Postdoctoral Researcher in Art Practice at RCA London

About Position/Job

The Royal College of Art (RCA) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher (0.4 FTE, fixed-term) in the School of Arts & Humanities, working within the Department of Contemporary Art Practice. Based in London, this exciting role is part of the AHRC-funded project “Scoring Warnings”, led by Dr Aura Satz, which explores disaster preparedness through the lens of contemporary art, sound, and communication. The researcher will collaborate with leading institutions including UCL, GNDR, and UAL’s CRiSAP, engaging in exhibitions, workshops, and cross-sector projects. This position offers the chance to develop your own research profile in an international, interdisciplinary environment at the world’s top-ranked art and design university.

Position/Job Details

Position: Postdoctoral Researcher
Institution: Royal College of Art
Department: School of Arts & Humanities – Contemporary Art Practice
Research field: Contemporary Art Practice, Sound, Risk Communication
Location: Kensington & Battersea, London, United Kingdom
Number of posts: 1
Job Type: Part-time (0.4 FTE, 2 days/week), Fixed-term (until 31 August 2028)
Start Date (Anticipated): Autumn 2025
Working Hours: Part-time (2 days per week)
Salary Range: £44,693 – £48,269 per annum (Grade 7, pro rata)
Required Degree/Diploma: PhD

Research Area

Contemporary Art and Sound Studies
Disaster Preparedness and Risk Communication
Cultural and Media Studies
Interdisciplinary Artistic Practice
Participatory and Practice-based Research

Eligibility & Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

PhD (or near completion) in sound studies, film, contemporary art, media/communication, cultural studies, participatory practice, or disaster/risk studies
Proven interest in interdisciplinary approaches connecting art, sound, and socio-political issues
Research track record, ideally including practice-based methods
Strong project management and organisational skills
Excellent written, oral, and presentation skills
Experience with digital/social media content

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience in curating, NGO collaboration, or cross-sector projects
Evidence of addressing access/aural diversity in artistic contexts
Professional background in related fields such as exhibitions or participatory workshops

Key Responsibilities

Conduct rigorous research including literature reviews, interviews, and workshops
Support delivery of exhibitions, screenings, and events with project partners
Contribute to project documentation, online presence, and digital archives
Write reports, prepare academic outputs, and disseminate findings to diverse audiences
Collaborate with an international, interdisciplinary team across higher education and civil society
Ensure ethical research practices and data management

Application Process

How to Apply:

Applications must be submitted online via the Royal College of Art recruitment portal. Applicants must upload a CV and a Supporting Statement addressing the selection criteria.

Required Documents: