Research Assistant, “Divination and Art in the Medieval and Early Islamic World” Project, funded by the Leverhulme Trust

Salary Grade 7: £30,434 – £32,277 p.a. depending on experience

Full time, Fixed term until October 2016

Post-holder must be able to start on 4 January 2016 and have the right to work in the U.K.

The Ashmolean Museum is seeking to appoint a research assistant to join the team of the Leverhulme Trust-funded project “Divination and Art in the Medieval and Early Islamic World (1200–1800)” directed by Dr Francesca Leoni. The project examines the multiple roles of “licit” divinatory arts (i.e. astrology, geomancy, bibliomancy, dream interpretation, physiognomy and ‘ilm al-huruf) in the medieval and early modern Islamic world through their impact on visual and material culture. The post-holder will provide support to the project’s Principal Investigator and the core research team, undertake independent research and assist with a range of tasks and outcomes, including publications and the organisation of a large-scale exhibition.

Candidates should have a doctoral degree or equivalent knowledge or experience in a relevant area, specialist knowledge of Islamic Art and have demonstrated experience in the museum sector. The successful post-holder will also have a significant research and publication record and have good working knowledge of at least one language amongst Arabic, Turkish and Persian.

Applications for this vacancy are to be made online.

You will be required to upload your CV, a supporting statement (max. 2 pages of A4) telling us how your skills, experience and knowledge meet our selection criteria, and a written sample of your published work (not to exceed 5,000 words) as part of your application. Incomplete submissions will not be considered.

To apply for this role and for further details, including a job description and selection criteria, please follow this link.

Closing date: 18th November 2015 (at midday)

Interviews will be held at the Ashmolean Museum on 25 November with a view to appointment starting in 4 January 2016.

Owing to the nature of this position, any offer of employment with the University will be subject to a satisfactory security screening.

Please note in normal circumstances only interview travel expenses within the UK will be reimbursed. We regret we cannot pay expenses for international travel.