Qualitative Researcher in Balkans Islamic Studies, CIC

The Oxford Department of International Development (ODID) is seeking to recruit a Qualitative Researcher in Balkans Islamic Studies, CIC.

Reporting to Professor Masooda Bano, the post-holder will be a member of a research group working under a European Research Council Advanced Grant titled Choosing Islamic Conservatism. The project employs a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods to study the intergenerational transmission of Islamic knowledge among Muslim communities in the West. The post-holder will be responsible for developing a qualitative study, under the supervision of the Principal Investigator (PI), to map traditional Islamic education networks (such as madrasas and Sufi orders), as well as Islamic studies faculties and private Islamic educational institutions in the Balkans.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage own academic research and administrative activities, within guidelines provided by the Principal Investigator
• Work closely with the PI to map the traditional and modern Islamic educational platforms in the Balkans
• Design, plan, and carry out data collection and analysis using appropriate methodologies and tools

This post is offered for one year, either full-time or part-time, at 50% FTE.

The successful candidate will hold a Master’s or PhD degree in Islamic Studies, Balkan Studies, or the history of Islamic tradition in the region. They will have excellent communication skills, including the ability to write down the findings in an academically rigorous way, present research proposals and results, and represent the research group at meetings. Prior familiarity with Islamic educational networks in the Balkans and the ability to secure access to these networks and hold online interviews with their members are essential to this role.

Applications for this vacancy are to be made online. You will be required to upload a CV and supporting statement as part of your online application. Only applications received before 12 midday on Monday 15th September 2025 can be considered.