Postdoctoral Researcher in the Literature of the Maghreb – SOAS, University of London – DEADLINE : 2nd December 2016

ERC-funded project “Multilingual Locals and Significant Geographies: a new approach to world literature”

Fixed Term post for 3 years

SOAS, University of London is the world’s leading institution for the study of Asia, Africa and the Near and Middle East, offering programmes in arts, humanities, languages, law and social sciences. Inaugurated in June 1916, SOAS has had an international reach since the arrival of its first students in February 1917 and is celebrating its Centenary in 2016. We uniquely combine language scholarship, disciplinary expertise and regional focus, and have the largest concentration in Europe of academic staff concerned with these specialisms.

This is an exciting opportunity to take part in an ERC-funded project that aims to develop a multilingual approach to world literature by comparing the cases of North India, the Maghreb, and the Horn of Africa at three historical “moments”: the late pre-colonial and colonial periods, decolonization, and the last twenty years, when the idea of world literature has gained new intellectual and popular traction and has become more and more associated with English.

You will contribute to the research strand on Maghrebi literature: you will undertake original research into one or more genres, authors, or problematics of Maghrebi literature (with focus on Morocco, Tunisia or Algeria, or a comparative approach across the region), and in the circulation and reception of Maghrebi literature in the Mashreq, and the rest of the world. You will help develop a paradigm for the study of Maghrebi literature during the period covered by the project, and for “reading together” and connecting Arabic, French, Amazigh and the other literatures in the languages in the region. You will organise and co-ordinate the participation of scholars working on the Maghreb; and help organise project activities in London, Europe and the Maghreb. You will also take part in the Institute of World Literature summer school and present your findings at seminars, workshops, panels, and conferences, and generally contribute to the manifold activities of the project. Drive, enthusiasm and strong commitment to multilingual literary research are essential. You will be asked to undertake teaching for up to 3/6 hrs pw during term time.

You will have a PhD in one of the following areas: modern Arabic/Maghrebi literature, either with a focus on Morocco, Tunisia or Algeria, or a comparative approach to the Maghreb region (Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria). Fluency in Arabic and French is mandatory, and some knowledge of another Maghrebi language such as Amazigh or Spanish is a bonus.

To apply for the vacancy or download a job description, please visit www.soas.ac.uk/jobs.

Completed applications must be received by 23:59 on the closing date to be considered

Candidates must upload the following documents in support of their application before the closing date:

• 1 article/chapter from published or unpublished research
• 1 research proposal (2000-3000 words)
• 1 provisional course proposal for a final year undergraduate course on Maghrebi literature and culture

Interviews to be provisionally held week commencing: 12 December 2016

If you have any questions or require any assistance with the application process, please contact hr-recruitment@soas.ac.uk.

At SOAS we celebrate diversity and promote equality and inclusion amongst our staff and students. As such, we welcome applications from all, regardless of personal characteristics or background.