Hosting MSCA Postdoctoral Fellows: Heritage Acoustics, Sonic Heritage, Sound Studies, Psychoacoustics, and Virtual Archaeology

Hosting Opportunity for MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships (PF) at the University of Palermo

The University of Palermo (UniPa) invites expressions of interest from outstanding postdoctoral researchers wishing to apply for a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship under the supervision of Professor Angela Bellia (angela.bellia@unipa.it**.

Research Environment and Interdisciplinary Scope Successful candidates will be integrated into the multidisciplinary research group associated with the VOICING Project ("Voicing Spaces: Towards an Aural Architecture in the Past"), an Advanced Grant funded by the Italian Science Fund (FIS – a competitive grant modelled on the ERC Advanced Grant scheme). Our research framework adopts a pioneering STEAM approach, bridging the gap between the Humanities and Physical Sciences to explore Sonic Heritage, Aural Architecture, and Sound Studies. A specific focus is placed on Psychoacoustics and the sensory perception of ancient performative spaces.

State-of-the-Art Facilities Fellows will benefit from the group's integration with specialised research infrastructures, providing unique tools for high-impact research:

• The Heritage Acoustics Laboratory: Focused on Applied Acoustics, this facility is dedicated to the study of soundscapes and acoustic modelling. It provides advanced equipment for in-situ acoustic measurements, numerical simulations, and the psychoacoustic analysis of historical and archaeological environments.

• The Virtual Archaeology Laboratory: Focussed on the digital reconstruction of archaeological sites and the development of immersive VR/AR experiences for sensory heritage.

Mentoring and Career Development As a Rector’s Delegate for MSCA and a former Marie Curie Fellow and evaluator, Professor Bellia provides expert mentoring in grant writing and career strategy. We offer a high-level ecosystem that fosters international collaboration, high-impact publications, and professional growth within the Marie Curie Alumni Association (MCAA) network.

Candidate Profile We seek motivated researchers with a background in:

• Archaeology or Archaeomusicology (Music Archaeology)

• Applied Acoustics (including field measurements and acoustic characterisation) and Heritage Acoustics

• Architectural Acoustics or Psychoacoustics

• Sound Studies and Sonic Heritage

• Voice and Dance Studies

• Digital Heritage and Virtual/Augmented Reality

Prospective candidates are encouraged to contact us with a CV and a brief research outline to discuss potential synergy with our research group’s objectives.