About Position/Job
The University of Birmingham is recruiting a Research Fellow (Postdoctoral) within the School of Languages, Cultures, Art History and Music for the interdisciplinary project SoundDecisions: Musical Listening, Decision Making, and Equitable Development in the Mekong Delta. This UKRI-funded project, led by Professor Alexander M. Cannon, explores how musical thinking shapes economic decision-making among farmer-musicians in southern Vietnam. The research combines economics, economic geography, ethnographic fieldwork, and music studies to understand how communities respond creatively to climate change and development challenges. The postholder will help design innovative research methods and conduct extensive fieldwork in the Mekong Delta, followed by analysis and publication work in the UK. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a globally significant, cross-disciplinary research initiative.
Position/Job Details
- Position: Research Fellow (Postdoctoral)
- Institution: University of Birmingham
- Department: School of Languages, Cultures, Art History and Music
- Research field: Economics / Economic Geography / Interdisciplinary Music Studies
- Location: Birmingham, United Kingdom (with fieldwork in Vietnam)
- Number of posts: 1
- Job Type: Full-time Postdoctoral (Fixed-term)
- Start Date (Anticipated): July 2026
- Working Hours: Full-time
- Salary Range: Up to £42,254 per year (Grade 7, Spine Point 33)
- Required Degree/Diploma: PhD
Research area
- Economic decision-making and cultural practices
- Music and social behaviour
- Climate change adaptation and development
- Field-based interdisciplinary research
- Qualitative and quantitative social science methods
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- PhD (or near completion before July 2026) in Economics, Economic Geography, or a related field
- Strong experience in both qualitative and quantitative research methods
- High-level analytical and research skills
- Ability to communicate complex ideas clearly
- Experience contributing to research design and data analysis
Preferred Qualifications:
- Knowledge of the Mekong Delta region
- Some background in music or music performance
- Knowledge of the Vietnamese or Khmer languages
- Experience with interdisciplinary or field-based international research
Key Responsibilities
- Contribute to the design and implementation of the SoundDecisions research framework
- Conduct fieldwork in the Mekong Delta (Vietnam) for up to one year
- Collect data through interviews, surveys, and digital self-reporting tools
- Analyse qualitative and quantitative data
- Publish findings in academic journals and collaborative outputs
- Support project meetings, dissemination, and public engagement activities
- Assist with research-related administration and coordination
Application Process
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the University of Birmingham’s online recruitment system.
Informal Enquiries: sounddecisions@contacts.bham.ac.uk
Required Documents:
- Academic CV
- Cover letter outlining research experience and suitability
- Proof of PhD status (or expected completion)
- Any additional documents requested in the online application system
Important Dates
- Application Opens: January 2026
- Deadline: 4 March 2026
- Interview Date: Not specified
Useful Links
- Institution Website: University of Birmingham
- Official Notification: Click here
- Apply now: Click here
