Innovation Researcher (PAYE Contractor)
About Huawei Research and Development UK Limited
Founded in 1987, Huawei is a leading global provider of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure and smart devices. We have 207,000 employees and operate in over 170 countries and regions, serving more than three billion people around the world.
Our vision and mission is to bring digital to every person, home and organization for a fully connected, intelligent world. To this end, we will drive ubiquitous connectivity and promote equal access to networks; bring cloud and artificial intelligence to all four corners of the earth to provide superior computing power where you need it, when you need it; build digital platforms to help all industries and organizations become more agile, efficient, and dynamic; redefine user experience with AI, making it more personalized for people in all aspects of their life, whether they’re at home, in the office, or on the go.
This spirit of innovation has led Huawei to work in close partnership with leading academic institutions in the UK to develop and refine the latest technologies. With a shared commitment to innovation and progress, both parties have worked together to achieve common goals and establish a strong partnership. The partnership between UK and Huawei help to develop the technologies of the future that will transform the way we all communicate, work and live.
For the past 30 years we have maintained an unwavering focus, rejecting shortcuts and easy opportunities that don't align with our core business. With a practical approach to everything we do, we concentrate our efforts and invest patiently to drive technological breakthroughs.
This strategic focus is a reflection of our core values:
- staying customer-centric,
- inspiring dedication,
- persevering,
- growing by reflection.
Huawei Research and Development UK Limited Overview
Huawei’s vision is a fully connected, intelligent world. To achieve this, we work to inspire passion for basic research around the world. Our combined passion drives development across the global innovation value chain. Huawei has the largest Research and Development organization in the world with 96,000+ employees in research centers around the globe. In the UK, we already have design centers in Cambridge, London, Edinburgh and Ipswich. We continue to explore and define new research directions and new services. We have expanded our collaborations with academic researchers; researched new network architectures, integration of communications and key enabling technologies; and developed the fundamental theories of these technologies. We invite you to join us on this exciting journey and drive your career forward.
Job Summary
The Huawei UKRD is seeking a creative and forward-looking Innovation Researcher to join our Human-Machine Interaction (HMI) Laboratory. In this role, you will investigate the future of HMI technologies, products, and services, identifying emerging trends and anticipating shifts in user expectations and industry direction. You will conduct consumer landscape research, exploratory studies and original research that inform next-generation concepts. Your work will feed into patents, research publications, and internal knowledge platforms, ensuring the team remains at the cutting edge of innovation. This is a unique opportunity to shape the trajectory of human-machine interaction in an environment that values experimentation, insight, and bold thinking.
Key Responsibilities:
- Research and analyse future HMI products, functions, and services, identifying opportunities for innovation.
- Track global trends and predict future product directions, creating actionable insights for the team.
- Conduct market research and benchmarking studies to position Huawei at the forefront of HMI innovation.
- Generate high-impact intellectual property through patent submissions.
- Author academic papers and articles for publication in peer-reviewed journals, conferences, and other research platforms.
- Contribute thought-leadership articles and reports for internal distribution to inspire cross-team knowledge sharing.
- Act as a source of expertise within the team, advising on future directions, technologies, and user expectations.
- Undertake diverse research projects across disciplines, from colour theory and material science to advanced interaction paradigms.
This job description is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role. The jobholder will carry out any other duties as may be reasonably required by his/her line manager. The job description and personal specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of Huawei Research and Development UK Limited.
Person Specification:
- Required:
- Proven experience conducting forward-looking research in human-machine interaction, technology innovation, or a related domain.
- Strong track record of published research (academic or industrial) and/or patents in relevant fields.
- Excellent analytical skills with the ability to synthesise insights from technology, design, and market trends.
- Demonstrated ability to conduct market research and generate actionable foresight for product directions.
- Strong written communication skills, capable of producing publications, articles, and reports of the highest standard.
- Comfortable working in exploratory, fast-paced environments with ambiguous challenges.
- Effective collaborator with the ability to share insights across multidisciplinary and international teams.
- Desired:
- Background in human-computer interaction (HCI), design research, cognitive science, or related disciplines.
- 3-5 years’ experience in foresight studies, trend analysis, or speculative design.
- Familiarity with intellectual property processes and patent generation.
- Knowledge across diverse technology and design domains
- Interest in shaping the future of AI-driven, data-informed, and user-centric HMI experiences.
- Locations
- Huawei London Research Center
Huawei London Research Center
Workplace & culture
This is a place where expertise and passion come together to unlock something really special to create an exciting future. Working at Huawei R&D UK, you will meet dedicated people who are passionate to bring the best product and service to customers.
About Huawei R&D UK
Huawei’s vision is a fully connected, intelligent world.
To achieve this, we work to inspire passion for basic research around the world. Our combined passion drives development across the global innovation value chain. Huawei has the largest Research and Development organization in the world with 96,000+ employees in research centers around the globe. In the UK, we already have design centers in Cambridge, London, Edinburgh, Ipswich and Bristol. We continue to explore and define new research directions and new services. We have expanded our collaborations with academic researchers; researched new network architectures, integration of communications and key enabling technologies; and developed the fundamental theories of these technologies.