Postdoctoral Researcher in Architecture and Cultural Studies | Center for Arab Studies and Islamic Civilizations (CASIC)

The Postdoctoral/Creative Research Grant in Architecture and Cultural Studies is designed to engage the architecture and built environments of Arab and Islamic civilizations through innovative research and creative practice. This Research Grant supports work that explores the intersections of architecture, urbanism, technology, material practice, and cultural identity, encouraging diverse approaches ranging from historical and theoretical inquiry to research-through-making, design experimentation, and technological exploration. Open to candidates with terminal degrees at either the Master’s or Doctoral levels in a related discipline, the Researcher provides a platform for advancing scholarship and creative practice while fostering cross-disciplinary dialogue and engagement with regional contexts.

Researchers will contribute to a growing body of knowledge on the historical, contemporary, and emerging trajectories of Arab and Islamic built environments and the contexts in which they are produced and experienced. Working under the guidance of a faculty member, projects may address themes such as traditional and evolving architectural practices, urban transformation, sustainability, material and fabrication processes, computational or technological innovation, and the social and cultural narratives embedded within the built environment. Researchers may also engage in teaching and contribute to the intellectual and pedagogical life of the College. The position encourages work that connects regional inquiry with broader disciplinary questions through scholarship, design, and experimentation.

The Research Grant provides access to institutional mentorship, a vibrant academic community, and the world-class CAAD Labs, supporting research, prototyping, fabrication, and design-build exploration. By fostering an environment of intellectual exchange and creative production, the Research Grant supports the next generation of scholars and practitioners committed to advancing knowledge of Arab and Islamic built environments through diverse forms of inquiry, including critical research, technological innovation, and making. The position is offered on a fixed-term basis for two years.

Job Responsibilities    

• Conduct original research and/or creative practice focused on the architecture and built environments of Arab and Islamic civilizations.
• Develop innovative projects engaging architecture, urbanism, material practice, sustainability, and/or technological experimentation.
• Produce scholarly outputs (journal articles, book chapters, exhibitions, installations, prototypes, or design research documentation).
• Advance research-through-making, computational design, fabrication, or experimental methodologies where relevant.
• Contribute to expanding knowledge on historical, contemporary, and emerging trajectories of Arab and Islamic built environments.
• Work under the mentorship of assigned faculty to refine and advance research agendas.
• Support or lead undergraduate and/or graduate courses, studios, or seminars where appropriate.
• Utilize CAAD Labs for computational research, prototyping, and digital fabrication.
• Support public programming, symposia, exhibitions, or publications.
• Maintain an active research portfolio aligned with institutional priorities.
• Produce end-of-term reports and disseminate research impact regionally and internationally.

Qualifications and Skills Required    

• Terminal Degree in Architecture or related discipline
• Experience in research-through-design or research-through-making methodologies.
• Engagement with computational design tools, digital fabrication, or CAAD technologies.
• Involvement in interdisciplinary collaboration across architecture, technology, material science, or cultural studies.
• Teaching experience at the undergraduate and/or graduate level (studio, seminar, workshops, or critiques).
• Experience participating in or contributing to grant-funded research projects.
• Ability to bridge regional architectural inquiry with global disciplinary debates.
• Capacity to work both independently and under faculty mentorship.
• Ability to contribute meaningfully to an active academic and research community.
• Ability to integrate theory, practice, and experimentation in research outputs.
• Adaptability in working across historical research, design experimentation, and technological exploration.
• Ability to manage multiple research tasks, meet deadlines, and produce high-quality outputs.
• Commitment to advancing scholarship and creative practice related to Arab and Islamic built environments.

How to Apply

• Interested applicants should fill out the form.
• Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. The anticipated start date is September 2026.
• AUS alumni are encouraged to apply. Applicants who do not meet specified requirements will not be shortlisted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• AUS is an equal opportunity employer. We adhere to a policy of making employment decisions without regard to race, color, age, gender, religion, national origin, disability or marital status. Opportunities for employment are based solely upon one’s qualifications.