Research Associate in Regenerative Design Research

Job description

Loughborough University London

Full-Time, Fixed Term for 9 months

London Weighting Allowance of £3,656 per annum (pro-rata)

We are looking for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join the final year of Becoming Regenerative, a UKRI-funded research project exploring regenerative innovation across design, entrepreneurship and wider systems of change.

The role will focus on design research for policy, research synthesis and policy influence, working with the project's existing research to develop insights, outputs and opportunities for wider impact. You will be working with Principal Investigator, Dr Ida Telalbasic (PI) (Loughborough University London) and the Co-Investigator, Dr Delfina Fantini van Ditmar (Royal College of Art).

About you

We are looking for someone with strong research, analytical and writing skills, and an interest in design research and policy influence. Experience or knowledge in areas such as regenerative design, speculative approaches, systems change, policy research, data visualisation or interdisciplinary research would be valuable.

A PhD or equivalent research experience in a relevant discipline would be essential.

Key responsibilities

• Analyse and interpret multiple data streams generated through the project's research.
• Synthesise research findings, identifying themes, connections and emerging insights.
• Support research design workshops, including delivery, synthesis and integration of findings into the wider project research.
• Contribute to academic, public-facing and policy outputs.
• Support the development of research insights through data visualisation and other creative approaches.
• Contribute to the development of tools and resources based on project insights.
• Communicate and collaborate with project partners and research participants, as/when needed.
• Co-plan and co-deliver project dissemination events online and offline.
• Contribute to regular project meetings and the development and delivery of project outputs.

Working arrangements

The position is advertised as full-time for nine months. We are open to considering part-time arrangements depending on the availability, skills and experience of candidates.

The role will be based at Loughborough University London, with hybrid working and attendance at project activities and events as required.

Please note that we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

For more information on the role please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification.

Closing Date: 12 October 2026

Interviews: week commencing 19 October 2026

Our Benefits

At Loughborough, our benefits are designed to support your life inside and outside of work, helping you to thrive and feel valued as part of our community. Examples of our benefits include:

Time off - generous holiday allowance, including 14 university closure days and bank holidays, with the option to buy extra through our holiday purchase scheme

Where you work - access to a range of fantastic facilities with plenty of green space across our 523-acre East Midlands campus, plus an exciting community at our London campus on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

Financial wellbeing - competitive pay, two excellent pension schemes, and everyday savings opportunities

Support for you and those close to you - through our range of life event leave policies as well as access to an on-site nursery at our East Midlands campus, flexible and hybrid working options.

Health and wellbeing - discounted gym memberships and access to world-class sporting facilities, including physiotherapy, plus healthcare offers such as eyesight testing and wellbeing support

Travel and sustainability - access to our electric vehicle and cycle-to-work schemes, as well as a variety of travel offers to support sustainable commuting

Discover more about the full range of rewards and benefits at Loughborough University.