Design Researcher

Work Location:
Office
NCAD Dublin 8 D08 K521 , IE

- A PhD (or equivalent professional experience) in design, design research, social sciences, health sciences, human-computer interaction, or a related discipline.

- Demonstrated experience in conducting applied, interdisciplinary, or design-informed research.

- Proven ability to plan, manage, and deliver research projects to completion.

- Strong skills in qualitative and quantitative research methods, evaluation, and evidence generation.

- Ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams, including healthcare professionals and stakeholders.

- Evidence of research outputs such as peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, or design‑led artefacts.

- Excellent communication and presentation skills, with experience disseminating research through public engagement.

- Strong interpersonal skills and experience engaging with diverse stakeholders, demonstrating an awareness and commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion practices.

- Demonstrable record of developing successful research funding applications and/or industry or public sector partnerships.

- Experience in developing and applying evaluation frameworks for measuring the impact of applied design research.

- Experience working within healthcare or public service contexts, with an understanding of system-level challenges and opportunities for design‑led innovation.

- Evidence of mentoring or supporting early‑career researchers, students, or collaborators.

- Experience leading or contributing to publications, toolkits, or resources aimed at translating research into practice.

- Experience contributing to knowledge exchange or public engagement activities that communicate research to non‑academic audiences.

- Proficiency in relevant design or research tools (e.g. Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, Miro).

Description

The Design Researcher will play a key role in shaping and delivering research within the Better by Design research initiative, working closely with the Principal Investigator and HSE Spark. The role involves balancing academic research with design practice, contributing to design‑led projects in healthcare settings and generating evidence of their impact through research and evaluation.

The researcher will collaborate with HSE Spark teams, healthcare professionals, and other stakeholders to co‑design, prototype, and evaluate design‑led interventions, while disseminating impact through research outputs, publications, events, and public engagement. This position provides an opportunity to advance and apply expertise in design research for health within an interdisciplinary environment.

The role is based in the Product Design Department at NCAD and operates under the supervision of the Principal Investigator.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

- Lead and execute a specified programme of design‑led research and scholarship under the direction of the Principal Investigator.

- Contribute to and, where appropriate, oversee applied design projects within healthcare settings.

- Develop and optimise design methodologies and tools to support effective adoption in healthcare settings.

- Develop and advance frameworks for evaluating and measuring the impact of design in healthcare.

- Actively contribute to team meetings, workshops, and knowledge exchange activities, fostering a collaborative and innovative research culture.

- Engage in professional development opportunities to maintain and expand expertise in design research and healthcare innovation.

- Contribute to broader research, scholarship, and dissemination activities within NCAD DesignLabs and the institution.

- Mentor and support junior researchers, research assistants, and postgraduate students within the Better by Design collaboration.

- Carry out administrative work related to your programme of research.

- Prepare peer‑reviewed publications and contribute to project report writing to relevant funders, partners and government agencies as necessary.

- Present research findings and project insights at local, national, and international venues, including community forums, academic conferences, and policy workshops.

- Contribute to the preparation of research grant proposals.

- Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the Principal Investigator.

Company

The National College of Art & Design is Ireland’s leading provider of art and design education. Our campus on Thomas Street in Dublin’s historic city centre is home to a student population of 1,900 full and part‑time students engaged in a wide range of study and research across the disciplines of Art, Design, Education and Visual Culture.

The National College of Art and Design has been the most significant provider of Art & Design education in Ireland for over 250 years. NCAD is ranked 53rd in the world, 19th in Europe and 1st in Ireland for Art & Design, QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2025. NCAD is a Recognised College of University College Dublin (UCD).

NCAD is a bold and curious organisation. We welcome all applicants - even if you feel you might not fit all of our criteria fully. Give it a try

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