Lecturer – Religions of South Asia (Jainism)
Job title: Lecturer in the Religions of South Asia with a focus on Jainism
Department: History, Religions and Philosophies
Contract Type: Fixed-term – 3 Years
Salary: Grade 8 (Lecturer) £45,765.50 to £53,912.50 pa inclusive
Location: Russell Square Campus
Hours: 35 hours
SOAS University of London is the leading Higher Education institution in Europe specialising in the study of Asia, Africa and the Near and Middle East. SOAS University of London is positioned to play a leading role in reimagining higher education globally, with a new strategic plan in place as the basis for the renewal and revitalisation of the School which commits SOAS to both student responsiveness and research intensity. SOAS is moving towards a new model of international partnerships which is responsive to the transnational character of our global challenges.
About the Department
The School of History, Religions, and Philosophies (HRP) is the only university department in Europe and North America to deliver Humanities programmes wholly grounded in the histories, philosophies, religious and social practices of Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Its teaching and research are shaped by the long view of human society, focusing on the interconnectedness of, and dialogue between, a range of different knowledge systems.
We train our students to develop the capacity to think critically and provide them with a robust understanding of the nature and provenance of the disciplines they study. Our student cohort ranks amongst the most diverse in the UK.
Jaina Studies, situated within the broader field of the religions of South Asia at SOAS, has occupied an important place within the HRP since its foundation. Supported by colleagues in the Department of Art and Archaeology and by the teaching of several Indic languages in the Departments of Languages and Culture, our expertise covers all Jaina traditions. HRP is home to four research Centres. The Centre of Jaina Studies (CoJS) is a hub of distinguished Jaina scholarship aimed at generating synergies among academics and research students, from SOAS and beyond, involved in the study of Jainism. The Centre has a rich programme of activities, including the long-standing annual Jaina Studies Workshop and Annual SOAS Jaina Lecture, as well as outreach events and reading workshops, and active research networks. It is supported by a number of funding bodies, including the AHRC, British Academy, and Leverhulme Trust.
About the Role
This is a teaching and research appointment. It will involve delivery of teaching in the religions of ancient India with a focus on Jainism, at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The supervision of MA dissertations in topics connected to the religions of South Asia constitutes a further key element. The role involves the production of research publications at an international standard and contribution to the activities of the SOAS Center for Jaina Studies.
About you
The role would suit a scholar whose main research expertise is in Jaina Studies. The successful candidate will possess proven research competence in both the classical and modern Jainism and be able to deliver courses on the religious and philosophical traditions of South Asia, including Jainism and Buddhism, at both the undergraduate and postgraduate level. The successful candidate will possess experience in the supervision of MA students on a range of topics in South Asian Religions more generally; and to collaborate with colleagues in the departmental so as to expand teaching in other areas of South Asian Studies and Philosophy. Knowledge of the relevant modern and classical languages of South Asia, in particular, Prakrit is required. The applicant will hold a robust publication record and be able to contribute to grant capture for research projects. Demonstrable administrative experience and the willingness to take on leading roles in the SOAS Centre of Jaina Studies and its research platforms in Digital Humanities is desired.
You can find further information on the key criteria for the role in the Job Description and Person Specification, along with a full list of duties and responsibilities, which can be found on the SOAS website.
How to Apply
If you are interested in applying for this vacancy, please click the apply button and complete the online application form, including your supporting statement (no more than 2000 words, max) updated CV, two publications and a list of your publications
Closing date: 31st March 2022
Completed applications must be received by 23:59 on the closing date to be considered.
Interviews will be held week commencing 9th May 2022
Further information
If you have any questions or require any assistance with regard to the application process, please contact hr-recruitment@soas.ac.uk
‘Successful candidates will need to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK or have limited leave to remain in the UK and associated right to work for the duration of their employment with SOAS, in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006’. ‘Successful candidates must be based in the UK for the duration of their contract.in the UK – for the duration of their contract
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We would particularly welcome applications from candidates from working class, first generation Higher Education, the Global South, Black, Asian or other minority ethnic and underrepresented groups. All appointment decisions will be made on merit, following a fair and competitive process.