CoSTAR National R&D Lab Research Fellow

Full-time, Fixed-Term (until March 2029)

Salary is in the range £41,374 to £48,639 per annum inclusive of London Allowance*

The CoSTAR National R&D Lab, led by Royal Holloway, University of London, is seeking a collaborative Research Fellow to join the ‘User Futures’ team. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to one of the UK’s most ambitious creative R&D programmes, working at the intersection of psychological science and cutting-edge screen and performance technologies.

The successful candidate will design, conduct, analyse, and write up research focused on user engagement with next-generation technologies. You’ll work closely with industry partners and interdisciplinary researchers, contributing to ground-breaking collaborative projects.

About the National R&D Lab

Funded by a £51.1 million UK Government investment (AHRC/UKRI), the CoSTAR National R&D Lab is the UK’s flagship initiative supporting the screen and performance industries through world-class research, innovation, and infrastructure. Led by Royal Holloway, the Lab partners with institutions including University of Surrey, Abertay University, the National Film & Television School, Pinewood Studios, BT, and Disguise, integrating technologies such as AI, virtual production, and 5G with leading research in storytelling, media production, psychology, and creative tech. The Lab is committed to equality, diversity, inclusion, and environmental sustainability across all aspects of its work.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver research for the ‘User Futures’ team, including literature reviews, study design, data collection and analysis, and dissemination of findings.
• Collaborate across CoSTAR’s interdisciplinary teams.
• Engage with internal and external stakeholders from academia and industry.
• Present research plans and outcomes to varied audiences.

Ideal Candidate

You should apply if you:

• Hold a PhD in Psychology or a related discipline relevant to the Lab’s work (e.g. multisensory perception, people’s experiences with immersive technologies)
• Are passionate about interdisciplinary research with real-world impact
• Communicate clearly and confidently in spoken and written English
• Are proactive, organised, and adaptable in dynamic environments
• Enjoy working both independently and collaboratively

Why Join Us?

This is a chance to be part of a nationally significant programme in a visionary, inclusive team that values bold thinking and meaningful impact. You’ll help position the UK’s Creative Industries at the forefront of global innovation.

Benefits Include:

• Generous annual leave
• Training and development opportunities
• Pension scheme with strong employer contribution
• Cycle to Work, Season Ticket Loans, and eyesight testing support
• Free parking

The role is based at Royal Holloway’s Egham campus and Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire. It is available from 1st December 2025 (or as soon as possible thereafter).

Contact & Application

For informal enquiries, contact: polly.dalton@rhul.ac.uk

For application queries: recruitment@rhul.ac.uk

Please quote reference: 1025-232

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