Technologist in Residence: Ecological Citizens

This is a unique 0.2 FTE opportunity for a designer-technologist to help shape the technological direction of a national, transdisciplinary research network. Working closely with the RCA core team and a growing network of funded projects and partners, you will act as the technological point of call across the programme – from concept development to implementation. Based at Battersea, London with occasional travel to project partners (York and Wrexham).

The role is 4 days a month, with flexibility required to fit around the project(s), needs and requirements. Where possible (working with the candidate) the Ecological Citizen(s) team would like to cluster those days together.

You will support three core strands of activity:

Your work may span physical computing, human‑computer interaction, software and hardware development, machine learning, public interest technologies, digital literacy, sensors, networks, or other EPSRC‑relevant technologies. One week you might prototype a low‑cost data collection tool; the next you may host a drop‑in session advising funded teams on ethical data practices or strategic technology choices.

We are particularly interested in candidates who can think creatively and critically about appropriate technologies – imagining low‑cost, accessible, environmentally responsible interventions that empower individuals, communities and organisations to participate in ecological citizenship.

• A confident technologist or designer with strong coding and digital skills
• Comfortable working independently and collaboratively across disciplines
• Experienced in ethically deploying prototypes, projects or interventions
• Able to translate complex technological ideas for diverse audiences
• Organised, adaptable and calm under competing priorities
• Motivated by sustainability, inclusion and the role of technology in shaping preferable futures
• An understanding of research‑funded projects, digital ethics, data protection and environmental impacts of technology will be valuable. Experience running workshops, supporting community‑led tech initiatives, or developing accessible learning resources is welcomed.

RCA Benefits available here:

The Royal College of Art (RCA) aims to foster an inclusive culture which promotes equality, values diversity and maintains a working, learning and social environment in which the rights and dignity of all its staff and students and stakeholders are respected.

We recognise the broad range of experiences that a diverse staff and student body brings and how this strengthens our research and enhances our teaching. In order for RCA to remain a world‑leading institution we are committed to promoting equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) principles throughout all of our processes, from application through to appointment.

Please tell us if you need any assistance in applying or if you need the information in a different format. In your message to include

Ecological and climate challenges demand new forms of digital responsibility and collective agency. EC is building the conditions for change – empowering communities, catalysing new partnerships and sparking innovative research at the intersection of design, technology and sustainability.

This is an opportunity to play a strategic, creative role in shaping how technology can serve ecological futures – within a collaborative, design‑led research environment at one of the world's leading art and design institutions.

If you are an experimental, thoughtful technologist who wants your work to contribute to a sustainable digital society, we would love to hear from you.

Closing for applications: 11.59pm 10th April 2026

Interviews are likely to be held on the afternoon of 22nd April 2026

Further details:
Information Pack