Call for Applications:

Storytelling Research Fellows 2026-2027
University of the Arts London (UAL)
https://ual.tal.net/vx/appcentre-1/brand-1/spa-1/candidate/so/pm/6/pl/1/opp/12629-Storytelling-Research-Fellows/en-GB

Deadline for submission of applications: September 11, 2026

THE OPPORTUNITY

UAL’s AKO Storytelling Institute working with the Power of Pop Fund are launching an exciting new programme. The Storytelling Research Fellowship is an opportunity for 6 researchers who are interested in the ways that pop culture content can shift the conversation on climate justice, poverty and economic justice, race and migration, masculinities, and people power.

During the nine-month fellowship, researchers will have the opportunity to design and deliver an independent research project investigating how storytelling across media such as television, film, gaming, podcasts and digital culture shapes attitudes, behaviours and public discourse. Researchers will be invited to produce rigorous, actionable insights for creative practitioners, funders and social impact organisations, culminating in a public symposium showcasing your findings. You will be supported by the Institute’s team and offered workshops and mentoring.

Number of positions: 6

Vacancy ID: 12629

College/Executive Group: Institutes

Department/Team: AKO Storytelling Institute

Location: Hybrid – UAL High Holborn/Home

Hybrid working: Flexible hybrid – 50% on-site, 50% WFH

Grade: Grade 5

Salary: £48,563 per annum pro rata (£19,425 per annum for part time hours)

Contract: Fixed Term – 9 months

Term: Part time – 14.8 hours per week

Apply by: 11 September 2026 23:55

Interviews: 28, 29 & 30 September 2026

Job description:

JDPS G5.33- Storytelling Fellow (2).docx – 188KB
Converted File JDPS G5.33- Storytelling Fellow (2).docx.pdf – 118KB

Additional document:

Call for applications-Storytelling Research Fellowship 2627.pdf – 244KB

ABOUT YOU

The fellowship is open to researchers whose work engages with storytelling, popular culture, media, narrative change, representation, audience behaviour, 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.

ABOUT UAL

University of the Arts London (UAL) generates and inspires the creativity the world needs for a better future. Since 1842, our colleges have been defining creative education. With curiosity, imagination and intent we make work which creates lasting change for people and our planet. London is core to who we are, a place where we meet and share ideas with people from different backgrounds and cultures.

Our creative network influences learning, culture, industry and society on a global scale. Our academics and practitioners deliver creative education and inspire new ways of thinking through research and innovation. We work with students at every level from pre-degree and short courses to postgraduate and online learning, enabling them to build the careers they want. Together, we are a community of makers, thinkers, pioneers and storytellers redesigning the future.

As a University, we are ranked second in the world for Art and Design. We are formed of 6 Colleges with unique histories and identities: Camberwell College of Arts, Central Saint Martins, Chelsea College of Arts, London College of Communication, London College of Fashion and Wimbledon College of Arts. UAL also has 4 Institutes, 5 Research Centres, 1 Pre-Degree School and 2 subsidiary companies delivering specialist activities.

We are a global University, welcoming over 22,000 students and 6,000 staff from 130 countries. We aim to be a university where people can be themselves and feel supported to reach their full potential. That’s why we are proud to hold a Bronze Award from the Race Equality Charter (REC), are members of the Business Disability Forum and Employers for Carers, and maintain our status as a Disability Confident Scheme and Living Wage employer.

MORE INFORMATION

Please visit https://ual.tal.net/vx/appcentre-1/brand-1/spa-1/candidate/so/pm/6/pl/1/opp/12629-Storytelling-Research-Fellows/en-GB

If you have any general questions or have accessibility needs, please contact [email protected]