Overview

The two Assistant Researchers will join a team of researchers based on Goldsmiths, University of London, working on frontier research projects that mobilize architectural techniques and technologies to reconstruct incidents of violations of human rights, war crimes and environmental destruction worldwide. One project includes the Wellcome Trust funded initiative Unlearning Excited Delirium. Working with medical experts, historians, statisticians, lawyers, activists, advocacy groups and bereaved family members, the project seeks to re-examine cases of restraint-related police killings of racialised individuals in mental health crises attributed to pseudoscientific 'diagnoses' in legal settings, through the prism of casework-led "forensic architecture" research methods. Reporting to: Eyal Weizman (Director, Forensic Architecture) and Kishan San (Senior Researcher) and/or project leads.

Forensic Architecture (FA) is seeking an early-career Assistant Researcher who is versatile, proactive, and eager to engage with new technologies for investigating human rights violations and environmental destruction by state and corporate actors. Under supervision of senior team members, you will assist with investigative casework across regional, temporal and thematic areas and/or develop new spatial analytic methodologies. Your contribution could include assisting with 3D reconstruction, "image-matching", cartographic analysis, computational design and graphics. You will gain training in FA\'s technologically driven tools and techniques upon appointment.

Responsibilities

• Assist with investigative casework across regional, temporal and thematic areas and/or develop new spatial analytic methodologies.
• Contribute to 3D reconstruction, image-matching, cartographic analysis, computational design and graphics.
• Perform technical work to produce 3D models and animations, videos, or software development for architectural investigations, under supervision.
• Support workflows within teams and with collaborators; report progress to line managers and/or the wider FA team.
• Organise research files and data; assist in presenting findings clearly and creatively.
• Liaise with collaborators as projects develop; experiment with new research tools and techniques.
• Undertake other duties as may reasonably be required and ensure awareness of Goldsmiths\' Regulations, Strategy, and Objectives to advance Equality and Diversity.
• Maintain a safe working environment by participating in training and following Goldsmiths\' Health and Safety Codes of Practice.

Qualifications and Skills

• 3D modelling and animation, 3D environmental modelling, character modelling/animation, video editing or software development for architectural investigations (essential or desirable criteria as applicable).
• Experience or training in researching source and archival material, analysing and interpreting data, organising research files, and presenting findings.
• Software proficiencies in 3D architectural modelling, Adobe After Effects and Premiere Pro, mapping (QGIS), and animation (Cinema 4D, Blender, 3DS Max or Maya).
• Knowledge of architectural, spatial, urban, and/or environmental theory and methods; visualisation, and aesthetic strategies.
• Familiarity with Forensic Architecture\'s research methods; knowledge of politics, activism, human rights, law, and/or conflict studies is desirable.
• Proficiency in data science or machine learning (computer vision), game engine development (Unreal Engine), GIS, remote sensing, or similar technologies is desirable.
• Strong written and oral communication skills in English; ability to work independently with supervision and as part of a team.
• Spoken and written fluency in English; additional language skills are desirable.

Start Date, Location and Eligibility

Start dates are in October/November 2025. Roles are based in the Goldsmiths, London office with some flexibility to work from home; relocation to London is required if not already based here. The position is open to international applicants with visa sponsorship for skilled workers where applicable, subject to criteria for the visa scheme.

Benefits and About Goldsmiths

Goldsmiths offers a competitive salary, excellent transport links, annual leave entitlements with holiday closure days, pension scheme options (USS or LPFA depending on grade), staff discounts, maternity/paternity/adoption leave and pay with tax-efficient childcare vouchers, sick pay provisions, eye care, wellbeing initiatives, on-site dining and gym, and access to University of London facilities.