Postdoctoral Researcher

Job title: Postdoctoral Researcher

Department: Religions and Philosophies

Contract Type: Fixed term (0.5 of FTE)

Grade: 7

Salary: £42,762.57- £49,926.57pro rata inclusive of London Weighting.

Location: HRP

Hours: 17.5 per week

Start date: 1 September 2025

End date: End date:30 June2027

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 leadingrole 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 Role

The Department Religions and Philosophies is looking to appoint a Postdoctoral Researcher (0.5 of FTE) in Avestan, Pahlavi and Sanskrit Studies, to work on the project 'Avestan Ritual in India' (AVINDIA; PI: Almut Hintze), funded by the European Research Council. The main purpose of the role is to prepare a text-critical edition with translation and commentary of chapters 9-18 of the Sanskrit version of the Yasna, to be published as a monograph. The successful candidate will a) transcribe the Sanskrit text of Yasna 9-18 from manuscripts, b) collate manuscripts, c) create a text-critical apparatus and constitute the text, d) prepare the edition and analysis of the Sanskrit text, e) contribute to the editing of the Visperad film, f) provide support to the AVINDIA project.

To be successful in the role, you will have a PhD relating to Iranian Studies and a track record of excellent knowledge of the Avestan, Middle Persian and Sanskrit languages and Indo-Iranian philology; experience with working with Zoroastrian manuscripts, and an excellent command of the English language. You will work as a member of a research team and demonstrate the ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other collaborators in the AVINDIA project and with members of SOAS's Department of Religions and Philosophies.

The role is expected to start on 1 September 2025 or as soon as possible afterwards.

About the Department

The Department of Religions and Philosophies covers a wide range of religious and philosophical traditions. With its highly diverse expertise, comprehensive resources, and interdisciplinary approach, it offers a unique learning and research environment for a truly inter-cultural approach to systems of belief and thought in Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

About Almut Hintze

Almut Hintze is Zartoshty Brothers Professor of Zoroastrianism at SOAS, University of London, Co-Chair of the SOAS Shapoorji Pallonji Institute, and Fellow of the British Academy. She specialises in Zoroastrianism and the tradition of its rituals and texts, of which she has published several editions. In , she directed a collaborative project on the Multimedia Yasna, funded by European Research Council with an Advanced Investigator Grant, to produce an interactive film of a complete performance of the Yasna ritual, electronic tools for editing Avestan texts, and a text-critical edition, translation, commentary and dictionary of the Avestan Yasna. She is currently directing a second ERC project () to investigate the ritual tradition of the Avesta in India. The project team will film the performance of a full Visperad ceremony, provide a critical edition of the Sanskrit translation of the Yasna, and study the interpretation of Avestan rituals in Gujarati language sources.

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

What We Offer:

We are committed to providing a supportive and rewarding work environment. In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive range of benefits designed to enhance your well-being and work-life balance:

• Generous Holiday Entitlement:Benefit from 44 days of holiday (30 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and 6 closure days over Christmas and Easter) to ensure ample time for rest and relaxation.
• Flexible Working Arrangements:We recognise the importance of flexibility and offer options to help you manage your professional and personal commitments effectively.
• Generous occupational pension scheme:To provide financial security for your future
• Learning and Development: We are dedicated to your professional growth and development and offer diverse learning and development opportunities to enhance your skills and advance your career.
• Health and Well-being Initiatives:Take advantage of our cycle to work scheme, eye tests, and season ticket loan to support your health and mobility.
• Enhanced Family Leave:We offer enhanced maternity, paternity & partner leave, and shared parental leave to support you during significant life events.
• Employee Assistance Programme:Access our confidential EAP for advice and support whenever needed.
• Discounted Gym Membership:Maintain your fitness with our discounted gym membership.

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.

How to Apply:

Please complete the online application form and upload your CV publications, and a supporting statement

Closing date: 15 July 2025

Interviews to be held: TBC

Further information

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.

We are able to offer sponsorship for candidates who do not currently possess the right to work in the UK.

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

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