Research Associate - 'New Musical Technologies for Older Adults' Wellbeing

We are seeking to recruit a Research Associate with strengths in participatory or co-production methodologies working alongside people living with dementia to support the delivery of the UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship ‘New musical technologies for older adults' wellbeing: renewal.’ led by Dr Jennifer MacRitchie.

Currently one million people in the UK are living with dementia, and one in three people born in the UK will go on to develop dementia in their lifetime (Alzheimer’s Society, 2025). People can still live a full life when living with dementia; the challenge for technology design is how we might support those in awaiting diagnosis or in post-diagnostic care to be fully able to engage in meaningful activities on their own terms. This project asks, how we can harness emerging technologies to boost opportunities for older adults living with dementia to interact with music and consequently their sense of wellbeing, agency and social connection? In collaboration with the University of Leeds through Professor Alinka Greasley, this package of work will look specifically at ‘How can the design of musical interactions for people living with dementia take account of diverse hearing profiles?’

You will be responsible for leading participatory community-based work with people living with dementia who also have diverse hearing profiles. This will involve the evaluation of perceptions and sensitivities to varied musical content, as well as considering modifications or adaptations to existing music technology prototypes, such as vibro-tactile interaction and force feedback into current Music Memory Makers and Slider Box devices. The postdoctoral research assistant will also be responsible for contributing to the development of musical content led by composers, where the content would better account for hearing differences.

To support this activity, we seek a candidate with a background of participatory or co-production methods working with people living with dementia in areas such as music, hearing sciences, or other relevant disciplinary areas.