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- Tasks: Conduct ethnographic research on Haredi communities and develop an independent research project.
- Company: Join a leading institution in history, religion, and philosophy with a global perspective.
- Benefits: Enjoy 44 days of holiday, flexible working, and a generous pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on biopolitical governance and community engagement through innovative research.
- Qualifications: Experience in ethnographic fieldwork and proficiency in Modern Hebrew and Yiddish required.
- Other info: Collaborate with artists and engage in participatory research activities.
The predicted salary is between 37200 - 43000 ÂŁ per year.
We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher to join the ERC-funded project “Governing Health, Family and Religion: The Biopolitics of Genetic Counselling and Religious Family Formations (RELI-GENE)”. The project investigates how state-led genetic healthcare policies intersect with religious and cultural practices in close-knit religious minority communities, including Jewish, Christian and Muslim groups, with particular attention to consanguineous and endogamous marriages.
The postdoctoral researcher will develop an independent research project with clearly defined research questions that contribute to RELI-GENE’s broader research on biopolitical governance, religious and ethical frameworks shaping family and reproduction. A central focus will be the transnational organisation of marriage and reproductive care, examining how Haredi communities navigate national legal and religious constraints through cross-border matchmaking, access to healthcare services abroad and engagement with religious forms of healing.
The postdoctoral researcher is expected to conduct research among Haredi Jewish communities in Jerusalem, London and New York and in other relevant contexts. The successful candidate will have to bring several years of experience conducting ethnographic fieldwork among Haredi communities. The ability to conduct research in Modern Hebrew and Yiddish is essential. Familiarity with how religious beliefs and practices shape experiences of marriage and reproduction is highly desirable.
They are expected to collaborate closely with the Principal Investigator and other team members, including facilitating participatory and arts-based research activities. Artistic outputs will be developed in collaboration with professional artists from the community and the virtual reality will be produced by a dedicated VR production company. The postdoctoral researcher will facilitate these processes and contribute to community engagement as appropriate and depending on the research context. The position is planned to commence on 1 September 2026.
Our degree programmes cover the rich histories, religious and philosophical traditions of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. We are unique for being the original and path-breaking UK higher education institution that specialises in teaching and researching history, religion, and philosophy in a critical, global, decolonial, and interdisciplinary manner. We have also led and continue to lead the world in research and education provision that makes sense of history, religion, and philosophy in a transformative way that counters essentially Western-centric and Eurocentric disciplinary models. We are the principal intellectual home of scholarly efforts that explore in-depth the dynamic and interconnected histories, religions, and philosophies of the world.
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: 44 days of holiday (30 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and 5 closure days over Christmas and Easter).
- Flexible Working Arrangements: 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: Diverse learning and development opportunities to enhance your skills and advance your career.
- Health and Well-being Initiatives: Cycle to work scheme, eye tests, and season ticket loan.
- Enhanced Family Leave: Enhanced maternity, paternity & partner leave, and shared parental leave.
- Employee Assistance Programme: Access to confidential EAP for advice and support.
- Discounted Gym Membership: Discounted gym membership.
Please complete the online application form and upload your CV, publications, and a supporting statement: a copy of your PhD certificate, a supporting statement, CV (including language skills), a list of publications, one sample of academic writing, and a research proposal outlining the project and its significance to RELI-GENE (2,000 words max., excluding bibliography). The proposal should include: research questions, aims and objectives, a review of the relevant state of the art, theoretical and methodological approach, a clear research plan, and evidence of the applicant’s competence to conduct the proposed research.
Closing date: 22 March 2026. Interviews to be held: Week Commencing 20 April 2026.
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.
Postdoctoral Researcher employer: SOAS University of London
Contact Detail:
SOAS University of London Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral Researcher
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your academic contacts, attend relevant conferences, and engage with online communities. You never know who might have a lead on the perfect postdoc opportunity!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the project and the team. Familiarise yourself with their work and think about how your research aligns with theirs. This shows genuine interest and can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your research in a clear and engaging way. Highlight your unique skills, especially your experience with Haredi communities and language proficiency, as these are key for this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Researcher
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Make sure to clearly outline your research interests and how they align with the RELI-GENE project. Be specific about your experience with Haredi communities and any relevant methodologies you've used.
Showcase Your Language Skills: Since Modern Hebrew and Yiddish are essential for this role, don’t forget to highlight your language skills in your CV. If you have any certifications or experiences that demonstrate your proficiency, include those too!
Tailor Your Research Proposal: Your research proposal should be tailored to fit the project's aims. Clearly define your research questions and objectives, and make sure to include a solid theoretical framework. This is your opportunity to show us how your work will contribute to the broader goals of RELI-GENE.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. Make sure all your documents are polished and ready to go before hitting that submit button. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at SOAS University of London
✨Know Your Research Inside Out
Make sure you have a deep understanding of your proposed research project and how it aligns with the RELI-GENE initiative. Be ready to discuss your research questions, methodology, and how your work will contribute to the broader goals of the project.
✨Showcase Your Fieldwork Experience
Highlight your ethnographic fieldwork experience, especially within Haredi communities. Prepare specific examples that demonstrate your ability to navigate cultural sensitivities and engage effectively with community members.
✨Brush Up on Language Skills
Since proficiency in Modern Hebrew and Yiddish is essential, practice speaking and writing in these languages. Be prepared to discuss how your language skills will enhance your research and community engagement.
✨Collaborative Spirit is Key
Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively with the Principal Investigator and other team members. Think of examples where you've successfully facilitated participatory research or worked with artists, as this will show your versatility and commitment to community involvement.
