Research Fellow in Architecture

Are you an ambitious researcher looking for your next challenge? Do you want to further your career in one of the UK's leading research-intensive Universities? Do you want to work on a research project alongside leading academics in Architecture and Urbanism?

University of Leeds Architecture and Urbanism Research Group (AURG) supports interdisciplinary research. It acts as a platform for tackling global societal challenges by working closely with communities, local authorities, NGOs, policymakers, businesses, and the public. The 'Designing Accessible and Inclusive Public Play Spaces' funded project aims to assess, improve, and protect children's opportunities for play, and aims for Leeds to be the first city in England to commit to delivering an action plan designed to optimise play opportunities for children and young people across the city. The project contributes to 'Best City's Ambitions' to build a healthier, fairer, greener Leeds, making it a proposal that is relevant and has the potential to make a real difference in our community. While most guidelines focus only on designing for children, well-planned spaces could support play and have the potential for multiple benefits across generations.

We seek a Research Fellow with experience undertaking evidence-based research and evaluating policy and urban design practices. Good experience working with city councils and knowledge of local and national play space practices, policies, and guidelines will be preferable. 

The candidate will conduct a thorough literature review and policy analysis, applying qualitative research methods for developing an evidence-based policy brief, 'Building Inclusive Play Spaces in Leeds'. They will also provide administrative support for workshop organisation, editorial assistance with the policy document and conduct discussions/debates, interviews, and focus groups. This role offers the opportunity to conduct research and manage processes towards the delivery of the research project. You will work with the principal investigator and team to execute the research aspects of the work programme and support ongoing activities. 

The candidate will work closely with the Leeds City Council team to evaluate the processes employed and produce a report with case studies and recommendations, including what these approaches might mean for policy and practice. In addition, you will advise and guide the project lead on sufficient approaches in collaboration with partners to help shape future public engagement programmes.

This role will be based at the university of Leeds campus and there is scope for it to be undertaken in a hybrid manner. We are open to discussing flexible working arrangements.

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact: 

Professor Gehan Selim, Hoffman Wood Professor of Architecture 

Tel: +44 (0)113 343 3082  

Email: G.Selim@leeds.ac.uk 

Please note: that this post may be suitable for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route but first-time applicants might need to qualify for salary concessions. For more information, please visit: www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa.

For research and academic posts, we will consider eligibility under the Global Talent visa. For more information, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/global-talent.

What we offer in return

• 26 days holiday plus approx.16 Bank Holidays/days that the University is closed by custom (including Christmas) – That’s 42 days a year!
• Generous pension scheme plus life assurance– the University contributes 14.5% of salary. 
• Health and Wellbeing: Discounted staff membership options at The Edge, our state-of-the-art Campus gym, with a pool, sauna, climbing wall, cycle circuit, and sports halls.
• Personal Development: Access to courses run by our Organisational Development & Professional Learning team.
• Access to on-site childcare, shopping discounts and travel schemes are also available.

And much more!  

View All Vacancies