JOB DESCRIPTION. 1. JOB TITLE: Postdoctoral Researcher in Islamic Studies. Head of Department. Director of Islamic Studies (Principal Investigator)

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1 JOB DESCRIPTION 1. JOB TITLE: Postdoctoral Researcher in Islamic Studies 2: HRMS REFERENCE NUMBER: HR ROLE CODE: FINRES2 4. DEPARTMENT: Theology and Religious Studies 5. ORGANISATION CHART: Head of Department Director of Islamic Studies (Principal Investigator) Post-Doctoral Researcher 6. JOB PURPOSE: To undertake research to standards set in line with the objectives of the research project Karbala in London : Transnational Shii Networks between Britain and the Middle East. Take responsibility for conducting a small research project or identified parts of a large project. Co-ordinate the work of colleagues to ensure equitable access to resources and facilities. Contribute to teaching and administration within the Department of Theology and Religious Studies. 7. BACKGROUND INFORMATION: The Department of Theology and Religious Studies is a dynamic and expanding community of students and academic staff at the University of Chester. The Department attracts motivated students from a variety of backgrounds into programmes where the curriculum matches their needs and aspirations. The Department is a thriving research community committed to international excellence. A distinctive focus of our research in Theology, Biblical Studies and Religious Studies is an engagement with contemporary culture and faith-communities. Building on our established strengths in these fields of study, the Department is currently expanding in the area of Islamic Studies, and Prof Oliver Scharbrodt is our first Professor of Islamic Studies at the University of Chester. He has the strategic aim to turn the Department and its new Chester Centre for Islamic Studies (CCIS) into one of the prime centres for the academic study of Islam in the UK. PB 17/07/2015

2 We wish to recruit one post-doctoral researcher (fixed term, full-time contract until 30 September 2016) to work with Professor Oliver Scharbrodt on a research project that examines transnational religio-political networks in contemporary Twelver Shiism operating between Iraq, Iran and Britain. The project is funded by a grant of the Gerda Henkel Foundation, a private foundation that supports research across the Humanities and Social Sciences. The researcher will be part of a research team which includes Professor Oliver Scharbrodt as principal investigator, Dr Sufyan Abid as postdoctoral researcher and Chris Heinhold as PhD student. The researcher will also become a member of the new Chester Centre for Islamic Studies (CCIS). The post provides an exciting opportunity to develop Islamic Studies at the University of Chester by contributing to both research and teaching. 8. WORK PERFORMED AND/OR KEY RESULT AREAS: 8.1 Communicating Effectively Write or contribute to publications or disseminate research findings using other appropriate media. Make presentations at conferences or exhibit work in other appropriate events. Communicate complex and conceptual ideas to those with limited knowledge and understanding as well as to peers using high level skills and a range of media. 8.2 Leadership and Working Collaboratively May be expected to supervise the work of others in research teams or projects. Develop productive working relationships with other members of staff. Contribute to the development of the research environment. 8.3 Liaison and Networking Collaborate and liaise actively within and outside the University to complete research projects and to advance thinking. Participate in and develop external networks to identify sources of funding and build relationships for future activities. 8.4 Delivering a High Quality Standard of Service Undertake research to standards set in line with the objectives of the research project. May be required to work closely with research contractor to ensure the requirements of the project are investigated and met. Engage in limited undergraduate teaching. 8.5 Effective Decision Making To make independent decisions on the use of standard research techniques and methods when undertaking research. Contribute to decisions on research programmes and methodologies, in collaboration with colleagues and the Principal Investigator on

3 fundamental issues, to make decisions impacting across the research project as a whole. Provide advice, as appropriate, to colleagues on matters affecting current and future research activity. 8.6 Planning and Organising Self and Others Take responsibility for conducting a small research project or identified parts of a large project. Co-ordinate the work of colleagues to ensure equitable access to resources and facilities. Manage the use of research resources and ensure resources are used effectively. Help to plan and implement commercial and consultancy activities. Plan and manage own consultancy assignments, where appropriate. 8.7 Innovation and Improvement (Effective Problem Solving) Resolve problems which may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines, drawing on knowledge and experience as required. Develop ideas for generating income and promoting research area. Develop ideas for application of research outcomes. 8.8 Analysis and Research Work closely with Principal Investigator to develop research objectives, projects and proposals. Undertake individual or collaborative research within specified projects as directed by the Principal Investigator. Identify sources of funding and contribute to the process of securing funds. Extend, transform and apply knowledge acquired from scholarship to research and appropriate external activities. Assess, interpret and evaluate outcomes of research, integrating concepts from different disciplines as required. Develop new methodologies, concepts and ideas for data gathering and analysis to extend intellectual understanding as required. 8.9 Sensory and Physical Demands Sensory and physical demands will mainly include light physical effort, but may vary depending on the project or working environment Work Environment The working environment will vary depending on the nature of the work Pastoral Care and Welfare Show sensitivity to colleagues and, where required, help colleagues resolve their concerns about progress in research Team Development Mentor colleagues with less experience and advise on personal development.

