SOAS Jobs | University of London Academic Careers

🎓 Overview of Jobs at SOAS University of London

The School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London (SOAS), stands as a premier institution for the study of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Established in 1916, SOAS specializes in languages, cultures, and societies of these regions, making it a hub for unique academic jobs. Jobs at SOAS University of London attract scholars passionate about global perspectives, offering roles from lecturers to research associates. These positions emphasize interdisciplinary work in humanities and social sciences, where professionals contribute to world-leading research and teaching.

Working at SOAS means engaging with a diverse student body from over 130 countries, fostering an environment rich in cultural exchange. Academic jobs here often involve teaching modules on topics like anthropology, development economics, or Arabic literature, alongside research funded by major grants. Administrative roles support this mission, from student services to international partnerships. For those eyeing higher ed jobs, SOAS represents a gateway to impactful careers in specialized fields.

📜 History and Legacy of SOAS in Higher Education

SOAS was founded during World War I to train British officials in Asian and African languages and cultures. Over the decades, it evolved into a research powerhouse, with notable alumni including diplomats and policymakers. Today, jobs at School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London involve continuing this legacy, contributing to departments like the Centre for African Studies or the Law School's human rights programs.

The university's history shapes its job market: post-colonial studies and global development roles surged in the 1960s, reflecting decolonization. Recent initiatives focus on sustainability and digital humanities, creating fresh opportunities. Understanding this background helps applicants tailor their profiles, highlighting how their expertise aligns with SOAS's evolution from colonial training to global scholarship leader.

🔬 Key Departments and Research Focus Areas

SOAS boasts 12 departments, including Arts and Humanities, Languages and Cultures, and Social Sciences. Jobs often center on research in non-Western contexts, such as Southeast Asian politics or African linguistics. Faculty positions require deep knowledge of regions like South Asia or the Middle East, with projects addressing climate change impacts or migration patterns.

• Anthropology and Sociology: Ethnographic studies on gender and identity.
• Economics: Development economics for emerging markets.
• Languages: Teaching Swahili, Mandarin, or Persian.
• Law: International law with a focus on human rights in Africa.

Research fellows at SOAS tackle timely issues, like SOAS's involvement in UN Sustainable Development Goals research. This focus demands expertise in area-specific methodologies, setting SOAS jobs apart from general university roles.

Definitions

Area Studies: An interdisciplinary field examining the history, politics, economics, and cultures of specific global regions, central to SOAS's curriculum and job requirements.

Lecturer (UK): Equivalent to assistant professor in the US, involving teaching, research, and administration without tenure track formality.

Postdoctoral Research Associate: A temporary position post-PhD for advancing research skills, often grant-funded at SOAS.

📊 Required Academic Qualifications, Research Focus, Preferred Experience, Skills, and Competencies

To secure jobs at SOAS, candidates need robust academic credentials. A PhD in a relevant field, such as African History or Asian Development Studies, is mandatory for most faculty roles. For lecturer positions, a proven teaching record at university level is essential, often evidenced by student feedback or module design experience.

Research focus at SOAS prioritizes non-European perspectives: expertise in languages like Hausa or Japanese, or themes like decolonization and global inequality. Preferred experience includes peer-reviewed publications (aim for 5+ in high-impact journals like Journal of African History), successful grant applications from funders like the Leverhulme Trust, and fieldwork in target regions.

Key skills and competencies encompass:

• Multilingual proficiency for source materials.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration across departments.
• Grant writing and project management.
• Teaching diverse, international cohorts.
• Data analysis using tools like NVivo for qualitative research.

Administrative jobs may require project coordination skills, while research assistants need strong bibliographic abilities. Check research jobs for entry points.

💼 Types of Positions and Career Paths

SOAS jobs span academic, research, and support roles. Lecturers teach undergraduate/postgraduate modules and conduct research; senior lecturers or professors lead departments. University job types here include fixed-term research associates (1-3 years) and permanent chairs in niche areas like Islamic Studies.

Non-academic positions cover library services, international recruitment, and finance, ideal for higher ed administration enthusiasts. Postdocs thrive in funded projects, transitioning to lectureships. Career progression involves REF (Research Excellence Framework) submissions, enhancing promotion chances.

For aspiring lecturers, see how to become a university lecturer.

📝 Application Process and Tips for SOAS Jobs

The application process starts with monitoring SOAS's vacancies page and platforms like jobs.ac.uk. Submit a tailored CV (use our free resume template), cover letter, research statement (2-3 pages), and teaching philosophy. References are often required upfront.

Shortlisting involves panel review; interviews feature presentations (20 minutes on research/teaching). Tips:

• Align with SOAS values: internationalism, social justice.
• Quantify impact: 'Secured £50k grant for African oral history project'.
• Prepare for EDI (Equality, Diversity, Inclusion) questions.
• Network via SOAS events or academic CV tips.
• Follow up politely post-interview.

Rejections are common; reapply after gaining experience. For postdocs, emphasize proposal fit with SOAS centres.

🌈 Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives at SOAS

SOAS champions diversity, with 70%+ non-UK staff/students. Initiatives include the Race Equality Charter bronze award (2020), Stonewall Diversity Champion status, and the SOAS Decolonising Framework, reviewing curricula for inclusivity. Women in Leadership programs support gender balance, while disability access enhancements promote accessibility. BAME (Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic) mentoring schemes aid underrepresented scholars. These efforts create equitable job environments, prioritizing diverse hires in global studies.

⚖️ Work-Life Balance and Campus Life at SOAS

SOAS supports work-life balance via 35-hour weeks, 30+ days annual leave, and flexible hybrid working post-COVID. Sabbaticals every few years allow research focus. Employee Assistance Programme offers counseling, plus gym discounts.

Campus in Bloomsbury buzzes with events: film festivals, language cafes, and proximity to Russell Square Gardens. London life enhances: British Museum walks, diverse dining. Staff societies foster community, balancing academic rigour with cultural vibrancy. Salaries competitive (£40k+ for lecturers), with London weighting.

📈 Why Pursue Jobs at SOAS?

SOAS jobs offer intellectual stimulation in a globally relevant setting. Contribute to policy-influencing research, teach passionate students, and join a network shaping area studies. Explore higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, or post a job on AcademicJobs.com for more opportunities.