Lecturer in Narrative Design

The role

The Lecturer in Narrative Design role is central to the vision of the MA Games Design (Narrative). You will lead the game writers' room, a core feature of the applied creative units on the programme, supporting student teams to rapidly ideate game ideas, refine storyboards and cinematics, craft dialogue, define characters and mechanics, and build worlds.

The role would suit a researcher practitioner looking to utilize their expertise in narrative design to champion innovative teaching and research with storytelling at its heart. You will inspire the next generation of narrative designers to build better games and help drive forward Game Lab’s mission of games for public service.

We value the diversity of perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences that fuel our culture of curiosity, collaboration, and innovation. We especially encourage applicants from groups traditionally underrepresented in games design to apply. All appointments will be evaluated solely on merit.

What will you be doing?

• Take creative direction of the core creative units on the MA Games Design (Narrative), delivering in-class teaching, arranging guest lectures and masterclasses, and assessing student projects.
• Steer the game writers’ room, fostering creative approaches to telling stories in games and an inclusive culture of peer feedback and iterative game design.
• Deliver learning focused on the four key skills identified by the programme: teamwork, storytelling, technical implementation, and critical thinking.
• Support students to use of industry-standard tools and game engines.
• Engage in cutting-edge research in narrative design.
• Collaborate on Bristol Digital Game Lab research projects and initiatives.
• Network with stakeholders across academia, the games industry, and third sector partners.
• Keep up to date with developments in the games industry, including around the skills pipeline.
• Develop curriculum opportunities, adapting to trends and shifts within the field of narrative design.

You should apply if

• You have expertise in games teaching and research and are driven by a curiosity for the way that games tell stories and the impact they can have in society.
• You are excited by the prospect of joining a vibrant team teaching and researching across games, immersive experiences, and creative technology
• You are confident communicating information to a variety of stakeholders.
• You are organised, have a good attention to detail, and are unphased by managing several projects simultaneously.
• You enjoy working in a supportive, team-based and collaborative environment.
• You advocate for inclusivity and diversity through conscientious design.

Additional information

Please view the full advert on the University of Bristol website before applying.

Contract type: Fixed term for two years (01/08/26 - 31/07/28)

This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on Tuesday 9th June

For informal queries please contact:

Dr Richard Cole, richard.cole@bristol.ac.uk, 0117 455 2081

Dr Michael Samuel, Mike.samuel@bristol.ac.uk, 01174555376

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