Job Summary
Role and Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement a strategic vision for The Institute’s research agenda, aligning with broader institutional goals in all fields of Islamic Studies.
- Oversee the strategic growth and positioning of The Institute as a global leader in Islamic Studies and humanities fostering innovative research and interdisciplinary approaches.
- Provide strategic leadership to the research units.
- Drive excellence in the development of research and academic programmes incorporating the latest methodologies and findings.
- Recruit, mentor and support faculty, researchers and staff in the department fostering an environment of academic rigor and intellectual growth.
- Establish partnerships with other academic and research institutions to promote collaborations and extend the Institute’s research impact.
- Monitor and uphold quality standards in research outputs and ensure that The Institute’s work meets academic benchmarks.
- Develop policies and frameworks to ensure research integrity and academic rigour.
Required Skills
Skills and Qualification:
- PhD in any field of Islamic Studies
- Proven record of interdisciplinary expertise in Islamic Studies.
Desirable Criteria:
- Fellow of Higher Education Academy at least on the level of Senior Fellow
Knowledge and experience:
Essential Criteria:
- Holds the rank of Full Professor; advanced Associate Professors with an exemplary record.
- Experience in setting and executing strategic plans, with a history of developing and implementing initiatives that align with organizational goals.
- Significant experience in senior academic leadership roles, ideally in an academic institution or research organisation.
- Strong command of advanced research methodologies, both qualitative and quantitative, applicable to the humanities and Islamic Studies.
- Extensive record of research and publications in relevant fields with articles in peer-reviewed journals, books or academic press, and other academic contributions that demonstrate expertise and showcase thought provoking leadership. Recognised by peers and the academic community, with evidence of influence in Islamic Studies or the humanities.
- Proven ability to design, implement and oversee research programmes and projects.
- Proven ability to implement faculty development programs and support researchers in achieving their scholarly goals.
- Fluent in Arabic and at least one other relevant language (e.g., Persian, Urdu, Turkish) to engage with primary sources in Islamic Studies.
Desirable Criteria:
- Multidisciplinary understanding across the humanities, such as history, philosophy, and cultural studies, to support diverse research.
- Knowledge of emerging trends in Islamic scholarship and the ability to incorporate innovative approaches into research.
- Understanding of The Institute's mission and objectives, with a keen awareness of its academic and community service goals.
- Proficiency in an additional European language is desirable for accessing a broader range of scholarly works.
Skills and abilities
Essential Criteria:
- Successful track record of leading interdisciplinary projects, ideally involving collaboration with other academic institutions or research bodies.
- Proven ability to manage budgets, allocate resources effectively, and secure research funding through grants or partnerships.
- Experience in conceptualising and organising conferences, workshops, and public lectures to engage academic and broader community audiences.
Personal qualities
Essential Criteria
- Ability to lead teams effectively, managing timelines, resource allocation and project outcomes.
- Strong project management skills, capable of overseeing multiple, concurrent research projects from concept to completion.
- Ability to communicate complex academic research to diverse audiences, including non-specialists, students and community members.
To apply submit your CV and covering letter before the closing date 14 November 2025.
