The Institute of Ismaili Studies was established in 1977 with the aim of promoting scholarship and learning on Muslim cultures and societies, historical as well as contemporary, and a better understanding of their relationship with other societies and faiths. The Institute's programmes encourage a perspective that is not confined to the theological and religious heritage of Islam, but seeks to explore the relationship of religious ideas to broader dimensions of society and culture. More information ....
Academic duties
Research
* Undertake academic research within a defined project or under supervision
Teaching
* Deliver high quality teaching under guidance of more senior academics. Undertake (at least the first stage) the Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice
Service
* Contribute to, and collaborate with others on activities that enhance the impact of, and are in alignment with, The Institute's goals
Additional key role responsibilities
* Assist in the supervision of postgraduate students
Educational Qualifications:
Essential Criteria:
* A doctorate in an area related to South Asian studies. We encourage applications from those who have submitted their PhD dissertation and are awaiting viva (in such cases, initial salary and position will be commensurate with qualifications and experience).
* A demonstrable track record of publication on related topics.
* A demonstrable track record of teaching and academic supervision in the Higher Education sector.
Knowledge and experience:
Essential Criteria:
* A thorough knowledge of the current state of the field of Ismaili studies and related aspects Ismaili history and thought.
* Specialisation in the following areas: Shi'i Studies with a region-specific focus (South Asia).
* An excellent command of spoken and written Indic Languages (minimum two).
* Good knowledge of spoken and written Urdu and working knowledge of one or more of Bengali, Farsi, Gujarati, Saraiki, or Urdu would be of added advantage.
* Research on the intellectual history of Islam and other related topics from the social sciences.
Skills and abilities
Essential Criteria:
* Proven competency in working with primary sources in Indic languages.
* Ability to prioritise tasks, multitask and manage time effectively and efficiently.
* Excellent oral and written communication skills in English; ability to communicate with a variety of individuals at all levels - employees, students and external stakeholders.
* Ability to read Khojki.
* Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate in a team-oriented academic environment as well as self-motivated and able to work independently and on own initiative.
* Publishing research findings to non-specialist audiences.
Personal Qualities
* Efficient, organised, patient and resilient under pressure and able to meet deadlines.
* Commitment to and a strong understanding of equal opportunities issues within a diverse and multi-cultural environment
This is a unique opportunity to advance your research career while contributing to the Institute's academic mission and global scholarly community.
To apply, please visit our careers page and submit your CV and covering letter before the closing date 28 November 2025.
Please see the full job description for further details on applicant criteria
The Research Associate will contribute actively to the research, publications, teaching and outreach programmes of The Institute of Ismaili Studies (IIS). They will conduct both individual and collaborative research, contributing to a variety of historic, contemporary and emerging subjects, as they relate to Islam and Muslims of South Asia. They will contribute to the organisation of conferences and workshops and will publish relevant material related to these events. They will undertake teaching on our postgraduate programmes and on other educational programmes across a range of subjects within Islamic studies. They will also participate in all relevant meetings, workshops and conferences in the Department of Academic Research (DAR) at the IIS.
This role will be suitable for someone who is in the early to middle stages of an academic career and will be expected to conduct research, teach when opportunities arise, and serve on committees when appointed or invited to participate.
Roles at this level will be providing advice and support to Departments/work units based upon a full understanding of a technical, professional or specialised field. They will plan and ensure progress within established professional procedures and clearly defined institutional policy. They will be expected to identify gaps in information and conduct analyses to solve/resolve problems and issues with short-term consequences. They will put forward recommendations on managing more complex situations, having regard to their impact and consequences. Individuals will be responsible for planning and organising their own work or that of a team of colleagues who may be involved in different types of work. There will be a need for liaison and the co-ordination of activities across a few subsections across the institute. The work will involve encountering changing priorities and differing situations.
Research Associates who are also teaching on either the GPISH or STEP certification are eligible to apply for the professorial track (Assistant Professor) after 5 years. Research Associates, if they do not teach, are eligible to apply to the position of Senior Research Associate, provided they have a record of peer-reviewed academic publications via the Academic Promotions process.
Key Responsibilities
* Deliver excellent interdisciplinary and impactful research that advances South Asian Studies with a special focus on Ismailis as well as other Shi`i and Sufi communities from South Asia, contributing to the Institute's mission of being the leading academic institution in the field.
* Undertake research with a view to possible publication for both the specialist and non-specialist audiences by the IIS or an external publisher.
* Organise or participate in relevant workshops, conferences, book launches and other events.
* Contribute to the teaching of the Institute's postgraduate programmes and its other educational initiatives, including the academic supervision of students.
* Actively participate in the Institute's outreach and exchange of knowledge programmes.
* Share the administrative responsibilities within South Asian Studies and support the academic life of the Department.
* The post holder will be expected to undertake any other appropriate duties as may reasonably be required of them, consistent with the mission, vision and values of the IIS. Therefore, the list of duties in this job profile should not be regarded as exclusive or exhaustive.