https://www.vacancies.ed.ac.uk/pls/corehrrecruit/erq_jobspec_version_4.display_form
Vacancy Ref: : 037044 Closing Date : 11-Oct-2016 Contact Person : Professor Hugh Goddard Contact Number : Contact Email : llc@ed.ac.uk The University of Edinburgh seeks to appoint a Lecturer in Muslims in Europe, based in Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies (IMES) (http://www.ed.ac.uk/literatures-languages-cultures/islamic-middle-eastern) and teaching both within IMES and within Sociology (http://www.sociology.ed.ac.uk).
The lecturer will develop interdisciplinary research and teaching activities on this subject between the departments and will commence on 9th January 2017 or as soon as possible thereafter. The successful candidate will have expertise in any aspect of Muslims in Europe (broadly understood, so that it could include such sub-disciplines as Cultural Studies, History, or Politics).
This post will be offered on a full-time (35 hours each week), open-ended basis.
Salary – £38,896 – £46,414 per annum.
The closing date for receipt of applications is no later than 5.00pm (GMT) on Tuesday 11th October 2016.
We anticipate presentations and interviews will be held on Friday 11th November 2016.
For informal enquiries, please send an email for the attention of Professor Hugh Goddard, Director of the Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Centre for the Study of Islam in the Contemporary World – llc@ed.ac.uk.
1. Job Details
Job title: Lecturer in Muslims in Europe
School/Support Department: LLC/ IMES/ Alwaleed Centre
Line manager: Head of IMES
2. Job Purpose
This open-ended appointment is intended to develop interdisciplinary teaching and research on Muslims in Europe, from its base in IMES, across the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. The appointee will have a record of excellence in research, with a portfolio of publications appropriate to her/his career stage.
The successful candidate will be expected to supervise PhD students working in this area. The successful candidate will provide teaching and dissertation supervision at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, with a commitment to innovative approaches to teaching, including the development of Massive Online Open-Access Courses (MOOCs).
The successful candidate will also be expected to contribute to the successful Outreach Programme of the Alwaleed Centre, which involves activities in schools, among the general public, among policy-makers and the media; to play a full part in the collegiate life of the Departments and the Schools; and to undertake administrative roles as required.
3. Main Responsibilities (Approx. % of time)
The post holder is expected to:
• undertake teaching at all levels, including developing an interdisciplinary 20-credit Honours/30-credit MSc course on Muslims in Europe, contributions to team-taught courses in both subject areas, and contributions to MOOCs, as required (35%)
• conduct research, leading to outputs of the highest quality in both print and electronic formats, and to the development of links with the academic and professional communities for the purpose of knowledge exchange and impact (35%)
• supervise PhD students working on Muslims in Europe, in partnership with colleagues in other departments as appropriate, and Masters and Undergraduate dissertations (15%)
• undertake administrative duties within IMES and Sociology, as required (15%)
4. Planning and Organising
The postholder is expected to:
• contribute to long-term interdisciplinary research projects, as part of a project team
• develop interdisciplinary teaching concerning Muslims in Europe
• lead short-term projects such as conferences or other events on a particular theme
• provide assistance with events (locally, nationally and internationally) with minimal supervision
• manage the planning and organising of their teaching, research, and other responsibilities
5. Problem Solving
The postholder is expected to:
• identify gaps in knowledge and searching for sources of information to fill these
• use professional expertise and judgement
• employ diplomacy (including religious, cultural and political sensitivity)
• exercise good judgement of possibilities and risks
6. Decision Making
The postholder is expected to:
• demonstrate independent and autonomous decision-making
• have confidence in setting priorities and taking responsibility for decision-making
• provide specialist advice and recommendations to support effective decision-making
• participate in regular team meetings within the Alwaleed Centre to determine future priorities and activities
7. Key Contacts/Relationships
• Primarily with the Head of IMES, but also with the Head of Sociology and with the Director of the Alwaleed Centre
• Other academic units across the university, including Asian Studies, Art History, Divinity, History, Law, Politics and International Relations, Social Anthropology, the Centre for South Asian Studies, and the Centre for African Studies
• Media organisations, the Scottish Government, local religious communities and their leaders
• Other Alwaleed Centres in the UK, the USA, and the Middle East
8. Knowledge, Skills and Experience Needed for the Job
Essential
• A PhD on a relevant topic or equivalent professional qualification
• Expertise in Social Science Research Methods
• Evidence of sustained and developing research and peer-reviewed publication activities related to Muslims in Europe
• Evidence of skills sufficient for supervisory activities at PhD and other levels
• Teaching experience appropriate to the applicant’s career stage
• Commitment to excellence in teaching and in the development of innovatory courses
• Excellent presentation and communication skills
• Good organisational skills
• Ability to work in a team
• Enthusiasm for communicating to a wide variety of audiences
• Diplomacy, including religious, cultural and political sensitivity
• Ability to work to deadlines
• Excellent time management skills
• Ability to prioritise tasks and conflicting deadlines
Desirable
• Experience in explaining research to a wide variety of audiences, both within and beyond a university context.
