Three research lines guide the research in the MCICM: orchestrating social relevance and value in the knowledge society of the 21st century; modernizing cultural participation; and preserving and adapting sounding heritage. The Postdoctoral researcher will develop the first research line. Classical music as an art form has always reflected and interacted with the societal context in which it developed. What does this mean for classical music in 21st century societies? How do societal changes, e.g. the focus on experiences in what is called the ‘experience society’ affect classical music as a practice? And how can classical music institutions, and especially the symphony orchestra, have an impact on societal issues such as social cohesion or regional development? 

He/she will work independently and in collaboration with the Special chair that leads the MCICM and the other partners in the centre. The postdoctoral researcher will have the opportunity to expand on the details of their own research based on their expertise, the material they gather and their own ideas, in consultation with the director of the MCICM. An important task is the writing of grant applications. They will also work synergistically and collectively with the rest of the team. For example, they will: play a crucial role in the conceptual and methodological innovations required by the project as a collective endeavour; lead, and contribute to, academic publications; participate in team meetings; offer active support to the PhDs; engage in presentations; and be involved in the co-organisation of workshops and other events related to the MCICM. The postdoctoral researcher will be based in Maastricht.

Humanities or social science scholars who have a completed PhD in innovative classical music practices (or in another relevant field, such as Sound Studies or Artistic Research in relation to music), with methodological experience in qualitative social science research methods, are invited to apply. In particular we are looking for a researcher with a strong background both in academic and practice-oriented music research. The successful candidate must be willing to travel, be open to working together with a multi-disciplinary team of six scholars and researchers as well as music students, teachers and professionals on a collaborative project, and have excellent organisational abilities. Excellent communication and writing skills in English are a prerequisite, since the candidates will be engaging on an international level, collaborating with other team members in English and producing English-language publications. Knowledge of the Dutch language is an advantage, however not essential.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

This is an exciting opportunity to join an interdisciplinary research team carrying out cutting-edge academic and artistic research on innovative classical music practices. We offer a dynamic and challenging job in an internationally-oriented organisation where young people receive an advanced education and scholars conduct exciting research. The postdoctoral researcher will have the unique opportunity to carry out research within one or more of the four themes within the research programme. They will be part of an international network of top universities and renowned scholars within the field.

We offer a 1.00 fte appointment as Researcher for 4 years. The first year will be a probation period, after a positive assessment the position will be extended for the remaining two years.
Your position of Post-doctoral Researcher (Onderzoeker 3) will consist of 100% research. 

Remuneration will be according to standard salary levels, depending on education and relevant work experience. This implies a gross monthly salary of about € 3.111,00 per month, scale level 10 (based on a full-time appointment). Each year the standard salary is supplemented with a holiday allowance of 8% and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%. After a positive assessment a promotion to scale 11 is possible in the 2nd year. 

You have to be willing to move to (the vicinity of) Maastricht. If you do not already live in Maastricht (or its direct surroundings) you will be eligible for an allowance for moving costs. If you do not already live in Maastricht (or its direct surroundings) you might be eligible for an allowance for alternative housing.  

Other secondary conditions include e.g. a pension scheme and partially paid parental leave. 

You will be provided with shared office space and a PC.

Maastricht University is renowned for its unique, innovative, problem-based learning system, which is characterized by a small-scale and student-oriented approach. Research at UM is characterized by a multidisciplinary and thematic approach, and is concentrated in research institutes and schools. Maastricht University has around 16,300 students and 4,300 employees. Reflecting the university's strong international profile, a fair amount of both students and staff are from abroad. The university hosts 6 faculties: Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Faculty of Law, School of Business and Economics, Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience.

http://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/

The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASoS) has about 250 staff members, and about 1,600 students. More than 76% of the students are non-Dutch (64 different nationalities). All programmes are offered in English and some are also offered in Dutch. FASoS offers two 3-year bachelor’s programmes: Arts and Culture and European Studies. It also offers eight different 1-year Master’s programmes and two 2-year research master’s programmes.
Research is organised around four programmes: Politics and Culture in Europe; Science, Technology and Society Studies; Arts, Media and Culture; and Globalisation, Transnationalism and Development. The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences is housed in the historic city centre of Maastricht.

Research project
Orchestrating social relevance

Nowadays classical music institutions are faced with challenges. The need for innovation of the practice of classical music is generally acknowledged. Maastricht University (UM), The South Netherlands Philharmonic (philharmonie zuidnederland) and Zuyd University for Applied Sciences (Zuyd Hogeschool) aspire to support this innovation through the establishment of the Maastricht Centre for the Innovation of Classical Music (MCICM). The centre aims to study the dynamics behind changing classical music practices and their societal contexts, and to actively shape classical music futures. To do so, the MCICM will combine academic research on innovation of performance practices with artistic research to renew classical music practices and music education in artistically relevant ways.