Research Associate - Creative Future Visioning

Role Description

Research Centre & Department

The Leverhulme Centre for Anthropocene Biodiversity (LCAB) is a research centre of academics from a wide range of disciplines collaborating  to increase knowledge of how the relationship between humanity and the natural world is changing, and how we might maintain and develop a sustainable Earth and bring about positive change. The position is linked to the Department of Biology, and will be line managed by Lindsey Gillson with mentorship from Guy Schofield, Marian Ursu , Christopher Lyon and Rob Marchant.

Role

AI and XR tools that navigate complexity can help chart pathways to resilient ecosystems and desired futures while historical and archaeological information can assist in imagining landscapes changing in response to environmental, societal and technological drivers.  This project explores how to combine these approaches so they can be used to inform and navigate future challenges.

You will identify existing technologies which may be used to develop interactive simulations of evolving landscapes.  These will be applied to available data sets from North Yorkshire to create immersive experiences that enable us to test our approach. You will also develop authoring tools appropriate for integration with popular creation software and engage with stakeholders who will be involved in the design process.

As well as working on your core project, you will collaborate with other LCAB researchers to enhance interdisciplinary research in the Centre, jointly developing, coordinating and engaging in our cross-cutting themes.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Undertaking world-leading individual and collaborative research
• Disseminating research results through publications, seminar and conference presentations, public engagement and outreach activities
• Developing ongoing interdisciplinary research, and identifying possible new areas of research
• Contribute to preparing funding applications to external bodies

Skills, Experience & Qualifications needed

• PhD or equivalent experience in an appropriate area. 
• Skills in using game engine technology, real-time landscape and environment design. 3D modelling tools will be highly advantageous.
• Ability to write up research for high profile publications and competency in presenting work at conferences and events.
• Excellent communication skills with experience of engagement across disciplines and with non-academic audiences.
• Ability to develop own and collaborative research, identify sources of funding and contribute to securing these with the assistance of a mentor if required.
• Demonstrated interest in biodiversity change or landscape management is desirable.

Applicants should provide a short outline (max. 1 page; font size 11) describing their proposed approach to one or more of the research goals. The focus of the work will be developed collaboratively on appointment.

The role is offered on a full time basis, with consideration to requests for part-time.

Interview date: Aug 2026 (ideally starting by 30/09/26).

For informal enquiries: contact lindsey.gillson@york.ac.uk or marian.ursu@york.ac.uk

The University strives to be diverse and inclusive  – a place where we can ALL be ourselves.

We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented at the University. 

We offer family friendly, flexible working arrangements, with forums and inclusive facilities to support our staff. #EqualityatYork

As a Disability Confident employer, we will ensure that a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants that meet the minimum (essential) criteria for each position will be offered an interview.  Read more about the University of York’s commitments under the Disability Confident scheme.