Lecturer in Ethnomusicology Australia Visa Sponsorship

Finding the right academic professional to join our esteemed faculty at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music is an exciting opportunity to expand and enrich our Ethnomusicology and Musicology programs. We are seeking a dedicated and innovative scholar who is passionate about exploring diverse musical cultures and eager to contribute to our world-class institution.

Our ideal candidate will bring fresh perspectives to the study of music, helping us build a more comprehensive and globally engaged program that reflects the rich diversity of musical traditions across the world.

At the University of Melbourne, we pride ourselves on providing an environment where academic professionals thrive in both teaching and research. This role offers an unparalleled opportunity for the right candidate to shape the future of Ethnomusicology, guiding students through meaningful engagement with music’s cultural, social and historical contexts.

We are looking for someone who can balance scholarly rigor with an engaging teaching style, making Ethnomusicology accessible and relevant to students from diverse backgrounds. The successful candidate will not only strengthen our faculty’s research impact but will also contribute to an inclusive and vibrant academic community that values innovation, collaboration and cultural exchange.

• Location: Southbank, Melbourne
• Position Type: Full-time; Permanent Appointment
• Faculty: Fine Arts and Music
• School: Melbourne Conservatorium of Music
• Salary Range: Level B (Lecturer) – $119,231 – $141,581 per annum, with an additional 17% superannuation contribution

Exciting Opportunity to Join Australia’s Top-Ranked University

Are you an accomplished academic seeking a career-defining opportunity? The Melbourne Conservatorium of Music at the University of Melbourne is looking for an outstanding scholar specializing in Ethnomusicology. If you have a passion for teaching, research and academic engagement and want to contribute to a world-class institution, this could be your ideal role.

Position Details

The Melbourne Conservatorium of Music is offering a full-time, continuing academic position in Ethnomusicology. We seek an enthusiastic and dynamic scholar with the drive to develop and advance the field, expanding the current scope of Musicology and Ethnomusicology within our faculty. The successful candidate will bring fresh perspectives and contribute to a robust academic culture through teaching, research and community engagement.

We invite applicants whose expertise spans traditional or urban musical cultures across diverse geographical regions, including but not limited to the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, the Middle East and the Global South. The ideal candidate will enhance our established strengths in Musicology, Ethnomusicology, Popular Music Studies and Indigenous Music Studies.

This position provides an exciting platform for an academic who is eager to mentor undergraduate and postgraduate students, refine an innovative curriculum and foster a rich research environment. If you have a strong national profile and an emerging international reputation in the field, we encourage you to apply.

Key Responsibilities

The successful applicant will be expected to take an active role in multiple facets of academic life, contributing to teaching, research and faculty development. Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Teaching and Curriculum Development

• Develop and deliver undergraduate and honours courses in Ethnomusicology, ensuring engaging, research-led teaching practices.
• Coordinate and oversee academic subjects and non-Western performing ensembles as assigned.
• Contribute to curriculum innovation, creating new subject material for core and elective music subjects, as well as general education (Breadth) courses.
• Supervise honours and postgraduate students, providing mentorship and academic guidance in Ethnomusicology, Musicology and Popular Music Studies.

Research and Scholarly Contribution

• Engage in high-impact research, producing scholarly outputs such as:
  • Peer-reviewed journal articles
  • Academic monographs
  • Book chapters in edited volumes
  • Conference papers and keynote presentations at national and international symposia
• Secure research funding through competitive grant applications.
• Organize and contribute to conferences, symposiums and academic forums.
• Collaborate with national and international scholars to expand research capacity within the discipline.

Community and Professional Engagement

• Establish strong industry and community partnerships, enhancing the cultural and social impact of music studies.
• Represent the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music at global forums, advancing its reputation in Ethnomusicology.
• Contribute to the faculty’s outreach programs, engaging with diverse musical communities.

