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 currently seeking to recruit 2-6 Doctoral Researchers for a 3-year position. The contract begins on 4.1.2027. The fixed-term position is for completing doctoral studies. The position focuses on doctoral studies and research within the Centre of Excellence.
About the position
The Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Music, Mind, Body and Brain (MMBB, 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 researcher will work closely with the MMBB research team and contribute to data collection and analysis across multiple settings. The doctoral researcher will be expected to conduct rigorous research focusing on quantitative approaches, publish findings in international peer-reviewed journals, and complete the doctoral studies required for the PhD degree.
Who should apply
We expect the following from you:
- A master’s degree in psychology, neuroscience, musicology, music technology, education, health sciences, computer science, data science or other relevant discipline
- Familiarity with methods for studying human behaviour, such as physiological measurement, psychometrics, movement analysis, or experimental design
- Rigorous competence in research methods and data processing
- Excellent communication skills and ability to produce high-quality academic writing in English
- Motivation for doctoral studies and persistence to complete dissertation research in an interdisciplinary research environment
- Ability for independent and self-directed research combined with strong collaborative skills
- Readiness to work as part of an international and multidisciplinary research team
The following qualifications are considered significant advantages:
- Prior research or publications related to topics related to Centre of Excellence
- Experience with experimental, computational, psychometric, or statistical approaches to investigate the mechanisms and outcomes of musical engagement.
The tasks of a Doctoral Researcher focus on research aiming at the completion of a doctoral thesis, doctoral studies, assisting teaching tasks, and other related tasks to these. The duties, qualification requirements, and the language skills of Doctoral Researchers are stipulated by the University of Jyväskylä Regulations and language skills guidelines (Doctoral Students). A good command of English is required. A trial period of six months will be used in the beginning of the employment.
The Doctoral Researcher must have a permission for post-graduate studies at the University of Jyväskylä. After selection, the selected person must apply for postgraduate study rights through a separate application procedure from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (https://www.jyu.fi/en/doctoral-education).
Benefits
Salaries are based on job demands and employees’ performance following the Finnish University Salary System. The salary for a Doctoral Researcher is determined based on the task-specific demand level 2–4 for teaching and research staff. The starting salary will be approximately 2500 €/month (gross income). A holiday bonus is paid to all employees. With progress of thesis work, the salary will be revised in accordance with the Collective Agreement of Finnish Education Employers. 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.
How to apply?
The application documents that should be included in English and in PDF format:
- 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.
- Research plan that reflects your own interests within the Centre of Excellence (see Faculty's research plan template)
- A short free-form motivation/cover letter (about 1 page).
- If you are an author on any publications, a publication list of any scientific or other publications according to the Research Council of Finland format.
- Your MA thesis text, and evaluations, if available (attach to "research plan")
- A copy of the diploma of your highest degree (i.e., MA).
- Study transcripts with grade results (attach to "other attachment").
Applications should be submitted via the University of Jyväskylä online application form by September 13, 2026. Applications sent via email are not considered.
For further information, please contact Professor Suvi Saarikallio, [email protected] or Professor Tuomas Eerola tuomas.t.eerola@jyu.
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.
