Postdoctoral Research Associate - Creative Future Visioning

University of York - Leverhulme Centre for Anthropocene Biodiversity

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 (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 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 the preparation of funding applications to external bodies.

Skills, Experience & Qualifications needed

• PhD (awarded or submitted) 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: June 2026. The post must commence by 30th Sept 2026.

For informal enquiries: please contact lindsey.gillson@york.ac.uk