Postdoctoral Research Associate in Music Psychology

University of York; York and North Yorkshire; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in York is seeking a researcher to design and conduct experimental studies on engagement with historical keyboard instruments. The role requires a PhD or equivalent experience in Music, Psychology, or a related field. Candidates should possess excellent knowledge of experimental psychology and strong organizational skills. The institution promotes diversity and encourages applications from underrepresented backgrounds, supporting a flexible and inclusive working environment.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Family friendly policies

Supportive forums and facilities

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent research experience required.
• Strong understanding of embodied cognition and historically informed keyboard performance.
• Ability to manage multiple research strands and plan activities.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct experimental studies on historical keyboard engagement.
• Apply and develop quantitative and qualitative research methods.
• Organise conferences and manage research programme tasks.

Skills

Experimental psychology

Psychometrics

Music cognition

Organisational skills

Statistical analysis

Education

PhD in Music, Psychology, Neuroscience, Cognitive Science, or related discipline

Job description

Overview

The School of Arts & Creative Technology aims to lead nationally and internationally in teaching, research and external engagement across a wide range of artistic and technological domains. Our approach to music, theatre, film, television, games and immersive‑interactive experiences blends theory with practice, academic excellence with vocational relevance, and creativity with technological innovation. We are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community - a place where we can all be ourselves and succeed on merit. We offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies (such as job sharing), flexible working arrangements, staff engagement forums, campus facilities and services to support staff from different backgrounds.

The role involves designing and conducting experimental studies (in person and remotely) examining how performers, educators, students, concert-goers, and instrument builders engage with historical keyboard instruments and their replicas. The postholder will apply and develop quantitative and qualitative methods to investigate embodied, perceptual, and experiential aspects of musical engagement, integrating behavioural, self-report, and observational data.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct experimental studies (in person and remotely) examining engagement with historical keyboard instruments and their replicas.
• Apply and develop quantitative and qualitative methods to investigate embodied, perceptual, and experiential aspects of musical engagement, integrating behavioural, self-report, and observational data.
• Organise conferences and planned events and manage multiple strands of work within a research programme.

Qualifications

• PhD (or equivalent research experience) in Music, Psychology, Neuroscience, Cognitive Science, Statistics, or a closely related discipline.
• Excellent knowledge of experimental psychology, psychometrics, and music cognition, with a strong understanding of embodied cognition, organology, and historically informed keyboard performance.
• Strong organisational skills, including the ability to manage multiple strands of work and take responsibility for planning research activities.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

The University strives to be diverse and inclusive - a place where we can ALL be ourselves. We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented at the University. We offer family friendly, flexible working arrangements, with forums and inclusive facilities to support our staff. #EqualityatYork