Peter D Sharrock Chair in Tantric Buddhist Art

Job title:  Peter D Sharrock Chair in Tantric Buddhist Art   

Department: College of Humanities and School of Arts

Contract Type: Permanent

Grade: Professorial Grade

Location: Bloomsbury

Hours: 35 hours per week

SOAS University of London is the leading Higher Education institution in Europe specialising in the study of Asia, Africa and the Near and Middle East.  SOAS University of London is positioned to play a leading role in reimagining higher education globally, with a new strategic plan in place as the basis for the renewal and revitalisation of the School which commits SOAS to both student responsiveness and research intensity. SOAS is moving towards a new model of international partnerships which is responsive to the transnational character of our global challenges.

About the Role

SOAS wishes to appoint a Peter D Sharrock Chair in Tantric Buddhist Art for October 2026 who will carry out and publish research of the highest quality and lecture and tutor students to an exemplary academic standard. This permanent endowed appointment will play a central role in further growing this community through excellence in research, knowledge exchange, alumni engagement and teaching and learning.

About you

You will be a leading international scholar with professorial stature to join our globally renowned community of Southeast Asian and Buddhist Studies scholars.  You will be an acknowledged research leader in the area of pre-modern Tantric Buddhism in Southeast Asia, with interdisciplinary expertise expected to include some or all of art, archaeology, architecture, heritage, museum studies, relevant languages such as Pali and Sanskrit, and Buddhist textual studies.

You will be expected to develop innovative research-led education in these areas. In particular you will be expected to play a key role in the further development, delivery and expansion of the SOAS-Alphawood Programme, including in developing and reinforcing engagement, partnerships, alumni networks and innovative research in Southeast Asia.

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.

The successful candidate must be at Professorial level. 

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

Closing date: 01 May 2026                               

Interviews to be held: 11 May 2026

Use of AI

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Further information

Please note that the application system does not currently have a save-and-return feature. To avoid losing any information, we strongly encourage you to complete and submit your application in one sitting. Make sure you have all necessary details ready before you begin.

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 would like an informal conversation about the role, please contact the Dean of Humanities Professor Graeme Earl, via email:  ge7@soas.ac.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

For information on how and why SOAS processes personal data about its job applicants, please read our Job Applicant Notice.