About the Program
The University of Gothenburg invites applications for a fully funded PhD in Musical Performance and Interpretation titled “REM@KE: Historical Keyboard Instrument Cultures” at the Academy of Music and Drama, Artistic Faculty. This doctoral position focuses on artistic research in historical keyboard performance, addressing performance practice, organology, and music cognition within the field of artistic music research. The project is part of the prestigious ERC Synergy programme REM@KE led in Gothenburg by Principal Investigator Joel Speerstra, in collaboration with international researchers. The research duration is four years and is based in Gothenburg, Sweden, with an expected start date of September 2026. The project offers opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, historical instrument research, international networking, and advanced professional development within a vibrant European artistic research environment.
Program Details
- Position: Fully-funded PhD Position / Doctoral Researcher
- Institution: University of Gothenburg
- Department/Faculty: Academy of Music and Drama, Artistic Faculty
- Supervisor: Joel Speerstra (Project Principal Investigator)
- Location: Gothenburg, Sweden
- Start Date (Anticipated): September 2026
- Duration: 4 years
- Funding: Fully funded doctoral employment (salary according to Swedish doctoral regulations)
- Working Hours: Full-time
- Required Degree/Diploma: Master’s degree or equivalent in Music, Musical Performance, or a closely related artistic discipline
Research Focus/Area
- Historical keyboard performance practice
- Keyboard organology and instrument history
- Artistic research in music interpretation
- European keyboard cultures (Renaissance to Romantic period)
- Performance studies and music cognition links
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant music or artistic discipline
Documented artistic specialisation relevant to musical performance and interpretation
Preferred Qualifications:
Research experience in historical performance practice
Strong artistic portfolio at an international level
Knowledge of early keyboard traditions or historical instruments
Key Features of the Program
- Structured doctoral coursework
- International ERC-funded research environment
- Collaboration with researchers in Sweden, Italy, and the UK
- Access to specialised historical instruments and research networks
Application Process
How to Apply:
Applications must be submitted through the University of Gothenburg’s official recruitment portal
Required Documents:
- Motivation letter with proposed research focus
- Academic CV with artistic portfolio
- Master’s thesis
- Degree certificates
- Video lecture-recital (max 20 minutes) with abstract and bibliography
Important Dates
- Application Deadline: 15 February 2026
- Interviews: March 2026
- Start Date: September 2026
Where to Apply
- University Website: University of Gothenburg
- Official Notification: Click here
- Application Portal: Click here
