The University of York, UK, invites applications for a Research Associate – Creative Future Visioning position at the Leverhulme Centre for Anthropocene Biodiversity (LCAB). The fixed-term research role, posted on 21 July 2026, explores AI, XR technologies, archaeology, and environmental approaches for understanding future landscape changes.
The position is linked to the Department of Biology and focuses on combining artificial intelligence, extended reality tools, and archaeological information to develop approaches for imagining future landscapes. The project examines how digital technologies can support research into environmental, societal, and technological changes affecting ecosystems.
The Research Associate will identify technologies for creating interactive simulations of evolving landscapes and apply these methods to North Yorkshire datasets. The role also involves developing authoring tools compatible with creative software platforms and engaging with stakeholders during the design process.
Alongside the core project, the researcher will collaborate with LCAB academics from different disciplines to support interdisciplinary research themes. The role includes developing research outputs, presenting findings, contributing to funding applications, and exploring new research directions related to biodiversity change and landscape management.
Research Associate Position Details at University of York
- Position: Research Associate – Creative Future Visioning
- Official Reference Number: 15218
- Institution: University of York, UK
- Research Centre: Leverhulme Centre for Anthropocene Biodiversity (LCAB)
- Department: Department of Biology
- Location: York, UK
- Job Type: Research Associate
- Contract Status: Fixed-term
- Working Hours: Full-time (part-time requests considered)
- Salary/Funding: £37,694 per year
- Grade: Grade 6
- Interview Date: August 2026
- Application Deadline: 10 August 2026
Research Areas:
- Artificial intelligence and extended reality (XR) applications
- Digital landscape modelling and immersive simulations
- Archaeological and historical landscape research
- Environmental change and biodiversity studies
- Real-time environment design and 3D modelling
- Interdisciplinary research methods
Eligibility for University of York Research Associate Position
Required qualifications and experience include:
- PhD or equivalent research experience in an appropriate discipline.
- Experience using game engine technologies, real-time landscape design, or digital environment development.
- Knowledge of 3D modelling tools and interactive simulation approaches.
- Ability to prepare research outputs for academic publications and presentations.
- Strong communication skills for interdisciplinary collaboration and public engagement.
- Experience developing independent and collaborative research projects.
- Ability to identify funding opportunities and contribute to external research applications.
- Interest in biodiversity change or landscape management is desirable.
Applicants must also provide a short outline of their proposed approach to one or more research goals, with a maximum length of one page.
Key Responsibilities
The Research Associate will undertake the following responsibilities:
- Conduct independent and collaborative research within the Creative Future Visioning project.
- Identify suitable technologies for interactive landscape simulation development.
- Apply digital approaches to environmental and landscape datasets from North Yorkshire.
- Develop authoring tools that integrate with creative software platforms.
- Share research findings through publications, seminars, conferences, and outreach activities.
- Contribute to interdisciplinary research themes and future research development within LCAB.
Application Process
Candidates should submit their application through the University of York recruitment system. Applicants should review the official job description and provide supporting materials that demonstrate their research experience and suitability for the role.
Required documents include:
- Completed application form.
- Academic CV outlining research experience and technical skills.
- Supporting statement addressing essential criteria.
- One-page research approach outline describing proposed project ideas.
Important Dates
- Posted Date: 21 July 2026
- Application Deadline: 10 August 2026
- Interview Period: August 2026
- Expected Start Date: Ideally by 30 September 2026
Applicants interested in AI, archaeology, digital humanities, and environmental research should review the official vacancy details and submit their application before the 10 August 2026 deadline.
Related Academic Opportunities
- UK Academic Research Positions
- Humanities Research Opportunities
- Digital Archaeology Research Jobs
- Digital Humanities Research Positions
- Postdoctoral Research Opportunities
Institutional Overview
The University of York is a research university in the UK with academic strengths across science, humanities, and social sciences. The university supports interdisciplinary research through its departments and research centres, addressing topics including environmental change, technology, and society. The Leverhulme Centre for Anthropocene Biodiversity (LCAB) brings together researchers from biology, archaeology, and environmental studies to investigate biodiversity change and relationships between humans and the natural world. Through collaborative projects, LCAB examines landscape transformation, sustainability, and digital approaches for studying ecosystems. The centre provides a research environment for exploring biodiversity, archaeology, environmental science, and emerging technologies.
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