RBC - Research Assistant - 3 Year FTC

Birmingham City University; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK higher education institution is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Assistant to join a project on Sonic Heritage and Environmental Change. The role will involve advanced 3D scanning, sound recording, and the development of immersive experiences using digital methods. Candidates should possess a PhD (or nearing completion) in fields like Digital Heritage or Computer Science, along with relevant technical experience. The position offers a collaborative environment and access to state-of-the-art facilities, along with generous benefits.

Benefits

Generous pension

40 days annual leave

Family-friendly policies

State-of-the-art campus facilities

Qualifications

• PhD (or near completion) in Digital Heritage, Computer Science or related fields
• Experience with 3D modelling, LiDAR scanning, or VR development
• Strong programming skills in relevant engines and web platforms

Responsibilities

• Participate in 3D scanning and sound recording tasks
• Lead the development of the 'East Coast Sounds' web platform
• Disseminate research outputs through academic publications

Skills

3D modelling

LiDAR scanning

VR development

Programming skills in Unity/Unreal Engine

Excellent communication skills

Education

PhD in relevant field (Digital Heritage, Computer Science, etc.)

Tools

Unity

Unreal Engine

WebGL

Job description

Department Royal Birmingham Conservatoire Location Birmingham, West Midlands Salary £38,050 to £44,131per annum Fixed Term Post Type Full Time Release Date 09 December 2025 Closing Date 23.59 hours GMT on Thursday 08 January 2026 Reference RBC25008

Sonic Heritage and Environmental Change on England’s East Coast, 1718-present

Sonic Heritage and Environmental Change on England’s East Coast, 1718-present is a UKRI-funded Future Leaders Fellowship project led by Dr Joanna Bullivant (Royal Birmingham Conservatoire). The project combines expertise in musicology, ethnography, computer science, geomorphology, landscape architecture and heritage, involving partnerships including Manchester Metropolitan University, University of Oxford, the National Trust and Britten-Pears Arts. Researchers will work with researchers and use cutting-edge digital methods to reconstruct historical soundscapes on the East Coast, create new heritage resources, and understand connections between changing landscapes, music and sound.

We are now recruiting a Postdoctoral Research Assistant (PDRA) to join the project for a three-year period. The successful candidate will be based in the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire at Birmingham City University and work under the supervision of the Principal Investigator, Dr Joanna Bullivant, and Research Co-Lead, Professor Carlo Harvey (Manchester Metropolitan University). You will benefit from access to BCU’s outstanding STEAMhouse facilities and work alongside interdisciplinary researchers active in fields including acoustics, virtual reality (VR), ambisonics, and immersive media. The role offers opportunities for you to shape and develop your own research profile as part of a dynamic and collaborative team. The successful candidate will:

• Participate in 3D scanning and sound recording work at project case study sites.
• Contribute to the development of immersive VR and soundscape reconstructions.
• Lead on the digital development of the ‘East Coast Sounds’ web platform in collaboration with other project researchers.
• Disseminate research outputs through academic publications and collaborative public engagement activities.
• Make reasonable contributions to project administration alongside other team members.

Essential skills and experience include:

• A PhD (or near completion) in a relevant field such as Digital Heritage, Computer Science, Digital Humanities, or Acoustics.
• Demonstrable experience with one or more of the following: 3D modelling, LiDAR scanning, photogrammetry, spatial audio rendering, or VR development.
• Strong programming or technical skills in Unity/Unreal Engine, WebGL, and web development platforms.
• Experience of interdisciplinary or collaborative research and/or public engagement.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work independently and as part of a team.

We offer a generous pension and annual leave provision (40 days including statutory holidays), family-friendly policies and state-of-the-art campus facilities.