Research Associate - Creative Future Visioning

University of York; York and North Yorkshire; On-site; GBP 32,040 - 43,348; Full time

Job summary

The Leverhulme Centre for Anthropocene Biodiversity (LCAB) at the University of York invites applications for a research role linked to the Biology Department. You will identify technologies to develop interactive simulations of evolving landscapes, using North Yorkshire data, and build authoring tools for popular creation software while engaging stakeholders in the design process.

Work with LCAB researchers to advance interdisciplinary themes, contribute to funding applications, and disseminate

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent experience in an appropriate area.
• Experience with game engine technology and real-time landscape/environment design; 3D modelling is advantageous.
• Ability to write for high-profile publications and present at conferences.
• Excellent communication across disciplines and with non-academic audiences.
• Ability to develop independent and collaborative research and secure funding with mentor support.

Responsibilities

• Undertaking world-leading individual and collaborative research.
• Disseminating results through publications, seminars, and conferences, public engagement and outreach activities.
• Developing interdisciplinary research and identifying possible new areas of research.
• Contribute to the preparation of funding applications to external bodies.

Skills

Game engine tech

Real-time design

3D modelling

Academic writing

Public engagement

Funding acquisition

Collaboration

Education

PhD

Job description

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 (Biology) with mentorship from Guy Schofield (Archaeology), Marian Ursu (Arts & Creative Technologies), Christopher Lyon (Environment & Geography) and Rob Marchant (Environment & Geography).

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 aims to explore 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 cross-cutting themes within the Centre.

Key Responsibilities

• 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 the preparation of funding applications to external bodies.

Skills, Experience & Qualifications

• 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/other appropriate 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.

Interview date: Aug 2026.

For informal enquiries: please contact [e-mail]

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.

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.

£37,694 per annum