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- Tasks: Conduct research on Christian Arabic manuscripts to explore women's lives in Syriac Christianity.
- Company: University of Oxford, renowned for its rich history and academic excellence.
- Benefits: Gain invaluable research experience and contribute to groundbreaking studies in women's history.
- Other info: Opportunity to work in a vibrant academic environment with access to extensive manuscript collections.
- Why this job: Join a pioneering project that aims to reshape the understanding of Syriac women's contributions.
- Qualifications: PhD/DPhil in relevant fields and excellent knowledge of Arabic required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Position: Faculty of History, The Stephen A Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Oxford OX2 6AH
We are currently seeking a Research Associate: Women in Syriac Christianity, 1500-1800 to be based at the University of Oxford, Faculty of History, The Stephen A Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities.
About the role:
Syriac Christians of the Middle East have long left their mark on history and its records. Yet Syriac Christianity remains relatively isolated within broader historical scholarship, largely the preserve of philologists and experts in doctrine and theology. Historical studies tend to focus on the monks and clerics who wrote most surviving Syriac sources, thereby excluding large parts of Syriac communities, notably Syrian Christian women, who have been the subject of very few studies. An ambitious study of Syriac women is long overdue and offers a chance to reset the field, looking beyond male, clerical elites to write a broader social, economic and cultural history.
Responsibilities:
- You will be responsible for conducting research into Christian Arabic manuscripts to uncover and interpret material relating to the lives of women from Syriac Christian communities in the early modern period.
- You will use manuscript catalogues, online manuscript repositories, and in-person visits to manuscript collections to uncover this material about women.
Qualifications:
- Held a relevant PhD/DPhil or be close to completion (submitted with no corrections anticipated) in Arabic/Syriac Christianity, Middle Eastern History, or a related field.
- Excellent knowledge of Arabic and the ability to work with Christian Arabic manuscripts from the early modern period.
- Ability to manage own academic research and associated activities.
- Knowledge of Arabic Karshuni and Syriac (training will be given).
- Knowledge of other relevant research languages, such as Italian, Latin, French, Turkish.
- Interest or experience in women’s history and gender studies is desired.
Research Associate: Women in Syriac Christianity, 1500-1800 employer: University of Oxford
Contact Detail:
University of Oxford Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate: Women in Syriac Christianity, 1500-1800
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to academics and professionals in the field of Syriac Christianity. Attend conferences or seminars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have a lead on your dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your research skills! Prepare a mini-presentation or a brief overview of your past work related to women in Syriac Christianity. This will not only demonstrate your expertise but also your passion for the subject when you meet potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Utilise social media to your advantage! Follow relevant organisations, scholars, and groups on platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn. Engage with their content and share your insights; it’s a great way to get noticed in the academic community.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources and opportunities that can help you land that Research Associate position. Plus, it’s a straightforward way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate: Women in Syriac Christianity, 1500-1800
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in Arabic/Syriac Christianity and women’s history. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your skills!
Showcase Your Research Skills: Since this role involves a lot of research into Christian Arabic manuscripts, be sure to mention any previous research projects or experiences you’ve had. We’re keen to know how you’ve managed your own academic research and what methodologies you’ve used.
Highlight Language Proficiency: Your knowledge of Arabic and ability to work with Christian Arabic manuscripts is crucial. Make it clear in your application how proficient you are in these languages, and if you have experience with other relevant languages, don’t forget to include that too!
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, so don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Oxford
✨Know Your Manuscripts
Make sure you’re well-versed in the Christian Arabic manuscripts relevant to your research. Familiarise yourself with key texts and their historical context, as this will show your depth of knowledge and passion for the subject during the interview.
✨Highlight Your Language Skills
Since the role requires excellent knowledge of Arabic and the ability to work with Christian Arabic manuscripts, be prepared to discuss your language proficiency. If you have experience with other relevant languages like Italian or Latin, mention that too—it could set you apart!
✨Show Your Research Passion
Demonstrate your enthusiasm for uncovering the stories of women in Syriac Christianity. Share any previous research experiences or projects that relate to women’s history or gender studies, as this will highlight your commitment to the field.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about the research environment at the University of Oxford, the resources available, and how your role can contribute to the broader goals of the Faculty of History. This shows you’re genuinely interested in the position and the institution.