Postdoctoral Researcher

Job title: Postdoctoral Researcher

Department: History, Religions and Philosophies

Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract (2 Years)

Grade: 7

Salary: £43,297.57 to £50,562.57 per annum inclusive of London Allowance. 

Location: Bloomsbury, London

Hours: 35 Hours Per Week

About the Role

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.   

About the Department

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

What We Offer:

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: Benefit from 44 days of holiday (30 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and 5 closure days over Christmas and Easter) to ensure ample time for rest and relaxation.
• Flexible Working Arrangements: We recognise the importance of flexibility and offer 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: We are dedicated to your professional growth and development and offer diverse learning and development opportunities to enhance your skills and advance your career.
• Health and Well-being Initiatives: Take advantage of our cycle to work scheme, eye tests, and season ticket loan to support your health and mobility.
• Enhanced Family Leave: We offer enhanced maternity, paternity & partner leave, and shared parental leave to support you during significant life events.
• Employee Assistance Programme: Access our confidential EAP for advice and support whenever needed.
• Discounted Gym Membership: Maintain your fitness with our discounted gym membership.

How to Apply: 

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 your level of language skills, a list of publications, one sample of academic writing, a research proposal which outlines the project that the candidate aims to pursue and demonstrates its significance to RELI-GENE (2,000 words max., excluding bibliography) that include: research questions, aims and objectives, a review of the relevant state of the art, theoretical and methodological approach, 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

Use of AI

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Further information

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

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