Postdoc in Music and Platformization (1.0 FTE)

Applications are invited for one fully funded, 2.5-year post-doc position (1.0 FTE) within the research project “The Platformization of Music: Towards a Global Theory” (PlatforMuse), financed by an ERC Starting Grant and coordinated by the Principal Investigator (PI), Dr Robert Prey at the University of Groningen (NL).

How are music streaming and social media platforms changing the working conditions and creative practices of music artists around the world? How can we better understand the transformative impact of “platformization” through the lens of music? With case studies in the Netherlands, South Korea, and Nigeria, this position is for a qualitative researcher with expertise in Nigerian music or cultural industries and creative labour.

The postdoc will work in Nigeria, the Netherlands (Groningen), and the UK.

This post-doc project offers a unique opportunity to work in an international environment and to acquire valuable research experience for someone who has recently completed a PhD in media/communication/cultural studies, anthropology, sociology, or related disciplines. Preference will be given to candidates who have knowledge, networks and expertise in Nigerian or West African music scenes and music industries.

The Post-Doctoral Project
In collaboration with the other team members, you will conduct research to understand the working lives of music artists in relation to the specific historical, structural, and cultural characteristics of music platformization in Nigeria.
The project’s aims are to examine 1) how ‘platformization’ affects musicians, and 2) what musicians can teach us about ‘platformization’.

PlatforMuse is an interdisciplinary project - combining media studies, popular music studies, platform studies, cultural industries research, and ethnomusicology. You will utilize skills in qualitative research methods such as walk-through and focus group interviews, ethnographic observation, online diary analysis and content tracking.

You will be expected to

- Collect empirical data on musicians and platforms in Nigeria.
- Complete publications on popular music, creative labour, and platformization in Nigeria, together with the P.I.
- Co-organize and contribute to reading and discussion groups with the other members of this project.
- Co-organize and contribute to the project’s planned workshops and conference.
- Contribute to the project’s public outreach and social media activities.

- A PhD (obtained or near completion before the date of appointment) in any area related to the project (e.g. Media Studies, Sociology, Popular Music Studies, Anthropology, Ethnomusicology, Creative/Cultural Industry Studies…) with demonstrated interest and experience in music and/or music industries.
- Experience working/living in Nigeria, or West Africa.
- Experience with above-mentioned qualitative research methods.
- An independent, proactive work ethic.
- A flexible, mobile and internationally oriented mentality.
- Excellent academic writing skills in English.

We offer in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement for Dutch universities:

- It is an employment contract for the duration of 12 months, ending by operation of law after this period.
- A salary, depending on qualifications and work experience, with a minimum of € 3,378 to a maximum of € 5,331 (salary scale 10) gross per month for a full-time position.
- 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% end-of-year bonus.
- Participation in a pension scheme for employees.
- Favourable tax agreements for non-Dutch applicants may be applicable.