The University of Cambridge is seeking to appoint a Research Associate in the Centre of Islamic Studies. Start date by mutual agreement but no later than October 2014. The post is a two-year, fixed-term position.

The successful candidate will design and conduct original research into Islam or Muslims in the UK or Europe. The postholder will support and maintain the University's national and international reputation for excellence in teaching and research. S/he will carry out research at a similar level to that undertaken by lecturing staff; this will provide substantial scope for academic judgement, originality, interpretation and presentation of results. The postholder will work with colleagues in the Centre of Islamic Studies and beyond to contribute to the Centre's public engagement activities, and to spread a critically informed understanding of their research topic beyond the Academy.

Applicants should hold a PhD or be about to complete one (applicants must hold a PhD by the date of interview). They will demonstrate genuine interest in the work of the Centre of Islamic Studies; and demonstrate outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, the ability to work independently and as part of a team, and flawless spoken and written English. Applicants should have the right to work in the UK.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 2 years in the first instance.

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment.

Applications should include a CHRIS 6 application form (parts 1 and 3 only) and curriculum vitae, a list of publications, a 3-page research proposal, indicating the contribution of the proposed research to broader scholarly debates, and envisaged publication outputs. Applicants should also send a schedule of public education and outreach activities as part of their application, explaining how their research will inform these.

Applications should be sent to Professor Yasir Suleiman, Centre of Islamic Studies, Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, Sidgwick Avenue, Cambridge CB3 9DA, or by email tocis@cis.cam.ac.uk

Copies of the CHRIS 6 form can be found at http://www.admin.cam.ac.uk/offices/hr/forms/chris6/. References will be taken up in advance of interviews unless candidate states otherwise.

The deadline for applications is 5pm on 3 March 2014.

It is anticipated that interviews will be held in March or April 2014.

Informal enquiries and requests for Further Particulars may be addressed to Professor Yasir Suleiman or Dr Paul Anderson at the Centre of Islamic Studies: cis@cis.cam.ac.uk

Please quote reference VN02646 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University values diversity and is committed to equality of opportunity.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.