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Professor Aga Khan University Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations

Aga Khan University Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations, UK


​Professor / Associate Professor (3 positions)
Salary Range: £45,000 to £70,000 per annum


Introduction

​In 2002, the Aga Khan University established its Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations in London (AKU-ISMC). The goal of the Institute is to strengthen research and teaching on the heritage of Muslim societies as they have evolved over time, and on the challenges these societies face in today’s globalised world. At AKU-ISMC, the social sciences and humanities are utilised as intellectual tools to study the construction of knowledge, processes of change, structures of governance, and artistic and creative expressions within Muslim societies and cultures. The Institute seeks to create opportunities for interaction among academics, traditionally trained scholars and other professionals in an effort to deepen the understanding of issues affecting Muslim societies today.

The Institute’s MA in Muslim Cultures aims to contribute to the formation of scholars, intellectuals and professionals capable of engaging with contemporary challenges, particularly those faced within contemporary Muslim societies, by drawing upon ethical ideals, critical thinking and modern academic tools. The MA Programme offers a distinctive way of understanding the cultures of Muslims as they have evolved over time.

Responsibilities

​The Aga Khan University (International) in the United Kingdom is seeking to make senior Faculty appointments at the levels of Professor and Associate Professor.

The Institute presently has a lean and diverse faculty with a breadth of specialisations focused on the study of Muslim cultures, including development, contemporary Muslim thought, education, history, law, literature, philosophy and sociology. With a passion for addressing contemporary challenges, the faculty work collaboratively in teaching and research to enable a cross-fertilisation of intellectual ideas and the bridging of disciplinary boundaries.

We are currently recruiting for three full-time faculty, one of whom will potentially take on additional responsibilities of leading and managing the Institute’s educational programmes and other activities. Candidates wishing to be considered for this role should have excellent leadership skills with prior experience of managing faculty and staff as well as leading in the planning and development of educational programmes and/or projects.

AKU-ISMC is keen to continue strengthening its research agenda and we encourage interested candidates to review our thematic research foci on the Institute’s website.

Applicants will be expected to have a sound understanding in one of the three areas:

  • approaches to the study of the Qur’an and its interpretive traditions within the context of history; uses of Qur’an in creative and artistic expressions; and/or role of the Qur’an in contemporary contexts;
  • Comparative Study of Religion from a Humanities and/or Social Sciences perspective with knowledge of at least two traditions, one being Islam;
  • the study of Material Culture in Muslim societies of the past or present, with particular focus on one area such as Art, Museology, Archaeology or Architecture/the Built Environment.
Requirements

​Candidates must have a PhD with sound theoretical understanding and a strong track record of high quality publications. A demonstrated desire to articulate and/or bridge disciplinary boundaries will be considered an asset. Capacity to work in at least one language of Muslim societies (Arabic, Bahasa, Persian, Swahili, Turkish, Urdu, etc); research work in one of these languages will be preferred. Ability to work in other European languages relevant to the study of Muslim civilisations would be a considerable asset.

Candidates for Associate Professor Level should provide evidence of sustained successful performance in teaching and scholarly activity and should also have demonstrated experience of academic and administrative leadership.

Candidates for Professorial Level should be recognized for outstanding professional attainments evidenced by positions of leadership in their institutions and by membership in professional organisations, on editorial boards and committees. Such persons should be recognized nationally and internationally as authorities in their fields and as outstanding teachers in their areas of specialisation.

Please note that if successful and where applicable, you will be required to provide documentary evidence of your English language ability to meet the UK Border Agency requirements for Tier 2 (General) of the points-based system. The document(s) should attest that you:

  • are a national of a majority English-speaking country; or
  • have passed an English language test on UK Border Agency list of approved English language tests; or
  • hold a degree that was taught in English and is equivalent to a UK bachelor's degree and the degree was taught to a competent standard of English equivalent to level C1 on the Council of Europe's Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment (CEFR).

Please refer to the UK Border Agency website for further details.

To Apply

Please email ismc.personnel@aku.edu to request an application form.

Application Deadline: 29 February 2012

Note: The University will respond only to those applicants it wishes to consider for interview. If you would like to have your application materials returned, please enclose an appropriately stamped, self-addressed envelope.


Applications should be submitted latest by February 29, 2012.