Research Assistant in Product Design, up to 9 months, Ref 574/2026
Research Assistant in Product Design, up to 9 months, Ref 574/2026
TU Dublin School of Art & Design is seeking to appoint a Product/ Industrial Design Research Assistant to support ongoing projects within CreateLAB, the school’s Applied Design Research Lab. The researcher will work on Enterprise Ireland Innovation Vouchers and other research projects. The ideal candidate will have an Undergraduate or Masters degree in Product or Industrial Design and will be a creative thinker and problem solver. They will have good prototyping skills and graphic presentation skills and a good knowledge of 3D modeling software such as Fusion 360, a good knowledge of 3D Printing and a knowledge of electronics platforms such as Arduino. Applicants should be able to show a strong interest in Sustainable Design.
Principal Accountabilities
- Report to Principal Investigator/ Head of School
- Contribute to all stages of design research projects as required
- Conduct and communicate project research as required
- Conceptualise and communicate ideas through sketching/ illustration/ drawing/ rendering
- Produce 3D models/ drawing files for prototyping and 3D printing
- Produce models/ prototype using workshop equipment
- Work independently and under the guidance of the PI/ Academic Staff as required.
- Carry out any other duties within the scope, spirit and purpose of the job as requested by the PI.
- Manage time effectively to meet project deliverables
- Conduct administrative duties as required
- Actively comply with all TU Dublin policies and regulations, including those in relation to Research Ethics and Health and Safety
Person Specification
The ideal candidate will demonstrate the appropriate mix of knowledge, experience, skills, talent and abilities as outlined below:
- An undergraduate B.Sc./ BA (Hons) (NFQ level 8) in Product Design, Industrial Design or similar. (essential)
- A diverse Product/ Industrial Design Portfolio demonstrating proficiency in the required areas above. (essential)
- Strong knowledge of 3D printing and a willingness to learn and develop their knowledge. (essential)
- Strong Technical Knowledge including the ability to produce flexible/ parametric models products/ systems
- Working knowledge of product design research techniques. (essential)
- Effective written and verbal communication skills, report writing skills. (essential)
- Knowledge or experience of Aviation/ Ground Support Equipment Design (desirable)
- Experience of working on Research/ Innovation projects such as Enterprise Ireland Innovation Vouchers (desirable)
Experience
The successful candidate will have hands on experience in:
- Responding to design briefs
- Conducting background product design research
- General prototyping, foam modelmaking, use of basic woodworking and other tools
- 3D printing/ Rapid Prototyping
- Production of design communication material (renderings, presentations etc)
Note: experience may have been gained during their studies.
Skills, Talents & Abilities
- The successful candidate will be highly skilled and motivated with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Ability to think creatively and solve problems independently
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Excellent organisational skills, time management and ability to undertake duties assigned and meet deadlines required.
Salary
The appointment will be made at the appropriate point on the Research Ireland Research Assistant Salary Scale, €34,130 to €44,311
Applications:
Interested parties should send a current CV and portfolio in pdf format to john.walsh@tudublin.ie by Wednesday 18th of November 2026 at 6pm. Interviews are scheduled to take place week commencing 23rd of November.
Location
TU Dublin School of Art & Design, Technological University Dublin, East Quad, Grangegorman.