Lecturer in the Anthropology of Music

About us:

King’s Music Department, situated in the heart of London, is known worldwide for its innovative research across the sub-disciplines of music studies, and as a centre for internationally acclaimed composition. In the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF2021), the Department (in a joint submission with Film Studies) was ranked 4th in the UK, with 100 per cent of research impact and research environment rated ‘world-leading’ (4*) or ‘Internationally excellent’ (3*).

About the role:

The Department of Music seeks to hire a Lecturer in Education & Research (Grade 6 or 7), specialising in the anthropology/ethnography of popular music in the Global South and/or its diasporas. We define “popular music” broadly to include commercial, vernacular, folk, digital, mass-mediated, etc. This is a full-time, open-ended position.

The successful applicant will hold a PhD in music, anthropology, or a related humanities/social sciences discipline; have a clear track record appropriate to their career stage as an emerging global research leader; and be a highly effective educator capable of delivering innovative, inclusive, diverse, and socially-engaged teaching. The post holder will also be required to take on Departmental administrative roles appropriate to their career stage. Applicants whose interests are in key areas of global concern or at the cutting edge of their discipline/s are particularly encouraged to apply, including (but not restricted to) environmental humanities and the climate crisis, migration, forced displacements and (im)mobilities, activism and social movements, medical humanities, sound studies, cultural heritage or policy, new technologies (e.g. AI, algorithms), synergies with other arts/film/digital cultures, etc.

Please note that we are not looking to hire a composer.

In applying for this role please include a covering letter (no longer than two A4 sides) clearly indicating how you meet the essential and desirable criteria below, and an up-to-date CV. Applicants are asked to include, as a separate document to their covering letter, a short statement (no longer than 1/3 an A4 page) describing their past/current experience of supporting student welfare and equality, diversity & inclusion in the higher education context.

This is a full time position offered on an indefinite contract.

About you:

Essential criteria

• PhD in music, anthropology, or a related humanities/social sciences discipline. Applicants must have passed their viva/defence before interview.
• Excellent knowledge and understanding of a relevant field in the anthropology/ethnography of popular music in the Global South and/or its diasporas.
• Clearly defined research interests and plans compatible with the research strategies of the Department, Faculty and College, including establishing a track record of high-quality publications, grant income, and research impact.
• Experience of teaching relevant subjects including methods at undergraduate, and for Grade 7 postgraduate, levels, with evidence of innovative and effective teaching and the ability to engage and inspire students of diverse and international backgrounds.
• Evidence of commitment to student welfare, including providing academic advice, assessment feedback, and pastoral support (e.g. as personal tutor).
• Evidence of commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion in the higher education workplace
• For Grade 7, experience of curriculum development
• For Grade 7, a teaching qualification such as Fellowship of the HEA or equivalent.

Desirable criteria

• Previous experience of academic administration or leadership in higher education.
• For Grade 6, work towards a teaching qualification such as Fellowship of the HEA or equivalent.

Advert information