Post-Doctoral Research Associate (Cultures and Values study)

The Department of Landscape at the University of Sheffield has an outstanding research record, focusing on the interactions between society, culture, nature and practice that shape our environment. We are at the forefront of Landscape Architecture research in the UK: in the most recent UK Government Research Excellence Framework in 2014 (the national rating system for research quality in the UK) we were ranked first out of all UK Landscape Architecture units. Over 75% of our research outputs were judged to be ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’.

Our research has impact and influence, specifically with regard to the future planning, design and management of urban public space. This post-doctoral role is an appointment to “Improving Wellbeing through Urban Nature: integrating green/blue infrastructure and health service valuation and delivery (IWUN)”. This Post-doctoral position will support the delivery of work package two within the IWUN programme, a qualitative and (in part) co-produced study of the values and beliefs relating to urban natural environments and wellbeing, with a particular focus on low users (populations defined by Monitor of Engagement with the Natural Environment, Natural England, 2015), and on mental health service users.

The emphasis of this work is on nature connectedness, the cultural resources and personal narratives of this, and how understandings and use of urban natural environments may change across the life-course (with specific attention to migration, mental health trajectories, and intergenerational responsibilities). Applicants will have completed a PhD in any of the disciplines relevant to this work, most likely from a social science tradition with expertise in place, environment or health. You will have proven expertise in qualitative methods, ideally of interviewing in cross-cultural settings, with a sound grasp of analytical processes. This post is an excellent opportunity to be part of a leading research team holding a highly competitive Natural Environment Research Council research grant to advance understanding of the health and wellbeing benefits of interaction with the natural environment. There will be opportunities to develop skills and expertise, and to network both nationally and internationally with a wide range of individuals and organisations working in this area.