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 1 art & design university for a remarkable nine consecutive years, according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023 – the largest world-wide survey of academic and industry opinion.

Materials Science Research Centre

Research in the Materials Science Research Centre (MSRC) focuses on the invention and the experience of materials to address real world challenges, specifically environmental sustainability, and human health and wellbeing. Established in 2017, the Centre is part of the RCA’s ambition to increase interdisciplinary research, particularly bringing science subjects together with Art & Design (STEAM) to tackle global challenges. As the MSRC has evolved, it has developed partnerships with a wide range of academic and industry partners in the UK and across the world. The MSRC is developing a number of research areas, including AlteR Materials, HX Materials, and has a number of funded projects, including the UKRI Interdisciplinary Textiles Circularity Centre (TCC).

Purpose of the post

An administrator is required to assist with the efficient day-to-day operations for the Materials Science Research Centre (MSRC). The post will act as first point of contact for general queries to the Centre providing a broad range of high administrative support to the MSRC team, and tailored assistance to senior staff on research-related activity and development. They will assist in the planning, coordination, and organisation of the centre’s activities, including administering HR and finance processes, overseeing event delivery and professional posts to the MSRC social media and online platforms, and maintaining a supportive environment for all staff and students.

The ideal candidate will be highly motivated, have a passion for sustainability, be able to work in a self-directed manner and will have experience in administration, preferably from within a research or HE environment. You will be a member of the MSRC administrative team, being mutually supportive and covering duties as necessary during colleagues’ absences and at times of additional pressure, as directed. You will be able to confidently liaise with senior colleagues and work effectively across multiple projects and stakeholder groups at any given time.

This is a part time post, working 0.6fte, 21 hours per week on a fixed term contract for 18 months. The post holder will be expected to be on site 60% pro rata at our state-of-the-art facilities at Battersea.

Please see Information Pack for further details.

Applications will close at 11.59pm on 25th April 2023

Interviews will be held at Battersea (date TBC)