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Postdoc Music Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Postdoc Music information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$34.7K

$65.7K

$138.3K

How much do postdoc music jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoc music in Seattle, WA is $65,700.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,500.00 and $72,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Postdoc Music vs Postdoc Music Education?

AspectPostdoc MusicPostdoc Music Education
Required CredentialsDoctorate in Music or related fieldDoctorate in Music Education or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch institutions, universities, performance settingsUniversities, schools, educational research centers
Employer & Industry UsageAcademic, research, performance organizationsEducational institutions, curriculum development

Postdoc Music typically focuses on advanced research and performance in music, while Postdoc Music Education emphasizes research and development in teaching methods and curriculum design. Both roles require a doctorate in their respective fields and are common in academic and research settings, but they serve different professional focuses within the music industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a postdoc in music?

To thrive as a Postdoc in Music, you generally need a Ph.D. in music or a related field, strong research and analytical skills, and a proven record of scholarly publications. Familiarity with music analysis software, digital audio workstations, and qualitative or quantitative research tools is often required. Exceptional communication, collaboration, and time management skills help you stand out, especially for teaching and interdisciplinary projects. These competencies are crucial for advancing research, contributing to academic discourse, and succeeding in competitive academic environments.

What is a postdoc in music?

A postdoc in music is a temporary research or teaching position at a university or institution, held after completing a doctoral degree (PhD or DMA) in music or a related field. These positions allow scholars to deepen their expertise, contribute to academic research, and prepare for faculty or industry roles. Postdoctoral fellows in music may focus on areas such as musicology, composition, ethnomusicology, music technology, or performance studies. They often work on independent or collaborative research projects, publish academic papers, and sometimes teach courses or mentor students.

What are some common challenges faced by postdoctoral researchers in music when balancing research, teaching, and performance obligations?

Postdoctoral researchers in music often navigate a complex balance between their research projects, teaching responsibilities, and, in some cases, ongoing performance commitments. Managing time effectively is crucial, as research deadlines, lesson planning, and rehearsals can overlap. Collaboration with faculty and students is frequent, requiring strong communication and organizational skills. Additionally, postdocs may face challenges in securing funding or resources for creative projects, making networking and grant writing important aspects of the role.
What are popular job titles related to Postdoc Music jobs in Seattle, WA? For Postdoc Music jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Postdoc Music jobs in Seattle, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Postdoc Music jobs in Seattle, WA are:
Infographic showing various Postdoc Music job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, 32% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,700 per year, or $31.6 per hour.

Postdoctoral Scholar in Speech and Hearing Sciences

University of Washington

Seattle, WA • On-site

$5.7K - $6.0K/mo

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago


University Of Washington School Of Medicine rating

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Job description

Description
A Postdoctoral Scholar position is available working under the general direction of a Principal Investigator(s), this position will help conduct a Bezos Family Foundation-funded research study aiming to investigate parent infant interaction with a focus on music and speech at the University of Washington Seattle Campus. This job focuses on analyzing a large longitudinal dataset (video-audio recordings and infant MEG data) as well as assisting in manuscript preparation and result dissemination. Additional opportunities exist in participating in development and coordination of new research studies, as well as professional development for careers in independent research, such as independent grant submission. Interest and career plan in developmental auditory neuroscience is recommended.
The position is full-time (12-month service period), with an initial appointment for one year, and renewal is possible pending satisfactory performance.
Applications will be continuously reviewed until position is filled. Preferred start date is November 1, 2025..
The base salary range for this position will be $5,705.00 - $6,051.00 per month, commensurate with experience and qualifications, or as mandated by a U.S. Department of Labor prevailing wage determination. depending on experience.
Job responsibilities
1. Research Duties (90%)
a. Develop analysis protocol for video-audio recordings of parent infant interaction and conduct in-depth analysis (20%).
b. Analyze infant MEG raw data (20%).
c. Perform statistical analyses on the dataset to address research questions (20%).
d. Review relevant literature, assist with preparing manuscripts and with the preparation of progress reports (10%).
e. Disseminate results through professional meetings or outreach activities (5%).
f. May supervise or co-supervise and train a student(s) to assist with these projects (5%).
g. In collaboration with the PI, develop study protocols (5%).
h. In collaboration with research staff, help recruit participating families, schedule their lab visits, obtain informed consent and help with neuroimaging procedures in participating infants. (5%).
2. Administrative Responsibilities (10%)
a. Document and manage research related tools, such as analysis scripts, testing protocols (3%).
b. Help research staff maintain a research database, including keeping identifiable secure, tracking appointments and raw data (3%).
c. Prepare materials for IRB as well as progress reports (3%).
d. Perform related duties as needed (1%).
Qualifications
Requirement
1. PhD in Speech and Hearing Science, Communication Sciences, Psychology, Neuroscience, Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field is required.
2. Strong analytical skills and experience with programming language(s) (MEG analysis in our lab is largely python based with additional R scripting)
3. Research backgrounds in early human development.
4. Strong communication and organizational skills, as well as ability to work in a team.
Desired
• Prior experience analyzing video recordings of parent and infant behaviors.
• Prior experience conducting research in human subjects using neuroimaging methods.
• Prior experience working with infants and young children.
• A strong publication record.
Conditions of Employment
• Ability to exercise substantial autonomy, independent judgment, and decision-making authority
• Ability to communicate, collaborate and work with team members
• Technical guidance will be given on unusual or complex problems and supervisory approval on proposed plans for projects will be required
Application Instructions
Postdoctoral scholars are represented by UAW 4121 and are subject to the collective bargaining agreement, unless agreed exclusion criteria apply. For more information, please visit the University of Washington Labor Relations Website.
Applicants should provide (1) a cover letter, (2) a curriculum vita, (3) copies of paper reprints and (4) contact information for two references. (5) statement describing past and/or potential contributions to equity, diversity, and inclusion.Application materials must be submitted via Interfolio. For any project questions, please email Christina Zhao, Ph.D., at zhaotc@uw.edu

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