Postdoctoral Associate – Music and Sound Cultures Research Group

About the Position

The Music and Sound Cultures (MaSC) research group focuses on the study of music from the Arab World and its neighboring regions by combining humanistic inquiry with computational analysis. Its current projects emphasize ethnographic research on the musical and sound cultures of the Arabian Gulf, including the UAE. This multifaceted effort integrates digital archiving, anthropology, artificial intelligence, deep learning, and digital humanities techniques to create tools that enhance understanding of this music and its intercultural connections. It also involves the production of audiovisual archives and ethnographic art to disseminate knowledge of regional music and sound cultures.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with MaSC researchers while advancing independent research on traditional music practices within the UAE, Arabian Gulf, or historically linked areas such as East Africa and South India.
• Potential research directions include: anthropological documentation of current music traditions and their preservation; computational development of analytic methods using MaSC's extensive field recordings; and artistic-ethnographic creation reflecting musician relationships to regional music and craft.
• Publish significant peer-reviewed articles and/or produce artworks related to the research themes.
• Conduct individual research projects under faculty supervision during the appointment.

Qualifications and Experience

• Doctoral degree in a relevant field aligned with the intended research focus.
• Willingness to align with MaSC's research goals.
• Familiarity with relevant languages and/or musical skills preferred.
• Proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Strong curiosity about interdisciplinary methods beyond primary training.
• Prior experience investigating music and sound cultures of the Arabian Gulf or related regions, including fieldwork in anthropology, is advantageous.

Application Requirements

• Statement of interest addressing the position.
• Academic transcripts.
• Curriculum vitae.
• Two recommendation letters.

Additional Information

• Applicants who are UAE nationals are especially encouraged to apply.
• This role is part of the NYU Abu Dhabi Kawader program, a three-year fellowship aimed at developing national research capacity through tailored mentorship and academic experience.
• For inquiries, contact nyuad.kawader@nyu.edu; responses may take up to five working days.
• NYU Abu Dhabi is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fair treatment irrespective of age, disability, ethnicity, gender identity, nationality, genetic traits, pregnancy, religion, or any legally protected status.
• The university is dedicated to sustainability, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2040.