Senior Postdoctoral Researcher in Urban Design and Architecture
Develop a new urban design programme at Riyadh University of Arts with a focus on Saudi Arabia’s urban and architectural discourses.
Best for:Best for established researchers with deep expertise in Saudi Arabian urbanism, architecture, and regional socio-cultural contexts, seeking to influence higher education and policy.
Overview
The Royal College of Art (RCA) seeks a senior postdoctoral researcher to collaborate with Riyadh University of Arts (RUA) in Saudi Arabia, shaping a pioneering urban design programme. The role involves applied research and curriculum development, examining contemporary urbanisation, design practices, and socio-cultural contexts in Saudi Arabia and the broader region. The successful candidate will engage with academics, policymakers, and cultural institutions to ensure the programme reflects local expertise and knowledge. This is an opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge urban design pedagogy at a leading arts institution in the Middle East.
What you'll do
- Conduct applied research on urbanisation, contemporary urban design, and architectural discourses in Saudi Arabia and the wider region.
- Collaborate with academics, policymakers, and cultural institutions to integrate local knowledge into the new urban design programme.
- Develop curriculum frameworks and teaching materials for the urban design programme at Riyadh University of Arts.
- Engage in stakeholder consultations and project delivery, including occasional travel to Saudi Arabia.
- Publish research findings in academic journals and contribute to policy discussions on urban design education.
- Support the establishment of new pedagogical approaches in urban design at a leading regional university.
Requirements
Degree required: PhD in Architecture, Urban Design, Planning, or a related discipline, or equivalent research experience in practice.
Language: English; proficiency sufficient for academic research and collaboration (no specific test mentioned).
Instruction: English
Publications: Strong research profile with a track record of academic publications.
- Established expertise in the architecture and urbanism of Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East region.
- Strong analytical and synthesis skills for research and curriculum development.
- Proven track record of academic publishing and research dissemination.
- Experience in higher education teaching and curriculum development.
- Familiarity with local socio-cultural, environmental, and institutional contexts of urban development.
- No explicit nationality or residency restrictions mentioned.
- Open to candidates with relevant research experience if a PhD is not held.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-25 (Europe/London)
Applicants must submit their CV, cover letter, and research statement through the RCA’s online application portal. An information pack with further details is available for download. The application process requires attention to the specific requirements outlined in the information pack.
- CV
- Cover letter
- Research statement
- Information pack (downloaded and reviewed)
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