Research Fellow (CHRYSES)

at  University College London

ABOUT US

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, UCL 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/.

ABOUT YOU

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.

PLEASE SEE THE FULL JOB DESCRIPTION AND PERSON SPECIFICATION AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE FULL MORE INFORMATION.

This role is eligible for hybrid working with a minimum time in site to be determined between successful candidate and line manager. We will consider applications to work on a flexible and job share basis wherever possible.
This appointment is subject to UCL Terms and Conditions of Service for Research and Professional Services Staff. Please visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/human-resources/conditions-service-research-teaching-and-professional-services-staff for more information.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Experience and evidence has shown that traditional approaches to communicating Environmental and Health Crises (EHC) are mostly 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.
The CHRYSES team: 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.

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits some of which are below:

• 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave plus 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
• Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
• On-Site nursery
• On-site gym
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
• Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
• Discounted medical insuranc