Post-doctoral Research Fellow in Israel Studies

Oxford’s School of Global and Area Studies (OSGA) is one of the largest communities of Area Studies scholars anywhere in the world. This vibrant and dynamic University department has research and teaching programmes dedicated to Africa, China, Latin America, the Middle East, Japan, Russia and Eastern Europe, South Asia and Comparative Area Studies. The School welcomes students from all around the globe and offers seven MSc Degrees, six MPhil degrees, a DPhil in Area Studies, as well as the Oxford 1+1 MBA with Saïd Business School.

About the Role:

The Oxford School of Global and Area Studies (OSGA) invites applications from candidates with relevant qualifications and experience for a 3-year fixed-term externally funded postdoctoral research position, commencing on 1st October 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter. The School is seeking a candidate possessing expert knowledge of the relevant field of research and pertinent skills to manage academic research projects and associated activities, who will be able to play a leading role in developing Israel Studies at the University of Oxford.

The researcher will work alongside Professor Yaacov Yadgar, the Stanley Lewis Professor of Israel Studies. The successful candidate will be given the opportunity to launch their post-doctoral career. They will have a vibrant and dynamic research agenda, pursuing new and original independent research projects, and presenting their research in Oxford and other academic venues. They will be responsible for co-leading and developing the field of Israel Studies in Oxford: contributing towards teaching and supervision in their area of expertise; organising research seminars and conferences; and cultivating links with other scholars in relevant fields of research. They will be pursuing an independent programme of advanced study and research in Israel Studies, prepare research publications and publish high-quality research in peer-reviewed journals and presses, contributing towards teaching in their area of expertise. Further duties will include organising research seminars and conferences and supervising master’s dissertations for students studying on the MPhil programmes in Global and Area Studies (GAS). The successful post holders will also be asked to contribute towards Global and Areas Studies and Modern Middle East teaching by offering an option course on Main Themes in Israeli Society and Politics at the Oxford School of Global and Area Studies.

About You:

The successful candidate will hold, or be close to completion of, a relevant doctorate by the time of the start of employment, and no earlier than three years before 1st January 2025. Applicants from all academic fields will be considered.

They will be able to demonstrate excellent communication skills, including writing for publication, presenting research papers at academic seminars and conferences and publishing high-quality research in peer-reviewed international journals and presses. Further essential criteria for the role include a commitment to teaching and supervising postgraduate students.

We welcome applications from candidates with previous experience in:

•    delivering teaching and thesis supervision

•    independently leading a research programme and

•    working collaboratively with researchers.

Applications are particularly welcomed from women and Black and Minority Ethnic candidates, who are under-represented in academic posts in Oxford.

The School holds a Bronze Athena Swan Award to recognise the advancement of gender equality, representation and progression.

How to Apply:

Applications are to be submitted via Oxford University’s website: please click on the “Apply Now” button and follow the application instructions. You will be asked to upload a CV, a supporting statement explaining how you meet each of the selection criteria for the post as well as a short statement of your proposed research project. For further details of your application, including the job description and selection criteria, please refer to the attached job description below.  

For initial queries about the post, visas and application process please contact the HR Office at [email protected]. Any queries about the post that are non-administrative should be addressed to Professor Yaacov Yadgar at [email protected].

All enquiries will be treated in strict confidence; they will not form part of the selection decision. The successful candidates will be offered visa application support, if required, to allow them to apply to appropriate sponsorship schemes from the UK or from overseas.

The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon (UK time) on Tuesday 9 April 2024.

Interviews are expected to be held remotely as soon as possible after the closing date.