Research Associate – Ismaili Heritage

The Institute of Ismaili Studies; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 49,000; Part time

Job summary

The Institute of Ismaili Studies (IIS) is seeking a Research Associate in Ismaili Heritage to contribute to documentation, conservation and dissemination of built and tangible heritage across Shiʿa Ismaili communities. Based in London with hybrid working, the role involves independent research, site documentation, database updates and collaboration with colleagues within the IH and across IIS.

This is ideal for researchers at the early to mid-career stage pursuing a distinctive heritage

Qualifications

• PhD in Islamic Studies, History, Art or Architectural History or related discipline.
• Demonstrable knowledge of Islamic history, material culture, art, architecture or heritage.
• Strong research skills and ability to critically evaluate sources.
• Excellent written communication, for specialist and non‑specialist audiences.
• Excellent editorial and proofreading with attention to accuracy and detail.
• Ability to organise, synthesise and document complex research data.
• Familiarity with digital collaboration and project management tools.
• Knowledge of Shiʿi and/or Ismaili history or heritage is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Undertake academic research and documentation relating to Ismaili and wider Shiʿi and Islamic heritage.
• Identify and research heritage sites and maintain IH database.
• Review existing site documentation and contribute to IH’s Sites and Stories and Sites and Studies series.
• Support development of an annotated bibliography on Ismaili heritage.
• Collaborate with researchers across IIS and manage own research planning.

Skills

Written communication

Editorial and proofreading

Research skills

Data/documentation

Digital collaboration tools

Education

PhD in Islamic Studies, History, Art or Architectural History

Tools

Heritage databases

Digital humanities tools

Project management tools

Job description

Location: London, King’s Cross (Aga Khan Centre) – Hybrid

Contract: Permanent, 0.6 FTE

About the role

The Institute of Ismaili Studies (IIS) is seeking a Research Associate to join Ismaili Heritage (IH) within the Department of Academic Research. The role will contribute to IH’s work to document, protect, conserve and celebrate the built and associated tangible heritage of global Shiʿa Ismaili Muslim communities.

The postholder will undertake academic research and documentation relating to Ismaili and wider Shiʿi and Islamic heritage, with a particular focus on site research and documentation and knowledge creation and dissemination. Responsibilities will include identifying and researching heritage sites, maintaining and developing information within the IH database, reviewing existing site documentation, contributing to IH’s Sites and Stories and Sites and Studies series, and supporting the development of an annotated bibliography on Ismaili heritage.

The Research Associate will work collaboratively with other researchers and colleagues across the Institute, while taking responsibility for planning and organising their own research. There may also be opportunities to contribute to teaching and wider academic activities within IIS.

This is an exciting opportunity for a researcher in the early to middle stages of their academic career to contribute to a distinctive programme of research and documentation focused on Ismaili material and built heritage.

What we’re looking for

• A PhD in Islamic Studies, History, Art or Architectural History, or another related discipline relevant to the research and documentation of Islamic material and built heritage.
• Demonstrable knowledge of Islamic history, material culture, art, architecture and/or heritage.
• Strong academic research skills, including the ability to critically evaluate primary and secondary sources.
• Excellent written communication skills, with the ability to communicate research effectively to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.
• Excellent editorial and proofreading skills, with strong attention to accuracy, consistency and detail.
• The ability to organise, synthesise and accurately document complex research data.
• Confidence in using digital collaboration and project management tools, with the ability to learn new platforms quickly.
• Knowledge of Shiʿi and/or Ismaili history and heritage, relevant language skills, scholarly publications, or experience with digital humanities and heritage databases would be advantageous.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the research, documentation and wider understanding of Ismaili heritage while working within an internationally focused academic institution.

Please see the full job description for further details on applicant criteria.

£44,110 Grade 6