LoGaCulture Research Fellow (2662224AR)

LoGaCulture: Locative Games for Cultural Heritage” is a substantial international multidisciplinary research project funded by EU Horizon and the UKRI. The team at Southampton University requires a research fellow to assist them in the final 2 years of the project to pursue world leading research in the design and development of locative mixed reality games for cultural heritage.

The team at Southampton, based within the School of Humanities and also Electronics and Computer Science (ECS), is leading the development of mixed reality cultural heritage games at the National Trust site at Avebury, and will prototype suitable technology, work with designers to create the games, and evaluate the visitor experience.

About you 

We are looking for a researcher to work with authors and other creatives to deliver these games. Specifically, you will lead the production process, liaise with creative contributors, participate in design workshops with the National Trust, engage with stakeholders, support tech developers, and oversee the UX evaluation. We encourage applications from people with a passion for game design, mixed reality, interactive narratives, and digital cultural heritage.

You will undertake the research under the guidance of the principal and co-investigators and in collaboration with the wider international research team. You will have the opportunity to research the state of the art, help to design world leading novel mixed reality games, work with creatives and technical experts to make those games a reality, evaluate the user and author experience, write relevant research papers and articles, and present the work at international conferences and meetings.

You will work alongside an existing research fellow in ECS who has responsibility for the technical development of software deliverables, and project colleagues based at the University of Bournemouth. You will be managed and supported by Prof. James Jordan in the School of Humanities, but will be located within ECS on Highfield Campus and day to day management will be provided by the LoGaCulture Principle Investigator, Prof. David Millard.

The post requires a relevant doctorate, which may be in a technical field or in the humanities. You will have a strong interest in working at the intersection of technology and cultural heritage, and some experience of UX design and/or evaluation.

What can we offer? 

The post is for 2 years and will be line managed in the School of Humanities. Ranked in the top one per cent of universities globally and among the UK’s top 20 for research, the University of Southampton has an international reputation for its research, teaching, and enterprise activities. 

Due consideration will be given to applicants who have taken a career break. University of Southampton holds an Athena Swan Silver Award. The University has a generous maternity policy and onsite childcare facilities; employees can participate in the childcare vouchers scheme. Other benefits include state-of-the-art on-campus sports, arts and culture facilities, a full programme of events and a range of staff discounts.

For further information please contact Professor David Millard (dem@soton.ac.uk).

Applications for Research Fellow positions will be considered from candidates who are working towards or nearing completion of a relevant PhD qualification.  The title of Research Fellow will be applied upon successful completion of the PhD.  Prior to the qualification being awarded the title of Senior Research Assistant will be given.

Closing Date: 11 Apr 2024

Section: Education, Research & Enterprise

Salary: £34,980 to £42,978
Full Time Fixed Term