Postdoctoral Research Associate - Biodiversity Education Through Games

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 Education, and will be line managed by Lynda Dunlop (Education) with mentorship from Judith Krauss (Politics) and Pen Holland (Biology).

Role

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher with advanced skills in discourse analysis, social research methods and game design in the context of biodiversity. You will: 

(I) identify narratives associated with biodiversity (variability among living organisms from all sources, including diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems) in the Anthropocene in existing games. 

(II) understand how games frame and facilitate engagement with the Anthropocene, biodiversity, relationships and interdependence, and the economic, social and political landscape that shapes nature engagements and entanglements.  

(III) translate findings into a novel entertainment game which engages players in ideas about the ‘good’ Anthropocene through imaginative play, with attention to social, environmental and multispecies justice, community and relationships.

Key Responsibilities include:

• To undertake world-leading individual and collaborative research to increase the understanding of anthropocene biodiversity through game analysis, play and design.
• To write up research findings and disseminate 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.

Skills, Experience & Qualifications needed

• Undergraduate degree and PhD (awarded or submitted) in an appropriate subject area or equivalent experience.
• Knowledge of game analysis, play and design in the context of biodiversity including a range of relevant research methodologies and expertise in an area which complements LCAB’s research goals. 
• Competence in the evaluation of environmental (biodiversity) games and narratives (as appropriate to discipline) 
• 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. 
• Experience of and capacity to carry out independent and collaborative research.

Applicants are requested to provide a short outline (max. 1 page; font size 11) describing their proposed approach to one or more of the research goals. The focus of the work will be developed collaboratively on appointment. 

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

For informal enquiries: contact lynda.dunlop@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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