Research Fellow (CHRYSES)

We are looking for an enthusiastic individual who brings excellent qualitative and quantitative research skills and experience in map design/cartography, human geography and public engagement. The Research Fellow will be expected to design a framework for conducting map archival research using various online and offline map collections with an emphasis on participatory mapping; analyse and synthesise the findings to understand how maps have been utilised to communicate EHC; develop and evaluate a methodological framework, which builds on historical best practice examples as well as lessons learnt from public engagement workshops, to inform future map design for more meaningful map development and communication in the wider context of EHC information provision for public use.

University College London (UCL) is one of the world's top universities. Based in the heart of London, it is a dynamic, outward-looking institution. At its establishment in 1826, U CL was radical and responsive to the needs of society, and this ethos – that excellence should go hand-in-hand with enriching society – continues today.

The Department of Geography is a leading UK and global department, with a heritage of excellence in research, renowned for its innovative and interdisciplinary research to understanding complex global challenges. It brings together expertise in physical and human geography to explore critical issues such as climate change, sustainable development, and social justice. The department fosters an interdisciplinary approach, equipping students and researchers with the skills to critically engage with the complex interactions between people, places, and environments. Further details of the department are at https://www.geog.ucl.ac.uk/.

Experience and evidence has shown that traditional approaches to communicating Environmental and Health Crises (EHC) are mos tly unable to cope with divisive cultural narratives and representations of the complex multidisciplinary nature which underpins such crises – as it is the case, for instance, with media narratives surrounding the causes of global warming or the handling of pandemics. Project CHRYSES aims to provide an interdisciplinary approach to conceptualise and map EHC – by unifying the perspectives of myths and science through an in-depth exploration of mythological and scientific mappings – and provide a novel perspective and insight into the ways maps can be better utilised to create and foster public understanding of global crises.

CHRYSES brings together an interdisciplinary team of researchers from: University College London (Dept. of Geography, UK), University of Edinburgh (Usher Institute, UK), Aalto University (Department of Art and Media, Finland), Estonian Literary Museum (Department of Folklorists, Estonia), University College Cork (Dept. Study of Religions, Ireland). The team has extensive expertise and experience in applying a range of research methodologies from across various fields of art, geography, global health, history, mythology, visual narratives, and visualisation.

The post is funded by UKRI/HERA as part of the CHANSE (Collaboration of Humanities and Social Sciences in Europe) initiative and its 'Crisis-Perspectives from the Humanities' call.

This is a part time (0.7FTE), fixed term post with funding available until 31st December 2026. The appointment is available to start ASAP.

Customer advert reference: B03-02329

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