• Knowledge of a relevant language (e.g. Arabic, Persian, Turkish, or Urdu)
• Relevant administrative experience
• Capacity for innovation and leadership in the development of teaching materials
• Experience in designing material for websites
• Experience of working with the media
• Ability and willingness to travel internationally, potentially at short notice
9. Dimensions
Alongside her/his involvement in the two subject areas, the postholder will be a member of the Alwaleed Centre team, currently made up of six colleagues: the Director; the Outreach and Projects Manager; the Administrative and Outreach Co-ordinator; and three Post-Doctoral Fellows (currently in the fields of Muslims in Britain, and Islamic Studies, with a particular focus on legal questions). There may be an opportunity to serve as Deputy Director of the Centre.
10. Job Context and any other relevant information
Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies is a dynamic department committed to excellence in teaching and research, with a long history of prominence in Islamic Studies and the interdisciplinary study of the Middle East. The department offers a wide variety of both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes and is home to 500 undergraduate and 120 postgraduate students across Arabic, Persian and Turkish as well as 17 colleagues. In the 2008 UK Research Assessment Exercise, IMES achieved the second-highest national result, confirming the department’s continuing role as a leading programme for research and study of Islam, the Middle East, and related subjects; in the assessment over 70% of research activity in IMES was classified as being ‘world-leading in terms of originality, significance and rigour’. IMES operates in partnership with the new Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Centre for the Study of Islam in the Contemporary World and CASAW.
The HRH Prince Alwaleed bin Talal Centre for the Study of Islam in the Contemporary World (www.alwaleed.ed.ac.uk) is a Centre within the University of Edinburgh, established in 2010, devoted to research, and outreach and knowledge transfer, in the field of Islamic Studies. It is part of a network of Centres established by the HRH Prince Alwaleed bin Talal Foundation, currently two in the United States (Harvard and Georgetown), two in the United Kingdom (Edinburgh and Cambridge), and two in the Middle East (the American University of Beirut and the American University in Cairo), which are devoted to the improvement of mutual understanding between the Muslim World and the West. Further details of the Objectives, Staff, and activities of the Edinburgh Alwaleed Centre can be found at www.alwaleed.ed.ac.uk.
Application Procedure
All applicants should apply online by clicking the apply link at the bottom of this page
The application process is quick and easy to follow, and you will receive email confirmation of safe receipt of your application.
The online system allows you to submit a CV and other attachments.
We anticipate interviews will be held on Friday 11th November 2016. You will be notified by email whether you have been shortlisted for interview or not.
The closing date for receipt of applications is no later than 5.00pm (GMT) on Tuesday 11th October 2016.
Eligibility to Work
In accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006 the University of Edinburgh, as an employer, has a legal responsibility to prevent illegal working and therefore must check that all employees are entitled to work in the United Kingdom (UK).
To do so, the University of Edinburgh requires to see original documents evidencing right to work in the UK before commencement of employment and this is normally carried out at interview. Details will be provided in any letter of invitation to interview.
