Doctoral Researcher - Interdisciplinary Music Research (MUSICOTAS Project) University of Jyväskylä in Finland

The University of Jyväskylä’s Department of Music, Art and Culture Studies invites applications for a Doctoral Researcher position within the interdisciplinary MUSICOTAS project, focusing on musical sharing in copresent time and space. This 3-year, fully funded PhD position begins September 1st, 2026, and is based in Jyväskylä, Finland. The project investigates how music is experienced and shared in contemporary contexts—live concerts, livestreams, and prerecorded performances—and how these shape behavioural, physiological, emotional, and social responses among performers and audiences.

The doctoral researcher will join the Centre of Excellence in Music, Mind, Body and Brain and collaborate with the MUSICOTAS consortium, including the Department of Music, Art and Culture Studies and VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland. Research will focus on the emergence of musical experiences through interaction between music, bodies, and social environments. The role involves contributing to studies on movement, cardiac activity, rhythmic-social synchrony, affective states, and enjoyment in various performance and listening contexts. Participatory and multimodal research methods are used, such as focus group interviews, live concert experiments, and concert showings.

Responsibilities include conducting rigorous quantitative research, developing methods for data processing and synchrony analysis across bodily modalities, publishing in international peer-reviewed journals, and completing doctoral studies. The position offers opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, method development, and international research dissemination.

Applicants should hold or be about to obtain a master’s degree in musicology, music technology, psychology of music, cognitive science, computer science, human sciences, or a related field. Required qualifications include research interest in music perception, performance studies, or music technology; familiarity with methods for studying human behaviour (physiological measurement, movement analysis, experimental design); strong quantitative analysis and data processing skills; excellent English communication and academic writing; motivation for doctoral studies; and collaborative skills. Advantages include prior research or publications in music perception/cognition/experience, experience with physiological data, motion capture, biosignal analysis, statistical software or programming tools (Julia, MATLAB, Python, R), multimodal data analysis, synchrony measurement, and experimental music research.

The starting salary is approximately 2500 €/month (gross), with a holiday bonus and salary progression as thesis work advances. Relocation support is available for international candidates. The University of Jyväskylä offers a vibrant, international, and multidisciplinary research community, excellent working conditions, and a commitment to HR Excellence in Research. Finland provides a high standard of living, free education, affordable childcare, generous family benefits, comprehensive healthcare, and a strong work–life balance. Jyväskylä is centrally located, with easy access to nature and a lively cultural scene.

To apply, submit your application via the recruitment system by 30 April 2026. Required documents (in English, PDF format) include a CV, motivation/cover letter, publication list (if applicable), MA thesis and evaluations, diploma copy, and study transcripts. After selection, apply for postgraduate study rights at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. For further information, contact Assistant Professor Martin Hartmann ([email protected]).

The University of Jyväskylä values equality, diversity, and transparency in recruitment. The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences is a pioneer in research and education, offering a multidisciplinary environment and opportunities for international collaboration and professional growth.