Assistant Professor

1.    Title

Assistant Professor

2.    Reporting to

Dean AKU-ISMC

3.    Profile:

The Aga Khan University (International) in the United Kingdom is seeking to appoint an Assistant Professor to join the Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations to teach courses in sociology, political science and research methods. 

You must have significant experience in research with a promising track record, a PhD in Political Science, Sociology, or a related field and a substantial research agenda for the years ahead. You will be an adaptable teacher, able to design and teach Research Methods and other courses in the Social Sciences. At AKU-ISMC, you will participate in the supervision of MA and PhD students. You will contribute teaching to the AKU Faculty of Arts and Sciences and for short courses or summer schools. You will also engage in public outreach, especially in the UK, such as communicating research to policy makers or writing material for secondary schools.

The Institute currently lacks coverage of sub-Saharan Africa, Indonesia and Iran, and specialists in these areas are particularly encouraged to apply.

All faculty are expected to apply for external research funding independently and in collaboration with colleagues within the university and at partnering institutions.

4.    Main Duties

The following responsibilities reflect the present requirements of the position. It is not exhaustive but is intended to outline the areas of the incumbent is expected to undertake. As duties and responsibilities change and develop this job description will be reviewed and is therefore subject to amendment.

Research

• Pursue in-depth, independent research with important contributions to the field.
• Disseminate research to policy-makers
• Apply for external research funding independently and/or in collaboration with colleagues.
• Share research findings with colleagues within and outside AKU-ISMC and the AKU-FAS through publications (books, research articles).

Teaching

• Participate in course design, teaching, and student mentorship at AKU-ISMC and AKU-FAS. 
• Participate in other teaching activities as required including organisation, planning and delivery of courses for current and future programmes, short courses and other activities.
• Ensure consistent high standards in teaching and contribute to efforts to develop and improve teaching quality at both campuses.
• Work towards obtaining HEA (Advance HE) fellowship.
• Supervise MA and PhD dissertations at AKU-ISMC.

Other academic and consultancy-based assignment/projects 

• Participate in committee work within the AKU, including within AKU-ISMC, as required. 
• Actively contribute to academic programmes and activities. 
• Organising and participating in public events at AKU-ISMC (e.g. lectures, workshops, conferences, receptions and panel discussions aimed at academics, donors, policy-makers and/or the wider public)
• Undertake specific projects or activities, as required, by the Dean of ISMC.

5.    Requirements: 

• A PhD or equivalent qualification in Political Science, Sociology, or a related field. 
• Have, or be working towards, a recognised higher education teaching qualification or professional recognition (e.g. Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy or equivalent)
• Experience of successful project supervision at postgraduate levels
• Experience of university teaching and administration in settings such as the UK or equivalent 
• Experience of innovation in teaching 
• An interest in pedagogic research and/or other national and international activities 
• Experience of using virtual learning environments, such as Moodle 
• High quality publications appropriate to the candidate’s years of experience.
• Excellent pedagogical skills and substantial teaching experience; including designing and delivering courses to non-native speakers at postgraduate level
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively with all levels
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written); good command of written and spoken English 
• Ability to motivate and engage students 
• Ability to work collegially and collaboratively with students and colleagues 
• Ability to manage time and work to strict deadlines

To learn more about the Institute and its research and teaching programmes, please visit https://www.aku.edu/ismc/Pages/home.aspx 

To Apply

Please email your CV and cover letter to ismc.personnel@aku.edu  

Closing date: Wednesday, 21 June 2023 at 12 midnight  

Note: Due to large number of applications expected, we will only contact candidates short-listed for interview. If you have not heard from us within four weeks after the closing date, please presume that your application has not been successful.

By submitting an application, you provide your consent to the Institute under the General Data Protection Regulations to share the contents of your application with relevant colleagues involved in the recruitment exercise.