4 Coach and support colleagues in developing their research technique Teaching and Learning Support Contribute to teaching, learning and research activities in the department. To conduct seminars and tutorials, introducing new methods of delivery where required. To assess students overall performance, through setting/ marking programme work, practical sessions, supervisions, fieldwork and examinations, providing appropriate feedback to students. To challenge thinking, foster debate and develop the ability of students to engage in critical discourse and rational thinking. To supervise the work of students, provide advice on study skills and help them with learning problems Knowledge and Experience Possess sufficient breadth or depth of specialist knowledge in the discipline to develop research programmes and methodologies. At least 3 years experience of independent research, including experience of research at doctoral level General To undertake any other duties commensurate with your grade, and/or hours of work, as may reasonably be required of you. To take responsibility for upholding and complying with the University s Equality and Diversity policies and for behaving in ways that are consistent with fair and equal treatment for all. To comply with all University Health and Safety policies.

5 PERSON SPECIFICATION Job Title: Postdoctoral Researcher in Islamic Studies Department: Theology and Religious Studies Criteria / Desirable Method of identification Qualifications: PhD in Religious Studies or other related discipline in the areas of Shia Islam, modern Islam, Muslims in Europe and/or gender and Islam. Ability to conduct research in Arabic. Ability to conduct research in Persian. Desirable Proven Experience: At least 3 years experience of independent research, including experience of research at doctoral level. Record of academic publishing or proven potential thereof. Experience in ethnographic research. Desirable Delivering academic and service excellence: Possess sufficient breadth or depth of specialist knowledge in the discipline to develop research programmes and methodologies. Managing self: Ability to conduct research and delivery in the context of project deadlines. Working together: Ability to work collaboratively with members of the research team and project partners.

6 Organisational and stakeholder awareness: Ability to collaborate and liaise actively within and outside the University to complete research projects and to advance thinking. Ability to participate in and develop external networks to identify sources of funding and build relationships for future activities. Desirable Requirements are those, without which, a candidate would not be able to do the job. Applicants who have not clearly demonstrated in their application that they possess the essential requirements will normally be rejected at the shortlisting stage. Desirable Requirements are those that would be useful for the post holder to possess and will be considered when more than one applicant meets the essential requirements. Method of identification is where the selection panel will match the candidate s skills and abilities to the required criteria outlined (i.e. application form, interview, test).

7 UNIVERSITY OF CHESTER TERMS & CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT THEOLOGY AND RELIIOUS STUDIES RESEARCHER FIXED TERM CONTRACT UNTIL 30/09/2016 SALARY SCALE University Scale OS8, points 27-26, 28,695-31,342 per annum payable monthly in arrears. RESIDENCE REQUIREMENT It is a requirement of this post that within 12 months of appointment, the postholder should live within a 30 mile radius or within a one hour travelling time by public transport from the University. HOURS OF WORK Monday to Thursday 9.00am pm Friday 9.00am pm A flexible approach to work will be required as there may be occasions when it would be necessary for you to work additional hours as dictated by the workload. HOLIDAY ENTITLEMENT 22 days per annum (pro-rata during the commencement and cessation years), rising to 27 days after five years' continuous service. Two extra statutory days per annum during the Christmas period. DISCLOSURE & BARRING SERVICE CHECKS The successful applicant will have to undergo a DBS check before an appointment can be made. MEDICAL EXAMINATION Successful candidates will be required to complete an Occupational Health questionnaire, and may be required to undergo a medical examination. ESSENTIAL CERTIFICATES Short-listed candidates will be asked to bring to interview, proof of qualifications as outlined on the Job Description and Person Specification provided. Upon appointment, copies of essential certificates will be required by HRM Services. PENSION SCHEME The University operates two pension schemes for support staff: The default scheme is the Higher Education Defined Contribution Scheme (HEDCS), which is administered by Friends Life. The Cheshire Local Government Pension Scheme, to which the University is an admitted body. All support staff are entitled to participate in one of these schemes. Some staff will be automatically enrolled into a scheme, depending on their age and

8 earnings, but if they do not wish to remain a member of the scheme, they will be entitled to opt out after enrolment. EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES The University has a policy of equal opportunity aimed at treating all applicants for employment fairly. SMOKING POLICY The University operates a No-Smoking policy. PROBATIONARY PERIOD A nine months' probationary period applies to all University posts. CLOSING DATE Candidates should apply for this vacancy via our online recruitment website ( by Thursday 6 th August 2015 quoting reference number HR14429.