2-6 Doctoral Researchers, Centre of Excellence in Music, Mind, Body and Brain University of Jyväskylä in Finland

The University of Jyväskylä is recruiting 2-6 Doctoral Researchers for a 3-year fixed-term position in the Centre of Excellence in Music, Mind, Body and Brain (MMBB) at the Department of Music, Art and Culture Studies. The position begins on 4 January 2027 and is intended for completing doctoral studies alongside research activity within the centre.

The MMBB Centre of Excellence studies the cognitive, emotional, bodily, and interactive experiences of music. Its research examines how music experience changes across the life span and how it appears in health and illness, while also exploring how music-based interventions can support learning, development, everyday well-being, and rehabilitation. The programme is strongly interdisciplinary and integrates experimental, computational, psychometric, and statistical approaches to understand the mechanisms and outcomes of musical engagement.

The doctoral researcher will work closely with the MMBB research team and contribute to data collection and analysis in multiple settings. The role is research-focused, with expectations to carry out rigorous quantitative research, publish findings in international peer-reviewed journals, and complete the doctoral studies required for the PhD degree. In addition to research, the tasks may include assisting teaching and other related duties.

Applicants should hold a master’s degree in psychology, neuroscience, musicology, music technology, education, health sciences, computer science, data science, or another relevant field. Useful experience includes physiological measurement, psychometrics, movement analysis, experimental design, data processing, or prior research/publishing related to the centre’s themes. Strong English-language academic writing and communication skills are required, as is motivation to complete dissertation research in an international and multidisciplinary environment. Selected candidates must also have permission for postgraduate studies at the University of Jyväskylä and must apply separately for postgraduate study rights after selection.

The position is based at the University of Jyväskylä in Finland. Salary follows the Finnish University Salary System and begins at approximately 2500 EUR per month gross, with a holiday bonus and later adjustment according to thesis progress. The university also highlights relocation support, occupational healthcare, and a supportive international research community.

Applications must be submitted online by 13 September 2026. The application should include a CV, research plan, motivation letter, publication list if applicable, MA thesis text and evaluations if available, diploma of the highest degree, and study transcripts. Email applications are not accepted.