Research Associate in Fan Cultures

City of Bristol College; Clifton; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 34,000; Part time

Job summary

City of Bristol College is seeking a Research Associate to join the AHRC-funded project Popular Classics: Western Art Music and the Everyday Listener, to investigate historical listening practices and classical music fandom.

Working with the Principal Investigator and partners, you will develop digital approaches to analysing fan mail, contribute to outputs, organise a two-day workshop, and help communicate findings beyond academia.

Responsibilities

• Develop digital approaches to analysing Leonard Bernstein’s fan mail, contribute to research outputs and organise a two-day workshop.

Job description

Join an exciting AHRC-funded research project exploring classical music listening and everyday life.

We are seeking a research associate to join the AHRC-funded project Popular Classics: Western Art Music and the Everyday Listener. Working closely with the Principal Investigator and external project partners, you will contribute to research into historical practices of listening and classical music fandom.

What will you be doing?

You’ll work closely with the Principal Investigator to develop digital approaches to analysing Leonard Bernstein’s fan mail, contribute to research outputs and organize a two-day workshop. You’ll also help to communicate the project’s findings beyond academia, including working with external partners on the second series of the podcast Dear Maestro and identifying new audiences for several classical music films. Alongside this, you’ll manage your own project activities and support the effective delivery of the research project.

You should apply if

You’re curious, enjoy a challenge and excited by the opportunity to explore new approaches to historical research. You’ll be confident communicating with different audiences, organised in your approach to managing your work, and keen to develop your research and professional skills. If you’re excited by the project and can see yourself growing into the role, we’d encourage you to apply — you don’t need to meet every criterion to be a great fit.

Additional information

Contract type: Fixed term until 23/09/2027

Work pattern: 28 hours/week

Grade: I

School/Unit: School of Arts

Shift pattern: Exact working hours to be decided upon appointment

This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on 7th October 2026

For informal queries please contact: Kate Guthrie – [e-mail]

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