Qualifications and Experience

The successful candidate will be a committed educator with a deep understanding of ethnomusicological traditions and a strong track record of research and teaching. Applicants must demonstrate:

Essential Criteria:

• A PhD in Ethnomusicology or a closely related discipline that employs ethnographic methods.
• Proven experience in lecturing and tutoring at the tertiary level.
• Ability to develop and deliver high-quality subjects in Ethnomusicology or related fields.
• Experience teaching subjects that explore diverse cultural traditions and geographical regions.
• Knowledge of critical themes in Ethnomusicology, such as:
  • Music and gender
  • Music and politics
  • Music and technology
  • Other interdisciplinary perspectives that complement the faculty’s existing strengths
• A strong publication record, commensurate with career stage, in leading academic journals and/or with prestigious international publishers.
• Excellent interpersonal organizational and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within a multicultural academic environment.

Desirable Criteria:

• A demonstrated ability to develop innovative research collaborations.
• Experience securing external research grants.
• Engagement with community-based music-making or applied Ethnomusicology.
• A commitment to fostering inclusive student learning and cultural diversity.

Additional Requirements

• The successful applicant must obtain and maintain an up-to-date Working with Children Check.
• Visa sponsorship is available for qualified international applicants.

Why Melbourne?

Living in Melbourne

As Australia’s cultural capital, Melbourne is home to world-renowned galleries, museums, performing arts venues and music festivals. With diverse dining options, beautiful landscapes and a vibrant arts scene, the city consistently ranks as one of the world’s most liveable cities.

The University of Melbourne is a global leader in research and education. Our Southbank campus boasts state-of-the-art facilities, offering an unparalleled academic and professional environment for scholars in the fine arts and music disciplines.

About the Faculty of Fine Arts and Music

The Faculty of Fine Arts and Music houses the prestigious Victorian College of the Arts and the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music. We pride ourselves on cultivating an energetic and innovative culture that promotes both artistic and academic excellence.

With this role, we seek to expand our curriculum, providing students with the opportunity to explore the social, cultural and political dimensions of music across diverse contexts.

What We Offer

At the University of Melbourne, we recognize the importance of work-life balance and offer a range of benefits, including:

• Generous leave provisions
• Salary packaging options
• Health and well-being services
• Discounts on graduate courses

For a comprehensive list of staff benefits, visit our official Careers page.

Diversity, Inclusion and Equal Opportunity

The University of Melbourne is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a child-safe organization. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace, where individuals from diverse backgrounds – regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability or age – are valued and given opportunities to thrive.

We encourage applicants requiring reasonable adjustments during the application process to contact our HR team. For further details, visit our Careers website.

Application Process

If you are interested in this role, please submit the following:

• A Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing your academic and professional background.
• A Cover Letter explaining your motivation for applying and how your expertise aligns with the role.
• A response (maximum 3 pages) to the key selection criteria listed in this document.

Application Deadline:

Closing Date: 23rd March 2025, 11:55 PM Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT)

This is your chance to become part of a prestigious academic community, contribute to an exciting research environment and make a lasting impact on the future of Ethnomusicology. Apply now and take the next step in your academic career!

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications are required for this position?

A PhD in Ethnomusicology or a closely related field is required. The candidate should also have experience in tertiary-level teaching, subject development and ethnographic research methods.

Is prior teaching experience mandatory?

Yes, candidates should have proven experience lecturing and tutoring at the tertiary level, with a track record of effective teaching in Ethnomusicology or related disciplines.

What regions of expertise are preferred?

The Conservatorium particularly welcomes expertise in traditional or urban music cultures from regions such as the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, the Middle East or the Global South to complement existing research strengths.

Does this role involve research responsibilities?

Yes, the successful candidate will be expected to publish high-quality research in leading journals and contribute to the field through conference presentations, grant applications and collaborative research projects.

Will the selected candidate be required to supervise students?

Yes, the role includes supervising honours and postgraduate students in Ethnomusicology, Musicology and Popular Music Studies.

Does the University of Melbourne offer visa sponsorship for this role?

Yes, visa sponsorship is available for eligible candidates applying from outside Australia.

What support does the University provide for new faculty members?

The University offers competitive salary packaging, generous leave provisions, professional development opportunities and access to world-class research facilities.

What is the deadline for applications?

The application deadline is 23rd March 2025, 11:55 PM Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT).

How can candidates apply for this position?

Interested applicants should submit a curriculum vitae, cover letter and a concise response to the key selection criteria through the University of Melbourne’s career portal. Additional inquiries can be directed to the recruitment team.