Director of the MUSE initiative

This position will lead the Music for Universal Social and Emotional Wellbeing (MUSE) initiative. It will explore the intersectional relationship between music, social identity, neuroscience, spirituality and wellbeing. In addition, this role aims to illuminate how melodies and rhythms generally and group singing specifically contribute to different dimensions of wellbeing and their enduring impact. The work will include studying the impact of music on emotions, cognition, and behavior, as well as the applications of community music therapy in stress reduction and fostering social cohesion.

We expect the successful candidate to utilize citizen science strategies, where the public participates voluntarily in the scientific process to address real-world questions. This will involve leading the planning and implementation of public workshops, concerts and other events and engaging the attendees in science. In response to live performances and group singing, self-report, behavioral and physiological measures may be collected from event attendees via smartphones and other devices.

We expect this candidate will potentially travel for up to four (4) UW sponsored events in the United States (each of 3 days or fewer), and up to three (3) UW sponsored events outside of the United States (each of 7-10 days) over the course of a year.

This is a hybrid position and is full-time, 100%.

• Collects and analyzes highly complex research data, conducts experiments and interviews, and documents results according to established policies and procedures

• Serves as an institutional subject matter expert and liaison with key internal and external stakeholders providing expert level information and representing the interests of a specialized research area

• Identifies research problems and develops highly complex research methodologies and procedures. Publishes and presents results to help advance research

• May supervise the day-to-day activities of a research unit and staff and resolve routine personnel issues

• Identifies, writes, or assists in developing grant opportunities, grant applications, and proposals to secure research funding

• Plan, implement, and lead workshops, teach noncredit courses, research-infused concerts, and other events related to the program of research. Develop musical performance as an intervention along with leading group singing and vocal exercises, including with children.

• Attends and assists with the facilitation of scholarly events and presentations in support of continued professional development and the dissemination of research information

• Conducts literature reviews, prepares reports and materials and, disseminates information to appropriate entities

• Monitors program budget and approves unit expenditures

College of Letters & Science, Center for Healthy Minds

The typical annual starting salary for this position is $120,00 - $140,000 depending on qualifications and experience. Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays and paid time off; competitive insurance and saving accounts; and retirement benefits.

• Proficiency in designing, implementing and analyzing human subject research

• Accomplished in vocal musical performance

• Strong evidence of designing and leading group music-making activities for/with the general public

• Demonstrated interest in rigorously studying the intersection between music and wellbeing

• Demonstrated knoweldge and experience untilizing citizen science strategies to address real-world problems

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with contemplative music

• Experience building community engagement

PhD in Neuroscience required

We are eager to learn more about how your experience and passion may align with this position. You will be asked to upload a resume and cover letter as a part of the application process. Your cover letter and resume should address how your skills, knowledge, and abilities are transferable to this role. We rely on written application materials to determine who may advance to preliminary interviews.

Selected applicants will receive an invitation to participate in interviews 7-10 business days following the application deadline.

Once final applicants are identified, they will be asked to provide names and contact information for at least three professional references, including a current/former supervisor. References will not be contacted without advanced notice.

For questions on the position, contact: Lisa Wesley, lawesley@wisc.edu

Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.

Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.

For more information on diversity and inclusion on campus, please visit: Diversity and Inclusion

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence by acknowledging skills and expertise from all backgrounds and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and to view federal and state required postings, click here.

To request a disability or pregnancy-related accommodation for any step in the hiring process (e.g., application, interview, pre-employment testing, etc.), please contact the Divisional Disability Representative (DDR) in the division you are applying to. Please make your request as soon as possible to help the university respond most effectively to you.