Postdoctoral Research Associate - Cultural Understandings of Biodiversity

Role Description

Research Centre & Department

The Leverhulme Centre for Anthropocene Biodiversity 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 Environment and Geography, and will be line managed by Felicia Liu (Environment & Geography) with mentorship from Kathryn Arnold (Environment & Geography), Judith Krauss (Politics) and Catherine Love-Smith (Arts & Creative Technologies).

Role

This project will explore whether framing biodiversity as ‘heritage’ shapes how people understand, value, and act on biodiversity changes in Yorkshire, what ideal ecological futures they envision, and what steps must be taken to pass on that ideal future to the next generation. We seek understandings of socio-environmental feedback loops to identify levers for more equitable environmental action. 

We are seeking an enthusiastic Postdoctoral Researcher in Cultural Understandings of Biodiversity with advanced skills in qualitative data collection and analysis. You will engage with non-academic stakeholders as part of data collection and knowledge dissemination, and produce high-quality academic publications. You will have experience in interdisciplinary research, and experience (or a strong interest) in ethically robust community-centric research and creative research methodology and knowledge dissemination strategies.   

Key Responsibilities include:

• Undertaking world-leading research to explore the effects of reframing biodiversity as cultural heritage and its implications on environmental behaviour and decision-making in Yorkshire
• Writing up research findings and disseminating through publications, seminar and conference presentations, and through outreach activities.
• Facilitate Centre objectives through development of ongoing interdisciplinary research, and identification of possible new areas of research, and potential funders.

Skills, Experience & Qualifications needed

• Undergraduate degree and PhD (awarded or submitted) in environmental social sciences and/or environmental humanities.
• Knowledge of biodiversity changes, natural heritage, and public perception of biodiversity changes. 
• High competence in the analysis of qualitative data, e.g. policy and media sources, semi-structured interviews, and participatory workshops. The candidate will have experience in, or be open to adopting creative research methodologies 
• Ability to carry out independent research, and experience or willingness to work collaboratively

You must provide a proposal (max. 1 page; font size 11) outlining your approach to one or more of the research goals:

1. Investigating scientific and other ways of ‘knowing’ biodiversity changes.
2. Conducting participatory research on how different communities experience and articulate biodiversity changes.
3. Public communication of biodiversity as heritage.

The focus of the work will be developed collaboratively upon appointment. 

Interview date: June 2026. The post must commence by 30th Sept 2026. 

For informal enquiries contact felicia.liu@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.

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