2 Postdoctoral Researchers (Music research)

The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Department of Music, Art and Culture studies is currently seeking to recruit

2 POST-DOCTORAL RESEARCHERS (MUSIC RESEARCH)

From August 1, 2024 (or as soon as possible after this) for a fixed-term period of a maximum of 3 years.

The Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Music, Mind, Body and Brain (2022–2029; www.jyu.fi/mmbb) studies the cognitive, emotional, bodily and interactive experiences of music. More specifically, the CoE investigates how the experience of music changes across the life span and manifests itself in health and illness, as well as how music-based interventions can support learning, development, everyday well-being, and rehabilitation. The research focuses on elucidating the individual, situational, musical and psychological mechanisms that underlie the phenomena in question and explain the power of music.

The MUSICONNECT project (2022–2027; www.jyu.fi/musiconnect), operating as part of the CoE, focuses particularly on musical experiences of youth from the perspectives of emotion regulation, embodiment, interaction, identity and well-being. The projects’ research is multidisciplinary and empirical, combining musicology, music education, music therapy, psychology, and computer science.

The main duties of the postdoctoral researchers are planning, implementing, and reporting research related to the cognitive, emotional, bodily, interactive, therapeutic, or developmental processes of music as part of the CoE and/or Musiconnect project.

One of the selected postdoctoral researchers will carry out research on Music Information Retrieval and movement analysis and must possess expertise in the use of relevant methods, such as signal processing, kinematic analysis and/or machine learning.

The other selected postdoctoral researcher will carry out research on young people’s emotional engagement in music through scale development and longitudinal and cross-sectional data analyses and must possess expertise in statistical methods and psychometrics.

The postdoctoral researchers are expected to work actively in cooperation with other researchers of the CoE, apply for external research funding and also participate in other activities at the CoE and the scientific community in general. Their duties also include teaching and supervision at the department.

The selected applicants should have a doctoral degree in musicology, music education, psychology, computer science, or another related field. The applicants are expected to be capable of pursuing independent scientific work and have good cooperation skills. Expertise in multidisciplinary research and participation in multidisciplinary research projects is considered an advantage.

The duties, qualification requirements and language skills of a postdoctoral researcher are stipulated by the University of Jyväskylä Regulations and language skills guidelines. A doctoral degree suitable for the research area is required.

What does the University of Jyväskylä offer as an employer?

At the University of Jyväskylä you are a recognized member of our community with a unique opportunity to influence international research. You get to participate in our international and multi-science community where the welfare of each individual is important. Finland has a high standard of living, with free schooling (also in English), affordable childcare, good family benefits, and healthcare. Jyväskylä is located in central Finland in the Finnish Lakeland, and has excellent opportunities for different nature, outdoor, and sports activities. The city of Jyväskylä is a major educational center and the city has a large student population. As such there is a vibrant cultural scene in the city. At Jyväskylä we offer a great and lively university campus area with opportunities to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle. To find useful information about the University of Jyväskylä, the City of Jyväskylä and living in Finland, see the University's International Staff Guide. 

Salary

The annual salary range will be approximately 44,000 EUR EUR for the Postdoctoral Researcher (gross income, including holiday bonus) depending on the qualifications and experience of the candidate. A trial period of six months will be used in the beginning of the employment.

How to apply?

The following documents shall be attached to the online application in English as PDF files (each attachment is named after the applicant).

1. Curriculum vitae (CV) which is to be written in accordance with good scientific practice and the following CV template: http://www.tenk.fi/en/template-researchers-curriculum-vitae
2. A short application letter 
3. List of publications with the 5 most important articles highlighted
4. Research plan (max. 3 pages excluding references)
5. A copy of the certificate with which the applicant wishes to prove his/her eligibility for the position
6. References; email and phone number (with country code) of academics who can, if asked, tell about their experience of working with you (Attach this to the field other attachment)

Applicants are kindly asked to submit their applications using the online application form by April 30, 2024.

For further information please contact Professor Suvi Saarikallio, e-mail: suvi.saarikallio@jyu.fi, tel. +358 536 1900, or Professor Petri Toiviainen, e-mail: petri.toiviainen@jyu.fi, tel. +358 50 354 1753.