For further information on eligibility to work please visit our eligibility to work website
If you are not currently eligible to work in the UK, the University has the authority to issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to successful candidates who meet the eligibility criteria. The CoS enables candidates to apply for a Tier 2 (general visa) in accordance with current UK Visas and Immigration rules.
For applicants interested in sponsorship information is available on our Working in the UK website
However, if you have previously been sponsored by an employer within the UK but your leave has expired or lapsed and you are no longer in the UK, according to Home Office Visa Immigration rules you cannot apply for sponsorship under any category of Tier 2 for a period of 12 months after the date your visa expired and/or you left the UK.
If you are an academic in the field of sciences; humanities; engineering; medicine; digital technology; or the arts and come from outside the EEA, it may be possible for you to apply for a Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) visa.
The Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) visa route offers a greater flexibility in your employment compared to other UK immigration routes, meaning you can, for example, move organisation, location and/or job role. By contrast with, a Tier 2 visa where you are ‘tied to a UK sponsor’. Tier 1 provides greater flexibility in undertaking additional engagements, such as collaborations and is intended as a route to settlement. Allowed absences from the UK are up to 180 days per year without losing the eligibility to qualify for settlement, with no restriction on the reason for absence (unlike Tier 2, where any absences from the UK must be for a purpose consistent with the person’s employment or economic activity, including paid annual leave, or for serious or compelling personal reasons).
You would initially need to apply to be endorsed as an internationally recognised leader or emerging leader in your particular field by a designated competent body (Arts Council England, British Academy, Royal Academy of Engineering, Royal Society, Tech City UK).
Tier1 (Exceptional and Exceptional Promise) Endorsement Criteria
Once successfully endorsed, you are able to apply for a Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) visa. More information on this entry route is available at UKVI Website.
Conditions of Employment
Pension Scheme
This role is grade UE08 and therefore the post holder is automatically included in membership of the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS), subject to the USS membership criteria, unless they indicate that they choose not to join the Scheme.
For further information please visit our Pensions website.
Salary
The role is grade UE08 and attracts an annual salary of £38,896 to £46,414 per annum for 35 hours each week.
Salary is paid monthly by direct transfer to your Bank or Building Society account, normally on the 28th of the month.
Salaries for part-time staff are calculated on the full-time scales, pro-rata to the Standard Working Week.
The University reserves the right to vary the candidate information or make no appointment at all. Neither in part, nor in whole does this information form part of any contract between the University and any individual.
Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies is a dynamic department committed to excellence in teaching and research, with a long distinguished history in Islamic Studies and the interdisciplinary study of the Middle East. The department offers a wide variety of both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across Arabic, Persian, Middle Eastern Studies and Islamic Studies and teaches Turkish at sub-Honours level and a particularly innovative postgraduate Arabic programme.
In the recent REF, Area Studies (Asian Studies and Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies) saw 73% of the submission rated as World Leading (4*) and Internationally Excellent (3*). This puts Edinburgh at the top of the league in Area Studies in Scotland and reflects an improvement of 19% over our submissions for RAE2008. 74% of our publications were classified as World Leading and Internationally Excellent, an improvement of 22% over RAE2008. This is the best result in Scotland. 80% of our Research Environment was classified as World Leading and Internationally Excellent, an increase of 23% over RAE2008 and the best result in Scotland by number of people submitted.
IMES operates in partnership with the Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Centre for the Study of Islam in the Contemporary World and the Centre for the Advanced Study of the Arab World (CASAW). Full information can be found on the website at: www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/literatures-languages-cultures/islamic-middle-eastern The School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures (LLC) LLC is one of the largest schools in the College of Humanities and Social Science and is situated in the heart of the main University of Edinburgh campus, in a number of buildings around George Square. It offers a vibrant and dynamic work environment for colleagues and is committed to excellence in teaching and research across the wide range of cultures and languages it studies.
