Research Associate - Digital Decarbonisation in Sound Heritage

The position is part-time (0.6FTE) and fixed term for a period of 9 months 

About the University 

Universities are one of this country’s greatest assets. We are educators, employers, innovators and pioneers. We shape culture and society. 

At Loughborough, we strive for better, think differently, challenge convention and take action. We are passionate about finding solutions to the major problems faced by society and the planet, and we create opportunities for those with the drive, the ambition, and the determination to apply themselves in the pursuit of better. 

About Loughborough Business School 

We are a vibrant, research‑led school with a strong reputation for academic excellence, real-world impact and an inclusive, collaborative culture. It is among an elite global group of business schools to hold triple accreditation from AACSB, EQUIS and AMBA, and was named a PRME Champion (2024–2025) for its leadership in responsible management education. The School also holds Small Business Charter accreditation and a Bronze Athena Swan Award, reflecting its commitment to entrepreneurship, equality and positive societal impact, and offers a supportive and forward-looking environment in which staff and students can thrive.  

Here’s more about the role and what we are looking for: 

This role forms part of Sounds of the Midlands, an ambitious project led by the University of Leicester and funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Sounds of the Midlands is focused on the digital preservation of around 10,000 sound recordings, representing more than 10TB of audio heritage material. The project explores how valuable cultural collections can be preserved, processed, and made accessible in ways that also reduce environmental impact. Working with academic and sector partners, the postholder will help develop practical approaches to lower-carbon digitisation and digital preservation, including a Digital Decarbonisation Playbook for use across the heritage sector. 

You will be required to support the delivery of an applied research and innovation project focused on reducing the environmental impact of digital preservation in sound heritage. The postholder will help assess current workflows, identify practical improvement opportunities, and translate findings into clear guidance, tools, and engagement activities for use by project partners and the wider heritage sector. 

Why should you Apply? 

With huge amount of variety in the role, there is an opportunity for you to develop and continually grow. 

 If this sounds like the right place, team and role for you please do get in touch. We would love to hear from you. 

Informal enquiries should be directed to Professor Tom Jackson at T.W.Jackson@lboro.ac.uk.  

For more information refer to the Job Description and Person Specification.

 Application Process 

 For further support with your application, please refer to our application guidance, which includes some top tips to help you when completing your application. 

We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that candidates may need during the recruitment process. If there are additional adjustments, you would like to request please contact Professor Tom Jackson at T.W.Jackson@lboro.ac.uk. We also offer reasonable adjustments on the job. 

Closing Date: 23 September 2026 

Interview Date: 29 September 2026 

Discover more about the full range of rewards and benefits at Loughborough University. 

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