Postdoctoral Researcher

The Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Music, Mind, Body and Brain at the Department of Music, Art and Culture studies of the University of Jyväskylä is seeking to recruit 5-9 Postdoctoral Researchers for a period of three years, starting 4.1.2027. The rationale for a fixed-term position is an externally funded project.

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. A central component of the research programme is the integration of experimental, computational, psychometric, and statistical approaches to investigate the mechanisms and outcomes of musical engagement.

The selected candidate will:

• Conduct fundamental research advancing our understanding of music, mind, body, and brain interactions
• Design and carry out studies in one or more of the Centre's thematic areas
• Apply advanced quantitative methods, computational modelling, psychometrics, or statistical analyses to complex behavioural and/or physiological datasets
• Contribute to interdisciplinary collaborations across psychology, music, neuroscience, education, health sciences, and computer science
• Publish research findings in leading peer-reviewed journals and present results at international conferences
• Participate in the supervision and mentoring of master's students
• Contribute to the development of grant applications and collaborative research initiatives

The successful applicant will meet the following requirements:

• A PhD in psychology, neuroscience, musicology, music technology, education, health sciences, computer science, data science or other relevant discipline
• Demonstrated expertise in at least one of the Centre's core research themes, such as music and emotion, movement and entrainment, social interaction, development, health and wellbeing, or music therapy
• Strong methodological skills in experimental research, computational modelling, psychometrics, statistical analysis, or a combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches
• A strong record of productive and innovative research demonstrated by peer-reviewed publications
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English
• The ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a collaborative interdisciplinary research team

The duties, qualification requirements, and language skills of a postdoctoral researcher are stipulated by the University of Jyväskylä Regulations and language skills guidelines. The PhD degree required for the position must have been completed before the starting date. A trial period of six months will be used in the beginning of the employment.

Salaries are based on job demands and employees’ performance following the Finnish University Salary System. The salary for a Postdoctoral Researcher is determined based on the task-specific demand level 5–6 of the university salary system for teaching and research staff. The initial salary range will be approximately 3600-4800 €/month (gross income), depending on the qualifications and experience of the candidate. A holiday bonus is paid to all employees. If you are relocating from abroad, we will support your move to Jyväskylä and Finland.

The University of Jyväskylä offers excellent occupational healthcare benefits in addition to broad public healthcare services. Information about the University of Jyväskylä, the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, and the city of Jyväskylä can be found via the provided links.

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 multidisciplinary community where the welfare of each individual is important. At the University of Jyväskylä, we offer a great and lively campus area with opportunities to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle.

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 Lake District having excellent opportunities for different nature, outdoor, and sports activities. The City of Jyväskylä is a major educational center with a large student population and a vibrant cultural atmosphere. For more information regarding the University of Jyväskylä, the City of Jyväskylä, and living in Finland, see the University's International Staff Guide.

Please make sure that your ORCID-profile (https://orcid.org) works: your publications are listed and public (Set visibility: Everyone). You cannot apply to this job without an ORCID profile.

The application documents that should be included in English and in PDF format:

1. A Curriculum vitae, composed according to good scientific practice and considering the template for researcher´s curriculum vitae by The Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity.
2. Research plan (reflecting your own interests within the Centre of Excellence, max. 4 pages)
3. A short and free-form motivation/cover letter (max 2 pages), including your research interests, career goals and previous experience and merits in relation to the qualifications for this position.
4. A numbered list of all scientific publications and other publications showing the applicant's ability and merits for the position using the guidelines of the Research Council of Finland.
5. Degree certificate (highest degree).

Applicants are kindly asked to submit their applications using the online application system by September 13, 2026. Applications sent via email are not considered.

For further details, please contact Professor Suvi Saarikallio, [email protected] or Professor Tuomas Eerola [email protected]

We offer good working conditions for researchers and promote the principles of HR Excellence in Research, HRS4R. The Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R) is based on the values of the European Charter for Researchers & The Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers (Charter & Code). JYU is committed to fairness, consistency and transparency in selection decisions, and undertakes the recommendations for the responsible evaluation of a researcher in Finland. JYU has signed the DORA Declaration. By signing the agreement, JYU is committed to complying with the CoARA principles.

Our application process is transparent, professional and international. We communicate openly with the applicants throughout the recruitment process. We value equality and diversity in our work community and encourage qualified applicants to apply for this position.