Applying for Innovation Associate – Design For Recycling Project
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Job
Innovation Associate – Design For Recycling Project
Vacancy ID
12800
College/Exec Group
Camberwell, Chelsea and Wimbledon Colleges
Location
Hybrid – CCW Millbank/Home
Salary
£45,263 - £54,037 per annum
Contract
Fixed Term
Hours
35
Apply by
22 November 2026, 11:55 pm
Please read through our FAQs before applying and Recruitment Process before applying.
Further actions
The opportunity
This is an exciting opportunity to join a pioneering research and innovation project exploring the future of circular fashion and textile recycling.
We are seeking a technically skilled and motivated Innovation Associate to join the UKRI-funded proof-of-concept project "Design for Recycling: an interactive online platform to guide and certify recyclability in fashion" (UKRI6467). The project is a collaboration between University of the Arts London and the Circular Textiles Foundation, aimed at developing practical tools that help fashion professionals design products compatible with textile recycling systems and emerging sustainability legislation.
Working as part of a multidisciplinary team of researchers and industry specialists, you will contribute to the development of an innovative digital platform that translates complex recyclability requirements into an automated classification system, accessible guidance, learning resources and certification tools for industry users.
You will apply your expertise in digital development, data management and user experience design to support the delivery of the platform, helping transform research findings into practical industry solutions and integrate CTF's Bulk Analysis Tool and Certification Engine into one secure, scalable platform, with the possibility to connect it to other SaaS systems. This role offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of technology, sustainability, and research while contributing to both academic and commercial outcomes.
The role is based in London and will require frequent travel to Plymouth where the Circular Textile Foundation offices are based.
We are looking for candidates able to start on 4 January 2027.
Your profile
You will have:
- An MA or PhD in computational design, interaction design, digital innovation, computer science or a related discipline.
- Full-stack experience in TypeScript, Node.js/Express and React (the existing stack). PostgreSQL: schema design, migrations, bulk data handling and multi-tenant data isolation.
- The ability to take over and merging existing codebases, including extracting shared logic into one engine and proving results stay identical through regression testing.
- Knowledge of privacy-by-design engineering: data minimisation, processing in the client's browser or isolated jobs, and encryption in transit and at rest.
- Experience creating user-centred digital experiences and translating complex information into accessible interfaces and workflows.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to develop practical solutions to technical challenges.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively with colleagues from different disciplinary backgrounds.
- Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage your workload and deliver agreed outputs to project deadlines.
- A collaborative approach and interest in contributing to research, innovation and knowledge exchange activities.
Experience in fashion, textiles, sustainability or the circular economy would be beneficial but is not essential. We welcome applicants with transferable digital skills and a strong interest in applying them to environmental challenges.
Should you have any questions about the role, please contact Laetitia Forst / l.forst@arts.ac.uk.
Should you have questions about the application process, please contact ccw.staffrecruit@arts.ac.uk.
We are UAL
University of the Arts London (UAL) generates and inspires the creativity the world needs for a better future. Since 1842, our colleges have been defining creative education. With curiosity, imagination and intent we make work which creates lasting change for people and our planet. London is core to who we are, a place where we meet and share ideas with people from different backgrounds and cultures.
Our creative network influences learning, culture, industry and society on a global scale. Our academics and practitioners deliver creative education and inspire new ways of thinking through research and innovation. We work with students at every level from pre-degree and short courses to postgraduate and online learning, enabling them to build the careers they want. Together, we are a community of makers, thinkers, pioneers and storytellers redesigning the future.
As a University, we are ranked second in the world for Art and Design. We are formed of 6 Colleges with unique histories and identities: Camberwell College of Arts, Central Saint Martins, Chelsea College of Arts, London College of Communication, London College of Fashion and Wimbledon College of Arts. UAL also has 4 Institutes, 5 Research Centres, 1 Pre-Degree School and 2 subsidiary companies delivering specialist activities.
We are a global University, welcoming over 22,000 students and 6,000 staff from 130 countries. We aim to be a university where people can be themselves and feel supported to reach their full potential. That’s why we are proud to hold a Bronze Award from the Race Equality Charter (REC), are members of the Business Disability Forum and Employers for Carers, and maintain our status as a Disability Confident Scheme and Living Wage employer.
Application process
We operate a fair and open anonymous selection process. Thus, you will need to create an account and submit an application through our application portal. As part of this, you will need to provide a supporting statement/answer some competency questions to demonstrate your suitability. Our recruitment process involves: Application, Shortlisting, Interview and Assessment, Offer, Onboarding.
We understand the benefits of using AI in work. But, if you are thinking of using it to submit an application, we ask you to think about what value it adds. AI tools tend to lack the personal touch and authenticity we value in candidates. We encourage you to showcase your unique knowledge and skills using your own voice.
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Please read through our FAQs before applying and Recruitment Process before applying.
Candidates are advised to submit applications early.
