Research Fellow - University Cultural Collections & Generative AI

This role will be based on the university campus, with scope for it to be undertaken in a hybrid manner. We are also open to discussing flexible working arrangements.

The University of Leeds’s Brotherton Library is one of the major academic research libraries of the UK, attracting students and scholars from around the world to its rich and extensive print, online and manuscript collections gathered during its 100-year history.   

Cultural Collections & Galleries is an integral part of the Library and has responsibility for the care of, access to and development of the art, manuscript, archive and rare book collections of the University. Five of its premier collections have been awarded Designated status, i.e. recognised as having outstanding international importance by the Arts Council. The department also operates two public galleries, Treasures of the Brotherton and the Stanley & Audrey Burton Gallery, which delivers a bold exhibition programme drawing from active research, the collections and the University's diverse audiences. The Brotherton Research Centre was recently refurbished and supports hundreds of teaching sessions and researchers from all levels every year. 

We are looking to recruit a Research Fellow in Cultural Collections and AI to this role who can design and deliver a project that will enhance our knowledge and contribute to our collective understanding of the consequences of the use of Generative AI in relation to our Cultural Collections. This is an exciting opportunity to undertake research on our collections and to develop your research portfolio in a supportive and well-established research environment. Researchers working in and across any discipline(s) in the arts and humanities are eligible to apply. You will also be supported by the Digital Creativity and Cultures Hub (DCCH) which is based in the Brotherton Library in close proximity to Cultural Collections. This is a fixed-term role until end of July 2025.

Please note that this post may be suitable for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route but first-time applicants might need to qualify for salary concessions. For more information please visit: www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa.

For research and academic posts, we will consider eligibility under the Global Talent visa. For more information please visit: https://www.gov.uk/global-talent

What we offer in return

26 days holiday plus 16 Bank Holidays/days that the University is closed by custom (including Christmas) –that’s 42 days a year!Generous pension scheme plus life assurance.Health and Wellbeing: Discounted staff membership options at The Edge, our state-of-the-art Campus gym, with a pool, sauna, climbing wall, cycle circuit, and sports halls.Personal Development: Access to courses run by our Organisational Development & Professional Learning team.Access to on-site childcare, shopping discounts and travel schemes are also available.

And much more!

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact:

Claire Knowles, Associate Director: Research and Digital Futures

Email: C.Knowles1@leeds.ac.uk

Closing Date: 22 May 2025

Section: Research

Salary: £39,355 to £46,735 per annum