Postdoctoral Researcher in Arabic and Islamic Studies – The Riad Al-Sadek Research Grant | Center for Arab Studies and Islamic Civilizations (CASIC)

The Riad Al-Sadek Research Grant in Arabic and Islamic Studies invites early-career scholars who wish to contribute to the vibrant research culture at the Center for Arab Studies and Islamic Civilizations (CASIC) to apply for a residential postdoctoral researcher starting in September 2026. We welcome applications from recent PhD graduates (PhD awarded between September 2020 and September 2025) working in all areas of the Humanities related to the study of the Arab world, its rich literature and intellectual history, its cultural and artistic heritage, and its manifold connections with other cultures. We particularly encourage interdisciplinary research applications, especially those focusing on the intersection of Arabic and Islamic Studies and the Digital Humanities. 

The Research Grant supports the Center’s strategic objectives in Arabic and Islamic studies, cultural heritage research, and digital scholarship, contributing to externally funded research projects, publications, and academic capacity building. The position is offered on a fixed-term basis for two years.

Job Responsibilities    

• Conduct high-quality research in Arabic and Islamic Studies or related Humanities fields, contributing to the scholarly profile of the Center for Arab Studies and Islamic Civilizations (CASIC).
• Develop and advance an original research project aligned with the Center’s research priorities, particularly in areas such as Islamic studies, Arabic literature and history, cultural heritage research, including the use of digital tools and methodologies where relevant.
• Produce scholarly outputs, including peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, digital research outputs, or a monograph manuscript.
• Contribute to externally funded research projects and collaborative research initiatives hosted by the Center.
• Participate actively in the intellectual life of CASIC, including seminars, workshops, conferences, and research meetings.
• Present research findings through public lectures, seminars, and academic conferences.
• Collaborate with faculty members, researchers, and graduate students on interdisciplinary research activities.
• Contribute to academic capacity building through mentoring graduate students, supporting workshops, or participating in training activities when appropriate.
• May teach one undergraduate course per semester (100-level) in the Department of Arabic and Translation Studies as part of the General Education Program, in coordination with departmental and program needs.

Qualifications and Skills Required    

• PhD in Arabic Studies, Islamic Studies, Middle Eastern Studies, History, Literature, Cultural Studies, or a closely related Humanities discipline.
• Demonstrated research experience in areas related to the study of the Arab world, its rich literature and intellectual history, its cultural and artistic heritage.
• Proven ability to conduct independent scholarly research and collaborate within interdisciplinary research teams.
• Track record (or strong potential) of peer-reviewed publications relevant to Arabic and Islamic studies and/or digital humanities (desirable).
• Strong analytical and research skills and Familiarity with current research tools in digital humanities and AI applications.
• Excellent academic writing and communication skills in English; proficiency in Arabic required for research purposes.
• Ability to work independently, manage research timelines, and meet publication or project deadlines.
• Collaborative mindset and capacity to work across disciplinary boundaries.
• Ability to develop conferences, workshops, and lecture series.
• Familiarity with ethical research practices, data management, and reproducible research methods.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency in Arabic and English sufficient for advanced academic research and publication.
• Experience in externally funded research projects or international research collaborations.

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.