Postdoctoral Research and Outreach Associate in Islamic Art and Material Culture
A three-year postdoctoral role combining cutting-edge research in Islamic art and material culture with innovative public outreach initiatives.
Best for:Best for early-career researchers with a PhD in Islamic art, architecture, material culture, or related fields who are passionate about public engagement and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Overview
This postdoctoral position at the HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Centre of Islamic Studies (CIS) at the University of Cambridge focuses on advancing research in Islamic art, architecture, and material culture while fostering public engagement. The successful candidate will develop and execute outreach programs, collaborate with museums, libraries, and educational institutions, and contribute to teaching. The role emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration within the Alwaleed network and encourages external funding applications. Early-career researchers with a PhD in a relevant field and strong research and outreach skills are encouraged to apply.
What you'll do
- Conduct independent research in Islamic art, architecture, or material culture, producing high-quality academic outputs.
- Design and implement outreach activities targeting non-academic audiences, including schools, museums, and the public.
- Collaborate with the Fitzwilliam Museum, University Library, and local schools to develop outreach programs.
- Engage with the Alwaleed network of centres globally, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge exchange.
- Apply for external funding to support research and outreach initiatives.
- Contribute to teaching Islamic art, architecture, or material culture within the Department of Middle Eastern Studies or other university departments.
- Participate in CIS weekly seminars, events, and annual conferences or symposia.
- Work independently and collaboratively to meet research and outreach objectives.
Requirements
Degree required: PhD in Islamic art, architecture, material culture, or a closely related field, awarded by the start date of employment.
Language: English; native or near-native fluency in spoken and written English.
Instruction: English
- Demonstrable research expertise in Islamic art, architecture, or material culture.
- Experience in designing and executing public outreach programs.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with academic and non-academic partners.
- Native or near-native fluency in spoken and written English.
- Strong research and writing skills to produce high-quality academic outputs.
- PhD must be awarded by the start date of employment (September 2027).
- Applicants must have submitted their doctoral thesis for viva voce examination no more than four years prior to the application closing date (15 October 2026).
- Exceptions may be considered for career breaks due to maternity leave, family commitments, illness, or other exceptional circumstances.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-15
Applicants must submit their CV, cover letter, and research proposal through the University of Cambridge job application portal. Academic references will be requested for shortlisted candidates. Interviews will likely take place in late November 2026 and may be conducted in-person or online.
- CV
- Cover letter
- Research proposal or statement of research interests
- Academic references (requested for shortlisted candidates)
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