Postdoctoral Research Associate in Iranian Linguistics (Part Time, Fixed Term)

The Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Cambridge invites applications for a part time (0.8 FTE) Postdoctoral Research Associate in the field of Iranian Linguistics. The role is fixed term until 31 October 2026.

The successful applicant will join the Project "Persisting Through Change: A Study of Oral Literature and Cultural Interaction in the Zoroastrian Community (2024-2028)", funded by the British Academy and led by British Academy Global Professor Saloumeh Gholami. This project investigates the oral literature of the Zoroastrian community in particular, the literature expressed through the medium of the endangered language Zoroastrian Dari (Behdini) with a focus on how oral traditions are created, transmitted, and reinterpreted under conditions of cultural change. The broader aim is to understand the dynamic relationships between language, literature, and identity within a minority context.

The key responsibilities of the post holder include:

• Collaborate with the digital humanities team in the project to develop an annotation tool for Zoroastrian Dari oral recordings.
• Contribute to the linguistic annotation of Zoroastrian Dari texts and recordings.
• Contribute to corpus development and archiving of linguistic data.
• Support the administration of the Project, including reporting and coordination tasks.
• Assist in organising events and activities within the framework of the Project.
• Participate actively in the wider linguistics and Iranian studies community at Cambridge through seminars, collaborative initiatives, and assistance with grant development.

The successful candidate will have excellent written and oral communication skills and a demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a team.

Candidates should have a PhD in Iranian Linguistics or Iranian Studies, with a strong focus on endangered languages and demonstrable expertise in Zoroastrian Dari (Behdini) evidenced through a doctoral dissertation or peer-reviewed publications.

In order for your application to be considered, please upload the following:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV), including publications
• Cover Letter
• Names and contact details of two referees who are familiar with your work

If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.

Informal enquires are welcomed and should be directed to Professor Saloumeh Gholami on sg2198@cam.ac.uk. If you have any queries about the application process, please contact the School's HR Team on sahhr@admin.cam.ac.uk.

The closing date for applications is midnight (BST) on Sunday 27 July 2025.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click the 'Apply' button above. 

Please quote reference GU46599 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

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