passionate about problem solving through hands-on teaching and learning. The ideal candidate will have:

A strong background and technical expertise in prosthetics, sculpting, mould making, casting, silicones and resins, and composite materials, with a deep commitment to supporting experimental and practical work across a diverse range of materials and processes. 

Experience providing highly skilled technical assistance, guidance, demonstration and instruction for a wide variety of making processes to support complex and varied project development.

A commitment to high-quality outcomes for both staff and students and a passion for experimental work and collaborative learning.

Excellent organisational, time management and planning skills with the ability to prioritise as appropriate, especially in times of high demand. 

A keen interest in future facing making techniques that bring together a variety of materials, processes and equipment. 

What will the job involve?

As a Specialist Technical Instructor in Casting, Mould Making & Composites, you will offer hands-on technical support in  the  Future Materials: Casting and Composite workshops. You’ll work with and advise on a wide range of materials including but not exclusive to silicones, rubbers, resins, foams, jesmonite, gypsum and cementitious materials,  laminates, and pre preg composites. 

The role includes  planning and delivering demonstrations, advising students, researchers and staff with a wide range of experience and ability, and helping them solve creative and technical challenges. 

You will assist the Lead Technical Instructor in  maintaining  and developing the  workshop facilities, running,  maintaining and installing new equipment, creating learning resources, and ensuring the highest standards of health and safety and best practice among workshop users. 

In addition, you’ll support the department’s research and innovation by identifying new technologies and processes, contribute to teaching and learning projects, and assist with exhibitions and events. 

Further Information:

Founded in 1837, the Royal College of Art is the world’s largest community of postgraduate art and design students. It is also the oldest art and design university in continuous operation and has been ranked as the world's number one art and design university for a remarkable 11 consecutive years, according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025 – the worldwide survey of academic and industry opinion.

Please be aware that the questions within the application form are an important first step in the interview process. We ask you to take time to provide full, detailed responses as they will play a key role in determining whether you progress to the next stage.

We also request that you attach a portfolio of work or link to website outlining you experience. 

We acknowledge that AI can be a useful tool; however, these application questions have been selected to showcase the expertise and knowledge you will bring to the role. We value hearing your personal experience and ask that you to answer them in your own words to demonstrate your background in this technical field. 

Please see the Information Pack for further details of this exciting new role.  If you would like further details or an informal chat about the role, please contact Natalie Murphy - Technical Coordinator, Intelligent Manufacturing & Research Resourcing, via email: [email protected]. 

Closing for applications at 11.59pm on 2 February 2026

Interviews are likely to take place on 24 February 2026 with a tour should you wish on 23 February 2026

Closing Date: 02 Feb 2026

Programme/Department: Technical

Salary: £44,693 to £48,269 per annum