Specialist Technical Instructor - Future Materials, Casting & Composites

Royal College of Art - Technical Services

We are seeking an experienced, adaptable and highly motivated person to provide specialist technical expertise, instruction, demonstration and support in, Mould Making, Sculpting, Casting and Composites at the Royal College of Art. The focus of the role is on art fabrication and product development with a forward thinking approach to materials as part of a wider technical resource called the Future Materials Workshops.

You will serve as an expert instructor in moulding, casting, and art production, supporting students, staff, research projects, interworkshop collaboration as well as assisting the Lead Technical Instructor in the operational management and ongoing development of the area.

We are particularly interested in individuals who have a strong background in sculpting, moulding, casting and finishing wearable prosthetic appliances as this is an area we are looking to develop within the space.

The Casting and Composites workshop consists of 3 distinct areas -

• Mould making, Casting and Materials (MCM) - A workshop for gypsum based media, selected silicones and alginate, as well as small scale construction. Activities such as painting, varnishing, carving and sanding are also supported.
• The Silicones and Composites room - A clean space for working with non hazardous, sensitive materials and the preparation of mould forms and boxes prior to pouring moulding or casting materials.
• Extracted Workshop - A fully extracted environment for using more hazardous composites and casting materials like epoxy and polyurethane resins, as well as pre-preg carbon fibre processes.

We are looking for someone who thrives in a fast paced environment and is passionate about problem solving through hands-on teaching and learning. The ideal candidate will have:

• A strong background and technical expertise in prosthetics, sculpting, mould making, casting, silicones and resins,and composite materials, with a deep commitment to supporting experimental and practical work across a diverse range of materials and processes.
• Experience providing highly skilled technical assistance, guidance, demonstration and instruction for a wide variety of making processes to support complex and varied project development.
• A commitment to high-quality outcomes for both staff and students and a passion for experimental work and collaborative learning.
• Excellent organisational, time management and planning skills with the ability to prioritise as appropriate, especially in times of high demand.
• A keen interest in future facing making techniques that bring together a variety of materials, processes and equipment.

As a Specialist Technical Instructor in Casting, Mould Making & Composites, you will offer hands-on technical support in the Future Materials: Casting and Composite workshops. You’ll work with and advise on a wide range of materials including but not exclusive to silicones, rubbers, resins, foams, jesmonite, gypsum and cementitious materials, laminates, and pre preg composites.

The role includes planning and delivering demonstrations, advising students, researchers and staff with a wide range of experience and ability, and helping them solve creative and technical challenges.

You will assist the Lead Technical Instructor in maintaining and developing the workshop facilities, running, maintaining and installing new equipment, creating learning resources, and ensuring the highest standards of health and safety and best practice among workshop users.

In addition, you’ll support the department’s research and innovation by identifying new technologies and processes, contribute to teaching and learning projects, and assist with exhibitions and events.