Lecturer in African Music

Job title: Lecturer in African Music

Department: School of Arts

Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract (01 Sept 2026 - 01 July 2029)

Grade: G8/Ac3

Location: London

Hours: 35 (1.0 FTE)

SOAS University of London is the leading Higher Education institution in Europe specialising in the study of Asia, Africa and the Near and Middle East.  SOAS University of London is positioned to play a leading role in reimagining higher education globally, with a new strategic plan in place as the basis for the renewal and revitalisation of the School, which commits SOAS to both student responsiveness and research intensity. SOAS is moving towards a new model of international partnerships which is responsive to the transnational character of our global challenges.

About the Role

The School of Arts invites applications for the post of Lecturer in African Music. This is a full-time post for a period of three years, available from 01 September 2026 (or as soon as possible thereafter) to 01 July 2029. The role offers an exciting opportunity to develop your research trajectory, grow your academic profile, and deliver innovative teaching across undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes.

Candidates should have a Ph.D. in Music or a related subject area (including Anthropology or Area Studies). Your specialism may be in any kind of music or sound art from Africa and/or African diaspora societies. Applicants with demonstrable ability in teaching broadly across regions, as well as larger themes in ethnomusicology, are especially encouraged to apply.

The Lecturer will convene, design and teach, and assess a range of modules, with the support from their colleagues in the department and guest lecturers. The precise offering of modules may change year on year, but for 2026-27, the Lecturer will be expected to convene:

• Global Perspectives in Music and Culture (Undergraduate Level 5)
• Urban Soundscapes (Undergraduate Level 6)
• The Music Business (at both Undergraduate Level 6 and Postgraduate Level 7)

The Lecturer will also supervise relevant undergraduate and postgraduate dissertations, and support research and musical practice related to African music and the music industries.

This role encompasses research and teaching, and the Lecturer will be supported in developing their own research agenda and publications as a member of the School of Arts.

About the Department

Based in the School of Arts, the SOAS Music Department has a unique profile, offering courses that foreground musical systems and cultures from around the world. We take a global perspective and have a broad remit, encompassing the music of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, as well as their diasporas. Our students work with renowned musicians to learn to play a range of instruments—including kora, tabla, Javanese gamelan, and Persian santur—as well as performing through a range of musical ensembles. Our current research strengths are in ethnomusicology, diaspora studies, heritage and sustainability, and global music history. In the School of Arts, we work with colleagues working in art history, creative and cultural industries, and digital media.

About you

We invite applications for a Lecturer in African Music, with the ability to teach broadly across music studies. Candidates who can offer an innovative approach to teaching our highly popular Music Business modules are especially encouraged to apply. For further details, please consult the full Job Description Document.

The successful candidate will hold a PhD in Music or a related field. The postholder will have a strong profile as a researcher and educator with the ability to contribute to undergraduate and postgraduate teaching and research in music within the School of Arts. The postholder will contribute to the School’s longstanding commitment to African music, arts, and creative industries, and will work with colleagues across the university working in African Studies.

The postholder will demonstrate excellence in innovative teaching and experience in assessment at both undergraduate and postgraduate level, and be able to provide pastoral care for students. The postholder will also be expected to work collaboratively with academic and professional services colleagues across the Department and the School to support the delivery and development of Music programmes.

It would be desirable for the role holder to be a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, but if not, SOAS will support them in applying for HEA recognition.

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive community at SOAS. Applications are particularly welcome from black and minority ethnic candidates, and reasonable adjustments will be made throughout the recruitment process for any candidate with a disability.

We would particularly welcome applications from candidates from working class, first generation Higher Education, Black, Asian, other minority ethnic and underrepresented groups from within the UK and beyond. All appointment decisions will be made on merit, following a fair and competitive process.

How to Apply: 

Please complete the online application form and upload your CV publications, and a supporting statement

Closing date: 15 July 2026                               

Interviews to be held: 3 Aug 2026

Use of AI

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Further information

Successful candidates will need to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK or have limited leave to remain in the UK and associated right to work for the duration of their employment with SOAS, in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006.

We are able to offer sponsorship for candidates who do not currently possess the right to work in the UK.
If you have any questions or require any assistance with regard to the application process, please contact us via the HR Contact Form | SOAS

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