Research Associate in Humanity and Space

About the role

The Leverhulme Centre for Humanity and Space (LCHS), based at Space Park Leicester, is seeking up to six Research Associates to join its pioneering interdisciplinary team. With funding of up to £10 million over ten years, the Centre is transforming how we understand space through the lens of the arts, humanities and social sciences. Successful candidates will undertake independent research projects aligned with one or more of the Centre’s core strands: living and working in space; peace, security and governance; sustainability, development and fairness; and communication, representation and experience. Researchers will be supported with mentorship, seed funding, and opportunities for professional development, impact and leadership.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a vibrant intellectual community working alongside scientists, start-ups and policy bodies. You will be expected to work in person at Space Park Leicester for at least 60% of your working week. The role includes conducting original research, developing new methodologies and contributing to the Centre’s events and outreach.

For further information on the project, please follow the link provided.

About you

You will hold a PhD in a relevant arts, humanities or social science discipline and be at an early stage of your academic career. You should demonstrate a strong interest in interdisciplinary research related to space and have experience in conducting independent research, with evidence of productivity through publications or presentations. Your proposed project should align with the Centre’s mission and contribute meaningfully to its research strands.

Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential, along with the ability to work collaboratively and independently. You will be proactive in planning and delivering your research, engaging with internal and external stakeholders, and contributing to the Centre’s dynamic environment.

The University of Leicester prides itself on the diversity of its student population and on being an inclusive employer. We encourage applications from candidates who represent the diversity of our student population, local communities and wider society. In particular, we welcome applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, as this is a staff group currently underrepresented in the University.

Additional information

Informal enquiries are welcome and should be made to Professor Andrew Futter at ajf57@leicester.ac.uk.

Please upload a maximum of a 2-page CV and complete all shortlisting questions on the application form.

Interviews are expected to take place in November 2025.

As part of the University’s ongoing commitment to professional development, this role will also be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff members. Please ensure this is discussed with your line manager prior to applying. More information regarding secondments can be found here.

The University of Leicester has been changing the world, and changing people’s lives, for 100 years. When you join us, you’ll become part of a community of Citizenship of Change, which includes not only our staff and our current students but also thousands of Leicester graduates around the world.

As a diverse and forward-thinking employer, we embed the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion into everything we do. That includes not just our core missions of teaching and research, but also our support for staff, students and our local community through our values of Inspiring, Impactful and Inclusive.

We’re committed to the wellbeing of all our staff and to the sustainability of our environment, on our campus and beyond. We offer a competitive salary package, excellent pension scheme and a generous annual leave allowance, along with opportunities to develop your career in a supportive and collaborative environment.

Vacancy terms

Full-time, fixed term contract from 01 February 2026 to 31 January 2029