Innovation Associate

Innovation Associate

Royal College of Music Closing date: Mon, 14 Sep 2026

Artform: Music
Role: Research
Contract: Contract
London

Fri, 04 Sep 2026 "> published -

Job Summary

To help expand our distinctive work in science-based executive performance training, the Royal College of Music is seeking to engage an Innovation Associate to join its Centre for Performance Science.

Job Description

The Innovation Associate will support a project to expand the Royal College of Music's distinctive and growing portfolio of commercial executive training that leverages its expertise in performance training, the knowledge of its Centre for Performance Science (CPS), and its pioneering Performance Simulation facilities. Reporting to the Project Lead (Reader in Performance Research and Innovation), the Innovation Associate will help drive the development of the commercial model for this training through market scoping, programme design, and training/technology validation exercises. They will work collaboratively and independently to scope and engage new clients, requiring highly developed communication and interpersonal skills. They will also contribute to the design and delivery of executive training based on their own expertise in performance science theory, with the opportunity (depending on their specific experience and skillset) to contribute new additions to these programmes. The Innovation Associate will work within the CPS and will engage in wider departmental activity where appropriate.

Job reference number: 500-26
Closing date: 9am Monday 14 September 2026
Interview date: Monday 21 September 2026

This post is offered on a fixed-term (9 month), part-time (0.4 FTE) basis and is available from 1 October 2026.

Job Requirements

- Postgraduate qualification in a relevant subject; PhD (or equivalent) in progress or completed
- Experience of mixed-methods research, particularly communication of complex research results
- Experience of performance coaching and/or teaching at a high level, including building and maintaining client/student relationships
- Knowledge of performance science theories (e.g. psychology, physiology etc.) underpinning high-level performance execution and teaching
- High level of skill in public speaking/presentation
- Excellent and persuasive communicator, orally and in writing
- Ability to work independently and to meet deadlines
- Ability to relate well to colleagues and work well as a member of a team with a high degree of professionalism
- Ability to cope well under pressure
- Ability to think analytically and strategically; to problem-solve

Job Responsibilities

- To assist with (and, where appropriate, lead components of) the design and delivery of RCM Executive Training
- To design, conduct, and analyse research in areas including customer mapping and technology validation, engaging with a research ethics approval process where appropriate
- To engage with existing and potential clients, maintaining a high degree of professionalism
- To collate programme, project, and market reviews in collaboration with internal and external project partners, summarising the project findings in written and/or oral form and leading on project dissemination
- To liaise with the team in supporting the preparation of materials for knowledge exchange activities
- To store and manage research, finance, and KE data at the RCM
- To assist with preparing and writing research and marketing related documents, including those for publication
- To collaborate with other RCM colleagues in relevant departments, including the wider CPS and Research Office

Useful Links

Job Overview

  • Job Title: Innovation Associate
  • Salary: £40k-£50k (pro-rata)
  • Hours: Part time
  • Artform: Music
  • Role: Research
  • Contract: Contract
  • Closing date: Mon, 14 Sep 2026
  • Location:
    London
    | view on Google Maps

Job: Innovation Associate

Job: Innovation Associate

Organisation: Royal College of Music

Postcode: SW7 2BS

How to Apply

To apply, please complete our 1) Application form and 2) Equal Opportunities form (available to download from the RCM website) and submit in Word or PDF format by email to [email protected]

CVs without an application form will not be accepted. Please ensure that you include the Job Reference Number when submitting your application.

The RCM is committed to nurturing diverse and inclusive environments for all staff and students to work and learn. We positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates from diverse backgrounds, including race, disability, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion and belief, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, and caring responsibility.