Department: Ismaili Heritage – Department of Academic Research
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.
To apply, please visit our careers page and submit your CV and covering letter before the closing date 13 November 2026. Please see the full job description for further details on applicant criteria.
You must have the right to work in the UK. Sponsorship is not offered for this role.
