Senior Research Associate (Media and Popular Culture)

Manchester Metropolitan University is seeking an ambitious and highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to contribute to a programme of internationally significant research exploring the intersections of celebrity culture, popular music, fandom, and digital media.

This exciting fixed-term opportunity offers an early-career researcher the chance to work on two major scholarly projects: a peer-reviewed journal article examining the relationship between artificial intelligence, celebrity, and contemporary digital culture, and a major academic monograph exploring fandom, music cultures, celebrity, gender, authorship, and mediated stardom.

Working within the vibrant research environment of the School of Digital Arts (SODA), you will contribute to cutting-edge interdisciplinary scholarship that addresses some of the most pressing questions surrounding contemporary popular culture and digital media.

About the Role

As Postdoctoral Research Associate, you will undertake both independent and collaborative research activities, supporting the development of high-quality publications for leading academic journals and publishers.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Conducting systematic literature reviews across celebrity studies, digital cultures, fan studies, and popular music studies.
• Undertaking original research relating to celebrity culture, fandom, popular music, and contemporary media ecosystems.
• Supporting the development of a peer-reviewed journal article focused on AI and celebrity culture.
• Contributing research for a scholarly monograph examining fandom, music cultures, celebrity, gender, authorship, and mediated stardom.
• Conducting media, discourse, and cultural analysis of primary materials including interviews, performances, documentaries, social media content, fan communities, and industry discourse.
• Identifying and analysing emerging case studies involving virtual celebrities, AI-generated performers, synthetic influencers, and platform-mediated fame.
• Managing bibliographies, references, permissions, indexing preparation, and publication workflows.
• Providing editorial support including proofreading, copy preparation, and manuscript submission.
• Presenting research findings at seminars, conferences, and other scholarly forums.
• Contributing to future research development and funding opportunities in areas including AI and music, digital culture, and the creative industries.

About You

We are looking for an outstanding early-career scholar who can demonstrate:

Essential Requirements

• A PhD (or near completion) in a relevant discipline such as Media Studies, Cultural Studies, Popular Music Studies, Communication Studies, Sociology, or a related field.
• Significant research experience in popular music studies, celebrity studies, digital culture, fandom studies, or related areas.
• Evidence of making an independent contribution to research projects and scholarly outputs.
• Experience conducting high-quality literature reviews, cultural analysis, and desk-based research.
• Excellent written communication skills and the ability to produce publication-quality academic work.
• Experience presenting research at national and/or international conferences.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple research tasks and deadlines.
• Ability to work collaboratively while also undertaking independent research.

Why Join Us?

This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute directly to internationally significant research while gaining extensive experience in academic publishing, research development, and interdisciplinary collaboration. You will join a dynamic research community within SODA and play a key role in advancing innovative scholarship at the forefront of media, music, and celebrity studies.

If you are passionate about contemporary popular culture, digital media, fandom, and the changing nature of celebrity in the age of AI, we would welcome your application.

Please apply via the ‘Apply’ button above.

Manchester Metropolitan University fosters an inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity. We value a diverse workforce for the innovation and diversity of thought it brings and welcome applications from all local and international communities, including Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and LGBTQ+ individuals.

We support a range of flexible working arrangements, including hybrid and tailored schedules, which can be discussed with your line manager. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or in your role, please let us know so we can provide appropriate support.

Our commitment to inclusivity includes mentoring programmes, accessibility resources, and professional development opportunities to empower and support underrepresented groups.

Manchester Met is a Disability Confident Leader and, under this scheme, aims to offer an interview to disabled people who apply for the role and meet the essential criteria as listed in the Job Description for that vacancy.