Director, AKU-ISMC

Aga Khan University Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations (AKU-ISMC), based in London, seeks to recruit an internationally recognised scholar with the drive and enthusiasm to lead this innovative Institute to deliver academic programmes and conduct research in a field of great interest – the study of Muslim peoples, societies, cultures and civilisations.

Aga Khan University is an international organisation with campuses in eight countries. Now in its 25th year, the University is a pioneer in medical, nursing and educational training in Southeast Asia and East Africa. AKU-ISMC was established in London in 2002 with a remit to strengthen research and teaching on the heritage of Muslim societies in all their historic diversity and to address the challenges faced by contemporary societies, whether predominantly Muslim or with substantial Muslim communities. The Institute's aim in studying these issues is to promote non-normative approaches based on contemporary scholarship in the humanities and social sciences rather than on theological premises. In order to achieve its objectives, the Institute seeks to create opportunities for interaction among academics and leaders from various cultural backgrounds and schools of thought. In 2006, the Institute launched an MA in Muslim Cultures with the aim of contributing to the formation of scholars, intellectuals and professionals capable of engaging with contemporary challenges, particularly those faced by Muslims, by drawing upon ethical ideals, critical thinking and modern academic tools.

The Institute plans to expand its activities and to develop a series of educational programmes using the theories and methods of the humanities and social sciences as a framework for study. The Institute has a strong research and publications agenda and a major abstracting and indexing project of scholarly publications on Muslim Cultures, Civilisations and Society (MCA) in multiple languages. In addition, it aims to establish a substantive research programme in the next five years. Also, the number of faculty and staff at the Institute is planned to grow significantly, in this timeframe. Further details can be found on www.aku.edu/ismc.

Responsibilities
The functions of the Director include the promotion of academic excellence and scholarship; recruitment and development of faculty and staff; leadership in developing the curricula and programmes; overall responsibility for administration and financial management, including external funding; coordination with units of the University; and linkages with other institutions for support of the programmes and collaborative research.

Requirements
The Director should be a broadly experienced scholar of distinction in fields of study related to Muslim civilisations and committed to the development of new intellectual directions. He or she should have a PhD; an extensive research and publications record and significant experience of academic leadership and management at international level. The Director will require extensive educational and academic connections in Muslim societies, the ability to work with colleagues of diverse backgrounds, strong interpersonal and communication skills and the capacity to deal sensitively with different constituencies of Muslims and non-Muslims. Knowledge of the languages essential to scholarship in the field is a requirement. The primary language of instruction at the University is English.

To Apply
Please email your CV and cover letter by June 13, 2008 to recruitment@aku.edu.