About Then & Now:

Then & Now is a Youtube channel with 500,000+ subscribers and 36m+ views covering history, politics, and philosophy​. We blend rigorous academic research with journalistic storytelling to produce engaging content for a global online audience. As a Research & Writing Assistant, you will play a key role in developing compelling narratives that make complex ideas accessible and fascinating. This is an exciting opportunity to work on content that educates and inspires, in a creative, collaborative environment focused on quality and intellectual depth.

Role Summary:

We are seeking a Research & Writing Assistant with a passion for history, politics, and philosophy to help craft high-quality video essays for YouTube and other digital platforms. The ideal candidate has the investigative mindset of a journalist, the analytical rigor of an academic, and the storytelling flair of a creative writer. You will work closely with our lead creator to research topics in-depth, develop story outlines, and write scripts that captivate and inform our audience. This role balances deep research with narrative storytelling.

Then & Now will never be a content farm with the goal of producing as much ‘content’ as possible. Lewis is interested in building a small close team of people with a common mission and an understanding that the best work cannot be achieved alone. Then & Now’s approach identifies the biggest issues we face, looks at them through a long lens, and draws on the best thinkers to have tackled the issue. It’s interested in progressive and bold thinking. However, articulating that view as a lone writer and presenter in a fast moving world is becoming increasingly difficult. Ultimately, Lewis wants to increase the pace slightly, so that videos arent several months apart. We’re looking for someone who understands that mission.

An interest or experience in producing video content online is a plus.

Some upcoming topics Lewis is working on: Burnout (a history of stress), the ideological origins of Fascism, a history and future of Inequality (taking a broad approach to the literature), Authoritarianism, mapped, the End of the Print era, Why the Enlightenment Matters, and more.

Key Responsibilities: (include but not limited to)

• In-Depth Research: Investigate a wide range of topics in history, politics, and philosophy. This includes finding credible sources, academic papers, news archives, and expert commentary. You’ll distill complex information into clear notes and insights that form the backbone of our scripts. Probably the main requirement of this role is the ability to be able to find the best books, articles, scholarship, or data on any given subject, and read and synthesise it relatively quickly. This is a fast moving space that needs a subtle approach – being a generalist and learning/understanding the broad picture without getting too bogged down in deep academic or esoteric details that are unnecessary for the average media consumer.
• Content Development: Work with Lewis on topics he is covering (this should develop over time into a more collaborative approach to picking topics). Develop detailed outlines and storyboards that organize the research into a logical, engaging narrative flow. Ensure each piece has a strong thesis and storytelling arc.
• Script Writing: Draft and edit video essay scripts (typically 2,000–4,000 words) in an informative yet accessible tone. You should be able to write in a conversational style that appeals to a general audience without sacrificing accuracy. Emphasis is on clarity, compelling storytelling, and intellectual rigor.
• Fact-Checking & Citation: Verify all facts, dates, and references for accuracy. Cite sources where appropriate and maintain a bibliography of research materials for each project. Attention to detail and commitment to accuracy are a must (our audience expects high-quality, trustworthy content).
• Staying Informed: Keep up with current events and ongoing scholarly discussions in relevant fields. Part of your role is to suggest timely topics or fresh perspectives – whether it’s a new angle on a historical event, a political theory gaining traction, or a philosophical debate in the news. Being naturally curious and well-read is essential.

Required Qualifications:

• Educational Background: A degree in History, Politics, Philosophy, Journalism or a related field is strongly preferred. Postgraduate research experience (MA/MSc or PhD) is a plus, as it demonstrates the ability to conduct independent in-depth research.
• Research Skills: Proven experience in conducting thorough research, whether in an academic or journalistic setting. You should know how to find and evaluate credible sources, and be adept at digging into primary sources, archives, and databases.
• Writing & Storytelling: Excellent writing skills with the ability to tell a story. Experience writing long-form content (articles, essays, scripts, or papers) is required. Please provide writing samples or a portfolio showcasing your ability to explain complex topics in an engaging way​.
• Digital Media Savvy: Familiarity with YouTube or similar digital content platforms. Understanding what makes an engaging video essay – pacing, tone, visuals – and the role of the script in that process. Any experience with video scriptwriting or content creation is a bonus.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous about fact-checking and grammar. Ability to self-edit and produce clean, polished drafts. A knack for finding that the core details that make a story come alive is highly valued.
• Collaborative Attitude: Comfortable receiving feedback and working in a creative partnership. Able to manage deadlines independently, but also eager to contribute ideas and work as part of a team. Strong communication skills, especially in explaining your research or rationale for an editorial decision.

What We Offer:

• Impactful Work: Your research and writing will directly shape content seen by hundreds of thousands of viewers worldwide.
• Creative Freedom: We encourage fresh ideas and intellectual exploration. You’ll have the freedom to propose topics and creative approaches, experimenting with ways to connect past and present in our narratives.
• Flexible Work Arrangement: We’re open to remote work for the right candidate, although we have a preference for someone who can occasionally meet in person in the Peak District (Midlands, UK) for brainstorming retreats or filming sessions. As long as deadlines are met and work is high quality, we’re flexible on when and where you work.
• Collaborative Culture: Be part of developing Then & Now to reach a wider audience and keep pushing boundaries. Youtube and internet media are still young. We believe there are real opportunities to create big, exciting, and insightful work that has global reach and makes a real impact on the world.

How to Apply:

Please send your CV, any references, and a brief cover letter explaining why you’re interested in this role and how your experience fits to thenandnowchannel@gmail.com. Include at least two writing samples (attachments or links) that showcase your research and writing abilities – ideally on topics related to history, politics, or philosophy. If you have done video scriptwriting or produced content online, we’d love to see an example. We will then conduct interviews via video call to get to know you and discuss the role in detail.