Storytelling Research Fellows, UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS LONDON

About the role

The UAL AKO Storytelling Institute, in partnership with the Power of Pop Fund, is seeking six Storytelling Research Fellows to undertake original research, exploring how popular culture contributes to social and environmental change. Over a nine-month fellowship, you will design and deliver an independent research project, investigating how storytelling across media such as television, film, gaming, podcasts and digital culture shapes attitudes, behaviors and public discourse. Working alongside a cohort of fellows and supported by the Institute's Head of Research, you will produce rigorous, actionable insights for creative practitioners, funders and social impact organizations, culminating in a public symposium showcasing your findings.

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver an independent research project on the impact of storytelling across various media on social and environmental change.
• Collaborate with a cohort of fellows and the Institute's Head of Research to produce actionable insights for creative practitioners, funders, and social impact organizations.
• Conduct rigorous research and communicate complex ideas to diverse audiences.
• Translate evidence into practical recommendations that can inform creative and cultural practice.

Requirements

The fellowship is open to researchers whose work engages with storytelling, popular culture, media, narrative change, representation, audience behavior, social change, or related fields. You will be an experienced researcher with a PhD or equivalent research expertise gained through academic, independent, or professional practice. With a strong track record of delivering high-quality research and engaging external partners, you will bring curiosity, critical thinking, and a deep interest in the relationship between storytelling, popular culture, and social change. You will be confident designing and managing your own research project, communicating complex ideas to diverse audiences, and translating evidence into practical recommendations that can inform creative and cultural practice.

Qualifications

• A PhD or equivalent research expertise gained through academic, independent, or professional practice.
• A strong track record of delivering high-quality research and engaging external partners.
• Curiosity, critical thinking, and a deep interest in the relationship between storytelling, popular culture, and social change.
• Confidence in designing and managing your own research project, communicating complex ideas to diverse audiences, and translating evidence into practical recommendations.

Skills

• Experience in conducting research on storytelling and its impact on social and environmental change.
• Ability to communicate complex ideas to diverse audiences.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and collaboration skills.

Benefits

Working at UAL University of the Arts London offers a range of benefits including:

• Flexible working arrangements.
• Staff Support Networks.
• Family-friendly policies.
• Inclusive employment policies.

Pay

The salary for this position is £35,000 per annum.

Schedule

The fellowship runs for nine months, starting in October 2026.