University of Oxford
Faculty of Oriental Studies
Post-doctoral Researchers in Qur’anic Studies (2 posts)
Four-year fixed term contract
Grade 7: £31,604 to £38,833 p.a., full time

This is an opportunity for outstanding scholars to join the research project Qur’anic Commentary: An Integrative Paradigm (QuCIP), funded by the European Research Council and directed by Nicolai Sinai. The particular responsibilities of these posts are to carry out research on (i) the Islamic reception history of surahs 1–4, or (ii) Qur’anic law in its late antique context; and in both cases to author a monograph on the topic. The positions are scheduled to commence in April 2019, although an earlier start date is possible if desired.

For position (i) the Researcher will undertake a detailed examination of medieval and modern Islamic commentaries and other primary sources relevant to the interpretation of surahs 1–4.  For position (ii) the Researcher will undertake a detailed examination of legal and quasi-legal passages in the Qur’an, reviewing and refining our understanding of their meaning and historical context in light of pertinent pre-Qur’anic traditions.  In each case this will involve managing his/her research using and developing appropriate methodologies, and drawing on pertinent scholarship from other disciplines as required.  She/he will contribute to the preparation of workshops and conferences, present papers at conferences or public meetings, and liaise as appropriate with colleagues and research groups at other institutions. She/he will author a monograph based on his/her research and collaborate in the preparation of the project’s other publications, as well as acting as a source of information and advice to other members of the project.  She/he will develop ideas for potential further funding applications related to Qur’anic Studies, and liaise as appropriate with colleagues and research groups at other institutions.  The Researcher may be asked to deliver up to an average of 1h of classes, lectures, or small-group (tutorial) teaching per week of term in the field of Qur’anic Studies or some other subfield of Islamic Studies.

Holding a relevant PhD/DPhil by the start of the position, the successful candidate will possess a very good command of Qur’anic and classical Arabic.  Applicants for post (i) must have very good literacy in pre-modern Islamic religious scholarship, and for post (ii) must be familiar with pre-modern Islamic religious scholarship and be able to work with late antique Jewish and Christian primary sources relevant to the study of Qur’anic law, either in the original (preferred) or in translation.  In both cases this must be coupled with specialist knowledge of the discipline of Qur’anic Studies.  She/he must be able to undertake innovative research at the forefront of current Qur’anic scholarship, managing his/her own academic research and associated activities.  Previous experience of independent scholarly writing to a high level of content and presentation is essential, as are the ability to contribute ideas for new research projects and excellent communication skills, including the ability to write for publication, present research proposals and results, and represent the research group at meetings.  For position (i), applicants with previous scholarly publications and/or literacy in a relevant primary language other than Arabic, such as Persian or Urdu, may be at an advantage, although these are desirable rather than essential accomplishments.  For position (ii), candidates with previous scholarly publications and a good command of relevant primary languages other than Arabic (especially Biblical and Rabbinic Hebrew, Rabbinic Aramaic, and Syriac) will be at an advantage

These are a full-time fixed term positions, for four years.
For further details, and to apply for either of these positions, visit https://www.ox.ac.uk/about/jobs/index.html
Closing date is 12 noon, 14 September 2018.  Vacancy reference 135887/135888.