<p>For a quarter of a century, the Jellycat family have brought joy, wonder and playful fun to people of all ages, in every part of the world. Utterly original and in a class of their own, they are currently among the most loved and collected toys of their kind. How has this gentle tribe endeared themselves to so many? Perhaps it is their whimsical expressions. Or the deliciously soft fabrics. Or the beautiful way in which they sit in your hand. Whatever it is, there is something magical and unmistakeable about each one of them.</p><p><span>Jellycat Labs is a newly established innovation and research hub within the Jellycat Group, created to explore emerging technologies, materials, processes and manufacturing approaches that will support Jellycat’s long-term growth.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span>The Research Analyst / Junior Project Manager role is an early‑career position designed for a technically curious, highly organised graduate who wants to work at the intersection of research, technology and real‑world application. This role will focus on desktop and applied research across areas such as:</span></p><ul><li><p class="MsoListParagraph"><span>Robotics and automation</span></p></li><li><p class="MsoListParagraph"><span>Industrial and advanced manufacturing</span></p></li><li><p class="MsoListParagraph"><span>AI, computer vision and data‑driven systems</span></p></li><li><p class="MsoListParagraph"><span>Materials, textiles and innovative production techniques</span></p></li></ul><p class="MsoNormal"><span>Alongside research, the role will act as a mini project manager, ensuring that multiple research initiatives are tracked, documented and progressed in a structured way.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span>This position is ideal for a graduate looking to build a career in innovation, R&amp;D, manufacturing transformation or technology-led operations.</span></p><p><strong>You'll be;</strong></p><ul><li><p class="MsoListParagraph"><span>Conducting structured desktop research into emerging technologies, tools, processes and trends relevant to Jellycat Labs’ focus areas.</span></p></li><li><p class="MsoListParagraph"><span>Translating complex technical topics (e.g. robotics, automation, AI, materials science) into clear, practical insights for non‑technical stakeholders.</span></p></li><li><p class="MsoListParagraph"><span>Produce high‑quality research outputs including: Briefing notes, Comparative technology summaries,Opportunity assessments and Technology landscape overviews.</span></p></li><li><p class="MsoListParagraph"><span>Monitorig academic research, industry publications, start‑ups and innovation ecosystems for relevant developments.</span></p></li><li><p class="MsoListParagraph"><span>Supporting the Jellycat Labs leadership in managing a portfolio of research projects, ensuring each has: Clear objectives, Defined timelines and milestones, Documented outputs and next steps.</span></p></li><li><p class="MsoListParagraph"><span>Tracking progress across multiple workstreams, flagging risks, delays or dependencies early.</span></p></li><li><p class="MsoListParagraph"><span>Coordinating inputs from internal stakeholders and, where relevant, external partners such as universities, research centres or technology providers.</span></p></li><li><p class="MsoListParagraph"><span>Maintaing clear records, libraries and dashboards of all Jellycat Labs research activity.</span></p></li><li><p class="MsoListParagraph"><span>Working closely with Jellycat Labs leadership to ensure research activity is aligned to wider business priorities.</span></p></li><li><p class="MsoListParagraph"><span>Supporting engagement with internal Jellycat teams (operations, product, sourcing, manufacturing) by tailoring research outputs to their needs.</span></p></li><li><p class="MsoListParagraph"><span>Assisting in preparing materials for presentations, workshops or advisory discussions with senior stakeholders.</span></p></li><li><p class="MsoListParagraph"><span>Developing a strong understanding of Jellycat’s products, manufacturing model and long‑term strategy.</span></p></li><li><p class="MsoListParagraph"><span>Contributing ideas on how research processes, tracking and reporting can be improved as Jellycat Labs grows.</span></p></li><li><p class="MsoListParagraph"><span>Curious, proactive and engaged with new developments across relevant technical and industrial fields.</span></p></li></ul><p><strong>You'll have;</strong></p><ul><li><p><span>A degree (or graduate-level qualification) in a relevant field such as:</span></p></li></ul><p><span>Robotics, AI, engineering or computer vision</span></p><p><span>Manufacturing or industrial engineering</span></p><p><span>Advanced manufacturing or materials science</span></p><p><span>Textiles, chemical engineering or fashion technology</span></p><ul><li><p class="MsoListParagraph"><span>Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to synthesise complex information.</span></p></li><li><p class="MsoListParagraph"><span>Excellent written communication skills, with the ability to produce clear, concise and well‑structured research outputs.</span></p></li><li><p class="MsoListParagraph"><span>High levels of organisation and attention to detail.</span></p></li><li><p class="MsoListParagraph"><span>Genuine curiosity about technology, innovation and how things are made.</span></p></li><li><p class="MsoListParagraph"><span>Exposure to research projects, dissertations, industry placements or applied university projects.</span></p></li><li><p class="MsoListParagraph"><span>Basic understanding of project management concepts (timelines, milestones, tracking).</span></p></li><li><p class="MsoListParagraph"><span>Familiarity with manufacturing, industrial automation or production environments.</span></p></li><li><p class="MsoListParagraph"><span>Confidence working with data, technical documentation or academic research papers.</span></p></li></ul>