Research Associate – Ismaili Heritage

The Institute of Ismaili Studies seeks a Research Associate to join the Ismaili Heritage program within the Department of Academic Research. This is a permanent, part-time position (0.6 FTE) based at the Aga Khan Centre in King's Cross, London, offering hybrid working.

About the Role

The Ismaili Heritage program focuses on documenting, protecting, conserving, and celebrating the built and cultural heritage of Shi'a Ismaili Muslim communities worldwide. As a Research Associate, you will contribute to this distinctive mission through academic research and detailed documentation of Ismaili and broader Shi'i Islamic heritage sites and cultural assets.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify, research, and document heritage sites significant to Ismaili and Islamic communities
• Maintain and expand the Ismaili Heritage database with new and updated site information
• Review, evaluate, and enhance existing site documentation for accuracy and completeness
• Contribute to the program's "Sites and Stories" and "Sites and Studies" publication series
• Develop and maintain an annotated bibliography focused on Ismaili heritage scholarship
• Collaborate with colleagues across the Institute on research initiatives and documentation projects
• Manage your own research planning and organization
• Support teaching and broader academic activities as opportunities arise

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Islamic Studies, History, Art History, Architectural History, or a closely related discipline focused on Islamic material and built heritage
• Strong knowledge of Islamic history, material culture, art, architecture, and heritage conservation
• Advanced academic research skills with ability to critically analyze primary and secondary sources
• Excellent written communication for both specialist and general audiences
• Strong editorial skills with meticulous attention to accuracy, consistency, and detail
• Ability to organize, synthesize, and accurately document complex research data
• Comfort using digital collaboration and project management tools, with capability to quickly adopt new platforms

Preferred (Not Required)

• Knowledge of Shi'i and/or Ismaili history and heritage
• Relevant language skills
• Previous scholarly publications
• Experience with digital humanities and heritage database systems

What's Offered

• Permanent position with flexibility of part-time arrangement
• Hybrid working at the prestigious Aga Khan Centre, King's Cross
• Opportunity to contribute to meaningful research celebrating Ismaili Muslim heritage
• Collaborative academic environment
• Position suited for researchers at early-to-mid stages of their academic career

Requirements

Must have established right to work in the United Kingdom; visa sponsorship is not available. Applications close 13 November 2026.