Director SOAS Middle East Institute and MBI Al Jaber Chair of Middle East Studies

Contract Type: Institute Director: 5 years renewable; Chair: permanent

Grade: 10

Salary: Professorial Salary

Location: London

Hours: 35 

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: 

SOAS wishes to appoint a Director of the SOAS Middle East Institute and MBI Al Jaber Chair in Middle East Studies. The person appointed will split their time 50/50 between these two roles.

The successful applicant will conduct research and teach in their area of speciality and will provide strong leadership to the SOAS Middle East Institute. Developing and implementing a strategy to build on the strong foundations laid previously to further, on a non-sectarian basis, research, scholarship and teaching relating to the Middle East.

The successful candidate will have specialist knowledge and an international reputation within any area of Middle East history, economics, government and political policy or social and cultural affairs.  The candidate will also be expected to demonstrate the ability to develop effective relationships with the wider academic community and potential funders in order to develop networks and initiatives in London, the UK, and the Middle East. The successful candidate must be at Professorial level.

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. 

For an informal conversation and to discuss the role please contact Professor Laura Hammond, DVCResearch@soas.ac.uk 

Closing date:  25 May 2025                 

Interviews to be held: Second week of June 2025 

Further information

If you have any questions or require any assistance with regard to the application process, please contact HR Contact Form | SOAS.

'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'. for the duration of their contract

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We would particularly welcome applications from candidates from working class, first generation Higher Education, Black, Asian, other minority ethnic and underrepresented groups from within the UK and beyond. All appointment decisions will be made on merit, following a fair and competitive process.

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