"Research Fellow in Tibetan Studies"

University of Leeds - School of Languages, Cultures and Societies

Location: Leeds

Salary: £41,064 to £48,822 per annum

Hours: Full Time

Contract Type: Fixed-Term/Contract

Placed On: 15th January 2026

Closes: 5th February 2026

Job Ref: AHCLC1241

Are you a scholar of Tibetan studies with an interest in traditions? Do you have field experience documenting traditional cultural practices in Tibetan communities in China? Would you like to be part of a project that seeks to make significant steps in helping to keep Tibetan traditional cultures alive?

As a research fellow in Tibetan Studies, you will help develop and support the work of the Tibetan Sustainable Heritage Initiative, a UKRI funded project aimed at working collaboratively with Tibetan communities in the People’s Republic of China and globally to document traditional cultures and co-create new methods for cultural transmission. In collaboration with the project PI, Dr Timothy Thurston, you will work with tradition bearers to develop and test new methods of cultural transmission, help develop training materials, lead workshops, and write and present about findings in international venues. This exciting project has the potential to make real differences both in Tibetan communities and in international circles interested in questions of cultural sustainability.

You will have some experience conducting fieldwork-based research and a PhD in Tibetan studies or a relevant discipline by time of appointment, ideally with a specialism in vernacular traditions. You will have the ability to conduct fieldwork in Western China. You may also have some experience working with or developing digital tools for Tibetan communities. You will also have opportunities to develop your own research and teaching, as appropriate.

What we offer in return

• 26 days holiday plus approx.16 Bank Holidays/days that the University is closed by custom (including Christmas) – That’s 42 days a year!
• Generous pension scheme options plus life assurance
• Health and Wellbeing: Discounted staff membership options at The Edge, our state-of-the-art Campus gym, with a pool, sauna, climbing wall, cycle circuit, and sports halls.
• Personal Development: Access to courses run by our Organisational Development & Professional Learning team.
• Access to on-site childcare, shopping discounts and travel schemes are also available.

And much more!

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact:

Dr Timothy Thurston, Associate Professor in the Study of Contemporary China

Tel: +44 (0)113 343 3462

Email: T.Thurston@leeds.ac.uk