University of the Arts London Storytelling Research Fellowship 2026: 6 Paid Research Fellowships Exploring Popular Culture, Media and Social Change

Overview

The University of the Arts London (UAL) is recruiting six Storytelling Research Fellows through its AKO Storytelling Institute, in partnership with the Power of Pop Fund. The nine-month fellowship lets experienced researchers design and deliver an independent project on how storytelling in popular culture, such as television, film, gaming, podcasts and digital culture, can influence attitudes, behaviours and public discourse, and how it relates to social and environmental change. Fellows work as a cohort, are supported by the Institute's Head of Research, engage with external partners and present findings at a public symposium. The aim is actionable insight for creative practitioners, cultural organisations, funders and social-impact organisations.

Who can apply

Applicants should have a PhD or equivalent research expertise gained through academic, independent or professional practice, a strong record of high-quality research, experience engaging external partners, and the ability to design and manage an independent project, communicate complex ideas to varied audiences and turn evidence into practical recommendations. Their work should connect with storytelling, popular culture, media, narrative change, representation, audience behaviour or social change.

What you get

The post is a fixed-term, part-time appointment of 14.8 hours per week at Grade 5, in the Academic and Research job family. It runs on a flexible hybrid basis, 50% on-site at UAL High Holborn and 50% from home. The pay is £48,563 per annum pro rata, which is £19,425 per annum for the part-time schedule. Staff benefits include 39 days of annual leave plus two volunteering days, flexible working, discounted medical insurance, an Employee Assistance Programme, six months of full pay under an Equal Parental Leave policy, Teachers Pension scheme membership, training and development, and various discounts, with conditions and exclusions applying.

How to apply

Applicants create an account on the UAL job board and submit a CV that includes a publications record, a research proposal of 1,000 to 1,200 words uploaded through the research, published work or portfolio option, and a supporting statement that includes at least one research project they designed and delivered. UAL runs an anonymous selection process, asks applicants to read the full call first and encourages applicants to use their own voice rather than generic or heavily automated text. The vacancy may close early if interest is high.

Key dates

The deadline is 11 September 2026 at 23:55. Interviews are scheduled for 28, 29 and 30 September 2026.