SMART Partnership Associate (Design and Sustainable Fabrication) NEW

Newport, Gwent
Cardiff Met
SMART Partnership Associate (Design and Sustainable Fabrication)

To help achieve the goals of our Welsh Government funded SMART Partnership project, we’re looking for a Research Associate to support an exciting collaboration between Cardiff Metropolitan University and Wastesavers Charitable Trust Ltd. This role will involve upcycling furniture and homewares for Wastesavers using traditional and digital design techniques such as laser cutting and CNC machining, print, marquetry and decoupage, as well as wood and metal fabrication and repair. This will be combined with delivering community skills workshops and working on a digital marketing campaign and new markets to support the development of Wastesavers’ resale business within the circular economy. The role will be based at Wastesavers (primary Newport, and also across South Wales), and Cardiff Met Llandaff campus.

You’ll lead the way by:

• Supporting the business and research project through decorative design, fabrication, upcycling and repair for the circular economy in consultation with the Principal Investigator.
• Conducting individual and collaborative research activities including skills workshops with Wastesavers staff and volunteers, network meetings, and practical design work.
• Developing and applying design research techniques under supervision and self-directed, using both traditional and digital tools.
• Using initiative and creativity to solve problems and deliver practical and business outcomes that support a sustainable business model.
• Presenting research progress and outcomes to project stakeholders and contributing to reports, publications, and dissemination activities.

What you’ll bring

With superb practical decorative design and fabrications skills across a range of materials and a passion for sustainable design, you’ll bring creativity and analytical thinking to a project that combines research, innovation, and real-world impact. Your ability to apply both traditional and digital design techniques will enable you to develop practical solutions, while your strong research skills will help shape a sustainable retail model for the circular economy.

Additionally, you’ll:

• Apply your knowledge of research methods and sustainable fabrication to deliver impactful outcomes.
• Use initiative and problem-solving skills to identify opportunities for market innovation.
• Communicate complex ideas clearly through reports, presentations, and workshops.
• Demonstrate proficiency in IT tools, including Microsoft Office, Adobe CC, CAD/CAM software, and digital media platforms.
• Show evidence of design-led commercial and/or research projects.
• Be willing to travel between campuses and company sites to ensure project success.

We are a values-based University. We are proud of our culture, and we are there for our people. Our community spirit is the golden thread that underpins our values and behaviours. We support and embrace inclusion that enables everyone to feel respected and able to perform at their best. By joining our University, you’ll find yourself in a unique environment where a wealth of knowledge and resources are readily available, supporting you with your career development.

We offer excellent benefits such as:

• 20 days plus bank holidays, qualifying for an additional day per year for each year served (up to a max of 5 days). There are also two corporate volunteer days available, plus one day leave for the employee’s birthday.
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme with generous monthly contributions.
• Excellent family friendly policies – take a look on our Policy Hub page.
• Opportunities to learn and develop your skills with access to library and digital services facilities.
• Excellent sports and fitness facilities with subsidised membership.
• Free family access to our independent specialist wellbeing support provider, Health Assured.

Contact us

For more information about the role please contact Jon Pigott on , or feel free to contact, Aleksandra Janusiewicz, the Recruitment Advisor supporting this vacancy on .

All applications must be submitted online.

The person specification will be used as a tool for shortlisting; so please make sure you use this information when writing your application. You can find useful hints and tips about how to apply by visiting our Application Guidance page.

Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.

Should a high volume of applications be received, we may need to close this vacancy early. We therefore encourage you to apply as early as possible.

Cardiff Metropolitan University is proud to be a Disability Confident employer and a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant.

All applicants with disabilities, or those who are part of the Armed Forces community who during the shortlisting process meet the essential criteria for the role will be progressed to the next stage.

The University is committed to creating a highly inclusive culture. We offer family friendly and flexible working arrangements and a range of staff networks, forums and events to support and develop our people. We warmly welcome applications from those traditionally underrepresented in the higher education sector.

We invite you to join our collaborative community!

Dating back to 1865, we remain rooted in Wales with a global reach, offering you a world of opportunity. Our education, research and innovation deliver positive impact for equality, social inclusion and environmental sustainability, locally, nationally and internationally.

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