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- Tasks: Conduct ethnographic research on Haredi communities and develop independent research projects.
- Company: Join a leading institution in history, religion, and philosophy with a global perspective.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday entitlement, and supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on understanding biopolitics and cultural practices in diverse communities.
- Qualifications: Experience in ethnographic fieldwork and proficiency in Modern Hebrew and Yiddish required.
- Other info: Collaborate with artists and engage with communities for innovative research outputs.
The predicted salary is between 43297 - 50563 £ 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.
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.
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)
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 and attend relevant conferences or seminars. You never know who might have a lead on a postdoc position or can introduce you to someone in the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your research skills! Prepare a short presentation or a research pitch that highlights your previous work and how it aligns with the RELI-GENE project. This will help you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Get involved in community engagement! Since this role involves working closely with Haredi communities, consider volunteering or attending events related to these groups. It’ll give you valuable insights and connections.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to submit your application directly, ensuring it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and the department there.
We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Researcher
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the specific requirements of the postdoctoral researcher role. We want to see how your background in ethnographic fieldwork and knowledge of Haredi communities can contribute to our project.
Showcase Your Research Skills: In your written application, emphasise your research capabilities, especially in Modern Hebrew and Yiddish. We’re looking for someone who can develop independent research projects, so don’t hold back on sharing your past successes and methodologies!
Engage with Our Mission: Familiarise yourself with our department's focus on global and decolonial perspectives. We appreciate candidates who resonate with our values and can articulate how their work fits into our broader goals in history, religion, and philosophy.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and we can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at SOAS, University of London
✨Know Your Research Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the RELI-GENE project and its objectives. Familiarise yourself with the intersection of genetic healthcare policies and religious practices, especially within Haredi communities. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you articulate how your research aligns with the project's goals.
✨Showcase Your Fieldwork Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous ethnographic fieldwork in detail. Highlight specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them, particularly in Haredi contexts. This will demonstrate your capability and readiness to contribute effectively to the team.
✨Brush Up on Language Skills
Since proficiency in Modern Hebrew and Yiddish is essential, practice speaking and understanding these languages before the interview. You might be asked to demonstrate your language skills, so being confident will give you an edge.
✨Engage with Artistic Collaboration
Understand the importance of participatory and arts-based research activities in this role. Think about how you can facilitate collaboration with artists and community members. Bring ideas to the table about how you envision these artistic outputs, as it shows your proactive approach and creativity.
