IIS-HR
Job Description and Person Specification
Job Title: Research Associate / Fellow
Location:
Euston, London
Reports to:
Head of Department of Curriculum Studies (DCS)
Hours per week:
35
Contract type
Full Time
Length of contract
Permanent or Contract
Brief Description of the Role
The Institute of Ismaili Studies (IIS) seeks to recruit a Research Associate /Research Fellow in
the general area of Islamic Studies with a knowledge of Shi‘i Islam to assist in the
development of its educational materials.
The IIS is developing educational materials on Muslim societies and civilisations. These
materials seek to inspire and challenge young adults in the faith, ethics, history, and cultures
of Muslim peoples. The materials take a multidisciplinary, civilisational, and humanistic
approach to the study of Islam including content from history, the arts, architecture, literature,
science, economics, law, philosophy, and education. The materials draw on sound scholarly
sources and the best educational principles.
The Research Associate /Research Fellow will contribute towards the development of
educational materials along the lines indicated above. Responsibilities will include researching
specific content in Islamic Studies in both primary and secondary sources and writing and
editing specific sections of educational materials.
The ideal candidate will have a PhD in Islamic Studies with special reference to Shi‘i Islam.
The candidate will also have excellent writing skills in the English language. A grounding in the
civilisational and humanistic aspects of Islam is desirable. Candidates will have post-graduate
research experience with a strong record of publications.
Main Duties and Responsibilities (or deliverables where self-employed)
1. Work with members of the Department of Curriculum Studies (DCS) team to conceptualise and
develop educational module outlines.
2. Collaborate with a team which includes writers, reviewers, researchers, and editors to deliver highquality educational materials.
3. Write specific sections of educational materials. Rewrite and revise drafts of materials according to
reviewers’ feedback, ensuring that comments are addressed and that the principles and aims of the
curriculum are reflected in the final materials.
4. Understand and appreciate the civilisational and humanistic approach of the IIS secondary
curriculum to the history, ethics, culture, and thought of Islam and identify specific ways in which this
approach can be given practical application in the educational materials.
5. Liaise closely with the other departmental units, providing regular updates to the Head of the
Department.
6. Work with the Project Manager to plan the successful delivery of materials and prepare progress
reports.
7. Provide suggestions for relevant academic resources to accompany the materials
8. Research and retrieve relevant primary sources to incorporate into the educational materials,
translating passages wherever necessary.
Corporate Responsibilities
Quality Assurance
The role-holder is required to participate in quality assurance procedures to maintain and
develop standards of ‘best practice’ in all areas of the Department’s activities. S/he is also
required to implement the outcomes of reviews and evaluations.
Continuous Professional Development
The role-holder is expected to maintain and improve the quality of his/her role through
continuous professional development with the available time and resources.
Equality of Opportunity
The role-holder is expected to commit to the principle of equality of opportunity for all staff and
students and to help provide an environment where respect is shown to all.
Experience
Researching content and writing narratives in the general area of Islamic
studies with knowledge of Shi‘i Islam.
Essential
Researching and writing narratives on the civilisational aspects of Islam
Essential
Working with Islamic studies specialists in writing and content editing
materials.
Desirable
Knowledge
A PhD in Islamic Studies with knowledge of Shi‘i Islam.
Essential
Knowledge of civilisational aspects of Islam [i.e. broad knowledge base not
restricted to theological and political aspects].
Essential
Essential
Reading knowledge of classical Arabic and/or Persian.
Main Skills and Abilities
Ability to analysing and review academic content from the perspectives of
recognised, authoritative scholarship in Islamic and Shi‘i Studies.
Ability to research primary and secondary sources for appropriate materials.
Ability to write academic content in a clear and accessible form appropriate for
educational materials.
Essential
Essential
Essential