Call for Papers: Research Associate in British Muslim Studies

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Research

•    To conduct research within the field of British Muslim Studies and contribute to the overall research performance of the Islam-UK Centre by the production of measurable outputs including bidding for funding, publishing in high quality peer-review academic journals, and delivery of conference papers. Preference may be given to those with a speciality in the sociology or anthropology of Muslim communities in Britain (especially method and theory); and/or Islam and Muslim communities in Wales.
•    To develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, including major research funding proposals, in the field of British Muslim studies.  Preference may be given to applicants with research proposals that have clear policy significance.
•    To give conference/seminar papers at a local and national level.
•    To build and create networks both internally and externally to the university, to influence decisions,   explore future research requirements, and share research ideas for the benefit of research projects
•    To participate in School research activities.

Public Engagement/Outreach

•    To play an active and engaged role in the life of the Jameel Scholarship Programme and Islam-UK Centre, including attending all Centre events (e.g. Spring Semester Public Seminars; regular ‘Reading Group’ meetings, etc.) and regular team meetings.
•    To engage effectively with professional, academic, and faith community institutions etc., regionally and nationally, to raise awareness of the Centre’s profile, to cultivate strategically valuable alliances, and to pursue opportunities for collaboration across a range of activities. These activities are expected to contribute to the Centre and the enhancement of its regional and national profile.
•    To undergo personal and professional development that is appropriate to and which will enhance performance in the role.
•    To scope the possibilities for development of new optional modules within the MA/Dip Islam in Contemporary Britain (e.g. a module on Islamic banking/Muslim chaplaincy)
•    To support the development of more flexible delivery of the MA/Diploma Islam in Contemporary Britain to attract new audiences, and to support development of a PG Certificate pathway
•    Any other duties not included above, but consistent with the role.

Scope of Job (e.g. headcount of team, internal/external impact, budgetary control)

Essential Criteria

Qualifications and Education

1.    Postgraduate degree at PhD level (completed, or about to complete) in the field of British Muslim Studies.  Preference may be given to those with specialism in the sociology or anthropology of Muslim communities in Britain, and/or Islam and Muslims in Wales.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

2.    An established expertise and proven track record of research activity in British Muslim Studies

3.    Knowledge of current status of research in specialist field

4.    Proven ability to publish in high quality peer-review journals

5.    Proven ability to be successful in applying for, and gaining competitive academic funding

Pastoral, Communication and Team Working

6.    Proven ability in effective and persuasive communication

Other

7.    Proven ability to work without close supervision

Desirable Criteria

8.     Proven ability to adapt to the changing requirements of the Higher Education community.

9.    Evidence of ability to participate in and develop both internal and external networks and utilise them to enhance the research activities of the Islam-UK Centre.

10.    A willingness to take responsibility for academically related administration and development.

11.    A facility in a community language relevant to the work of the Islam-UK Centre, e.g. Urdu, Bengali.

Important note:

It is the University’s policy to use the person specification as a key tool for short-listing. Candidates should evidence that they meet ALL of the essential criteria as well as, where relevant, the desirable. As part of the application process you will be asked to provide this evidence via a supporting statement.  Please ensure that the evidence you are providing corresponds with the numbered criteria outlined above. Your application will be considered based on the information you provide under each element.