The Institute for Advanced Study (IAS) is seeking a Research Associate to support the academic research projects of its Director, David Nirenberg, in the fields of the history of race and religion; and the history of Jewish, Christian, and Muslim relations. The Research Associate will, as requested by the Director, conduct historical research in primary and secondary sources, develop and synthesize bibliographies, plan seminars and events, help prepare or edit manuscripts, and collaborate with a range of partners. The Research Associate will also be encouraged to conduct research on their own post-doctoral projects. 

The position is full time, but candidates preferring a part time position will also be considered, with appropriate adjustments to job duties. 

Initial appointment is for one year, but may be renewed, subject to satisfactory performance and project need, for up to three years.

Essential Job Duties

In support of the Director’s Research Agenda (maximum 75%)

• Support research projects involving the Director and collaborators, such as the Co-Produced Religions project, including planning and coordinating publications, and convening in-person and virtual events
• Research and synthesize scholarly literature, especially related to the history of race and religion, and to the histories of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam
• Collaborate with faculty and staff at IAS
• Collaborate on research, preparation, and editing of manuscripts, reports, and proposals 
• Oversee website maintenance and data bases for the Director’s research projects
• Travel to meetings, seminars and conferences as needed

In Support of the Fellow’s Professional Development (minimum 25%)

• Advance one’s own scholarly work, research projects, and professional development

Minimum Qualifications

• Applicants must have graduated with their PhD in a relevant field (History, Near Eastern Studies, Jewish Studies, Religion, Classics, etc.).
• An appropriate number of publications depending on the candidate’s experience
• An interest in the history of race and religion, and/or in historical relations between Jews, Christians, and Muslims as manifest in the candidate’s track record
• Strong reading skills in at least one of the following: Arabic, Hebrew, Greek, or Latin
• Excellent analytical, planning, and organizational skills
• Superior verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to draft correspondence, reports, abstracts, briefings, and similar; and to condense/summarize academic and non-academic research and other material
• Capacity to work independently on multiple projects by prioritizing, multi-tasking, and being flexible while juggling multiple deadlines
• Sound judgment and discretion when working with sensitive and confidential information
• Ability to establish and maintain rapport with faculty and staff in an academic and professional setting
• Ability to work in collaboration with international and interdisciplinary teams

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of a modern language in addition to English
• Experience with research database applications such as Endnote
• Experience in providing research support 

The Institute for Advanced Study retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position at any time.

To perform this role successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package.

For consideration, please submit the following materials via the online application portal

1. A cover letter

2. A curriculum vitae

Please send the following materials via email to jrichardson@ias.edu

3. A description of your research and how it relates to this appointment

4. A dissertation abstract (250 words)

5. A writing sample (no more than 25 pages double-spaced)

6. Contact information for three recommenders

7. An official transcript 

Review of candidate materials will begin by May 20, 2024 and continue until the position is filled.

THE INSTITUTE FOR ADVANCED STUDY (IAS) is one of the world’s leading international centers for theoretical research and intellectual inquiry. Each year, IAS assembles more than 250 visiting researchers capable of generating—through their talent, proximity, collaboration, critique, and conversation—insights and discoveries that could not otherwise have been produced. The Institute’s academic community is drawn from more than 100 institutions around the world and is composed of scholars from postdoctoral fellows at the beginning of their research careers to distinguished senior academics who continue to shape fields of inquiry. Research spans four Schools—Historical Studies, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, and Social Science—and is focused on curiosity-driven exploration and fundamental discovery.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Statement

At the Institute for Advanced Study’s creation in 1930, the founders wrote: “fundamental in our purpose, and our express desire, [is] that in the appointments to the Staff and Faculty as well as in the admission of workers and students, no account shall be taken, directly or indirectly, of race, religion, or sex.”  We recognize these ideals require continual examination of our culture. Today, we strive to create a community in which all people feel welcomed, respected, and valued.  We seek to address the harmful effects of inequity and discrimination on individual Scholars, Faculty, Staff, and scholarship as a whole.  We affirm equality and embrace our differences as we work to transform principles into action and grow new forms of scholarly community.