The School delivers over half the College’s undergraduate degree programmes. It comprises five subject areas:
Asian Studies
Celtic and Scottish Studies
English Literature
European Languages and Cultures
Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies
LLC also has a Graduate School which provides a dynamic and productive home for several hundred postgraduates on taught and research programmes. Our students come from all over the world, and study topics of equally global scope. The Graduate School oversees the administration and delivery of graduate teaching within the five subject areas of the school, and is also responsible for the delivery of innovative transdisciplinary programmes in Film, Media, Translation Studies and Comparative Literature. Situated at the crossroads between teaching and research, it is involved in almost all areas of the school’s activities, so offers a vibrant and stimulating work environment. Full information can be found on the website at: www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/literatures-languages-cultures/graduate-school
LLC also hosts a number of associated research centres – the Princess Dashkova Centre, the Confucius Centre, the Al Waleed Centre and CASAW – which oversee research and which complement the School’s outreach and public engagement initiatives.
Facilities
In the 2014 REF over 70% of the research activity in the School was rated world leading or internationally excellent (3* or 4*). We provide an excellent standard of facilities for colleagues in a recently refurbished and new building, at the heart of George Square. College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (http://www.ed.ac.uk/arts-humanities-soc-sci) The College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences is a large and diverse part of the University. Led by Vice-Principal Professor Dorothy Miell, it has 12,600 undergraduates, 4,500 taught postgraduates, 2,000 research students and more than 3,100 academic and professional services staff. The College incorporates 11 Schools (Business; Divinity; Economics; Edinburgh College of Art; Education; Health in Social Sciences; History, Classics and Archaeology; Law; Literatures, Languages and Cultures; Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences; and Social and Political Science), the Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities and the Centre for Open Learning. The College is located on multiple sites across Edinburgh, with the majority of Schools and College Offices based close to the central George Square area. The College, which is recognised as one of the world’s leading centres for the arts, humanities and social sciences in research and teaching, has been growing and investing strongly in recent years.
Research Excellence Framework 2014 (REF2014)
The College operates at the highest levels of international quality across a very wide range of disciplines in the arts, humanities and social sciences and submitted the work of more than 750 staff to 23 Units of Assessment in the Research Excellence Framework 2014. The College achieved a superb result, combining a large-scale, broad and diverse submission with very high quality outcomes: 86% of its research impact and 76% of the overall quality profile were assessed as world-leading (4*) and internationally excellent (3*). Using the widely used Research Power index (which combines the submission’s overall score for 3* and 4* work with the volume of staff submitted), 12 of the College’s Units were ranked within the top five in the UK, and 18 were ranked first in Scotland. With an assessment of more than 95% at 3* and 4*, we’re particularly proud of the outstanding research environment we create for staff and research students. The University of Edinburgh For more than four centuries, our people and their achievements have rewritten history time and again. They’ve explored space, revolutionised surgery, published era-defining books, paved the way for life-saving medical breakthroughs and introduced to the world many inventions, discoveries and ideas from penicillin to Dolly the sheep. We have believed that anything is possible, we still do.
The latest Research Excellence Framework highlighted our place at the forefront of international research. This adds to our international reputation for the quality of our teaching and our student experience excellence. The University is proud of its success with online teaching initiatives, with 2550 students currently studying its online distance learning postgraduate programmes, and a total to date of moe than 2 million enrolments for Edinburgh MOOCs.
As a member of staff, you will be part of one of the world’s leading universities, with 20 Schools spread over 3 Colleges that offer more than 1600 undergraduate and 600 postgraduate programmes to over 35,000 students each year. Professional services are critical to this success as well as our world-class teaching, research and student facilities. In fact, we are one of the top employers in Edinburgh, with over 13,000 people spread across a wide range of academic and supporting roles.
As a world-changing, world-leading university, we offer an exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work. We give you support, nurture your talent, develop and reward success and integrate academic, professional and personal career goals, as well as give your career the benefit of a great and distinguished reputation. In addition, our employees benefit from a competitive reward package and a wide range of staff benefits, which include generous holiday entitlement, a defined benefits pension scheme, staff discounts and much more. Access our staff benefits page for further information and use our reward calculator to find out the total value of pay and benefits provided.
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The University has a range of initiatives to support a family friendly working environment. See our
University Initiatives website
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