Research Professor in Design Innovation

Research Professor in Design Innovation

Full-Time 60000 - 80000 € / year (est.) No home office possible
UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS LONDON

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead innovative research in Design Innovation and tackle real-world challenges.
  • Company: Join a globally recognised creative university with a focus on impactful design research.
  • Benefits: Flexible working arrangements, inclusive policies, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Collaborative environment that values diversity and encourages interdisciplinary partnerships.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of design while mentoring the next generation of researchers.
  • Qualifications: Proven track record in Design Innovation and experience in securing research funding.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.

This is an exciting opportunity for an established academic leader, working at the intersection of design, research and real-world innovation, to play a pivotal role in shaping the future research direction of the School of Design at University of the Arts London. The role offers the opportunity to lead and grow ambitious, internationally recognised research in Design Innovation across the University.

As Research Professor in Design Innovation, you will join a globally recognised creative university where design research is used to tackle real-world challenges and shape future thinking across disciplines. Working across Chelsea and Camberwell Colleges of Art, you will lead impactful interdisciplinary research, strengthen the School’s research culture and profile, and help drive collaboration across sectors including health, engineering and industry.

Alongside delivering world-leading research, you will secure major research funding, build strategic partnerships and support the development of PhD students and early career researchers.

About you

This is a role for a collaborative and influential research leader who is passionate about creating meaningful societal impact through design innovation. You will bring an internationally recognised profile in Design Innovation, with a strong track record of leading ambitious and impactful research within a higher education or comparable research environment. Comfortable working across disciplines and sectors, you will have experience building successful partnerships beyond academia — whether with industry, healthcare, engineering, government or cultural organisations — alongside a proven ability to secure significant external research funding and deliver research with real-world impact.

Just as importantly, you will be a collaborative and influential academic leader who enjoys developing others and shaping inclusive research cultures. You will combine intellectual curiosity with strategic thinking, strong communication skills and the ability to inspire colleagues, PhD students and early career researchers alike. A passion for interdisciplinary innovation, mentoring and future-focused research will be central to your approach.

Should you have any questions, please contact ccw.staffrecruit@arts.ac.uk. To apply please click the apply button. Closing date: 9 June 2026 23:55.

UAL is committed to creating diverse and inclusive environments for all staff and students to work and learn – a university where we can be ourselves and reach our full potential. We offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and Staff Support Networks. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds, including race, disability, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion and belief, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, and caring responsibility.

Research Professor in Design Innovation employer: UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS LONDON

At the University of the Arts London, we pride ourselves on being a leading creative institution that fosters an inclusive and collaborative work environment. As a Research Professor in Design Innovation, you will have access to exceptional professional development opportunities, a supportive culture that values diversity, and the chance to make a significant societal impact through your research. Our commitment to flexible working arrangements and family-friendly policies ensures that all staff can thrive both personally and professionally.

UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS LONDON

Contact Detail:

UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS LONDON Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Research Professor in Design Innovation

Network Like a Pro

Get out there and connect with people in your field! Attend conferences, workshops, or even casual meet-ups. Building relationships can lead to opportunities that aren’t advertised.

Showcase Your Work

Create a portfolio that highlights your best research and design projects. Make it visually appealing and easy to navigate. This is your chance to show potential employers what you can bring to the table!

Leverage Social Media

Use platforms like LinkedIn to share your insights and engage with others in the design innovation space. Join relevant groups and participate in discussions to increase your visibility and connect with like-minded professionals.

Apply Through Our Website

Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.

We think you need these skills to ace Research Professor in Design Innovation

Leadership in Research
Design Innovation
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Research Funding Acquisition
Partnership Development
Mentoring and Development of Researchers
Strategic Thinking

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Research Professor in Design Innovation. We want to see your passion for interdisciplinary innovation and how you can contribute to our research culture.

Showcase Your Impact:Don’t just list your achievements; explain the impact of your work. We’re looking for someone who has made a real-world difference through design innovation, so share specific examples of your successful projects and partnerships.

Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We value collaboration and inclusivity, so show us who you are and how you inspire others. A genuine voice can make a big difference!

Apply Through Our Website:Remember to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our values there!

How to prepare for a job interview at UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS LONDON

Know Your Research Inside Out

Make sure you can discuss your past research projects in detail, especially those that align with Design Innovation. Be prepared to explain how your work has had a real-world impact and how it can contribute to the future direction of the School of Design.

Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit

This role is all about collaboration, so be ready to share examples of successful partnerships you've built across different sectors. Highlight how these collaborations have led to impactful research outcomes and how you plan to foster similar relationships at the university.

Demonstrate Your Funding Success

Be prepared to discuss your experience in securing research funding. Share specific examples of grants you've won, the strategies you used, and how this funding has advanced your research agenda. This will show your potential employer that you can bring valuable resources to their institution.

Inspire and Mentor

As a leader, your ability to inspire and mentor others is crucial. Think of ways you've supported PhD students or early career researchers in the past. Be ready to talk about your mentoring style and how you plan to cultivate an inclusive research culture within the team.