Lecturer in Islamic Studies

Cambridge Muslim College is at an exciting stage of its development and wishes to appoint a Lecturer in Islamic Studies. The successful candidate will possess a Doctorate degree and have a specialisation in any of the classical Islamic disciplines (e.g. Qur’an and tafsir studies, Hadith studies, Islamic theology and the rational disciplines, etc.). Preference will be given to candidates with mastery of the classical rational disciplines (al-‘ulum al-‘aqliyya, e.g. mantiq, jadal, adab al-bahth wa-l-munazara, kalam, etc.). Candidates must also demonstrate a strong grasp of cognate Islamic disciplines and of contemporary discussions and developments as pertain to these fields.

They will possess excellent teaching and interpersonal skills and have a good background in research, including ideally a track record of applying for grants.  They must also be a good administrator and well organised.  They must be a team player and be able to contribute constructively to department and wider discussions on the development of the College.

Application is by full academic CV and covering letter.  The covering letter should include details of the applicant's area of specialisation, research agenda, reasons for applying for this post and any other relevant information.

In addition to the above, the applicant must outline their teaching philosophy and provide evidence of teaching excellence.

Three references will be sort for this post of which at least one must be academic.  Please provide the details of three referees.  Candidates will be notified when the College takes up references.

Completed applications should be emailed to humanresources@cambridgemuslimcollege.ac.uk.  For an informal discussion about the post, please email the Academic Director, Dr Talal Al-Azem at taa@cambridgemuslimcollege.ac.uk.

The deadline for receiving applications is Friday 3rd March 2023 at 12.00pm.  First interviews will take place in March. 

The College holds a licence to sponsor skilled workers from overseas and has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Cambridge Muslim College welcomes applications from all sections of the community and supports a flexible working environment.   

Job Description

Lecturer in Islamic Studies

Reports to: Academic Director

Contract: Fixed term for 3 years in the first instance, full-time

(37.5 hours per week plus occasional evenings and weekends)

Cambridge Muslim College was established in 2009 to develop and disseminate Muslim thought leadership through world-class education, training and research based on dialogue between the Islamic tradition and the circumstances of the modern world.  It currently offers a full time BA in Islamic Studies validated by the Open University, a Diploma in Contextual Islamic Studies and Leadership and the online Diploma in Islamic Psychology.

Job purpose

The post of Lecturer is for the delivery of the College’s BA in Islamic Studies – accredited by the Open University. This is a unique programme that combines an in-depth study of traditional Islamic disciplines through their primary sources with a study of modern disciplines that equip students with the requisite competence and frameworks to engage intelligently with the questions of faith and modernity.

The College is seeking an outstanding candidate to join its faculty with a specialisation in any of the classical Islamic disciplines (e.g. Qur’an and tafsir studies, Hadith studies, Islamic theology and the rational disciplines, etc.). Preference will be given to candidates with mastery of the classical rational disciplines (al-‘ulum al-‘aqliyya, e.g. mantiq, jadal, adab al-bahth wa-l-munazara, kalam, etc.). Candidates must also demonstrate a strong grasp of cognate Islamic disciplines and of contemporary discussions and developments as pertain to these fields.

Main Responsibilities

Academic and Administrative

• To teach on the BA and possibly other programmes of the College. This will include preparing and teaching modules as well as devising and assessing coursework and examinations.
• To engage in teaching, research and administrative tasks with an approximate time-division of 40%, 30%, 30% respectively between the three activities.
• To engage in original research in one’s area of specialisation by preparing papers, journal articles, book chapters and/or monographs for peer-reviewed publication.
• To act as Personal Tutor to students in order to support their overall intellectual and personal development as part of the College’s Personal Development Programme
• To engage in other administrative tasks related to the academic work of the College as required as a member of the Faculty Board, including contributing to student assessment and the administration of external validation partnerships.

Other

• To support the work of the College by engaging in other activities that further the College’s mission. This may, from time to time, include participation in public events, public lectures, and community engagement.
• To work flexibly and undertake other duties, from time to time, that are deemed appropriate by the Academic Director for the grade of the role or offer a continuing professional development opportunity.
• To work in line with the College strategy and its policies and procedures.

This list of duties is not exhaustive and the job description may be reviewed and changed as the College implements its strategic plan. 

Person Specification

Education and Experience

• A Doctorate degree
• Expertise in traditional Islamic Studies
• A specialisation in the traditional rational (‘aqli) disciplines is desirable
• A relevant teaching qualification is desirable
• Teaching experience gained in higher education environment
• Experience of acting as a personal tutor to students
• Publication of world-class, peer-reviewed research in the field of Islamic Studies and experience of making successful research grant applications are desirable

Skills

• Excellent teaching skills
• Excellent people skills to work with students and colleagues
• Excellent all-round communication and organisational skills
• Strong administration skills
• Ability to give talks and make presentations for the public
• Ability to contribute ideas to the development of the Academic department and wider College