The Guru Nanak Chair - School of Philosophy, Theology and Religion - 95790

Position Details

Post is open to both internal/external candidates

School of Philosophy, Theology and Religion

University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full-time

Duration of post - Permanent

Commencement Date - From 1st January 2022

Salary - Competitive package for an outstanding candidate

Closing Date: 15th August 2021

The Guru Nanak Chair

This Chair has been generously funded by the Indian Government and represents an exceptional opportunity to strengthen the School of Philosophy, Theology and Religion in key areas of specialisation where the School already has a record of successful research and funding (eg, Interreligious Relations, Sikh Studies and the Public Understanding of Religion). Moreover, given the University's rich history and connections to India, the University of Birmingham India Institute (UBII) was launched in 2018 and is helping to forge new academic, industrial and intellectual connections between Birmingham and India. The University have numerous research projects and partnerships in India, and this Chair will complement existing portfolios and develop new collaborations.

The Department of Theology and Religion within the School have a longstanding engagement in Sikh Studies, in particular, reflecting the size of the Sikh community in Birmingham. Birmingham was the first UK University to establish a Lectureship in Sikh Studies, and we are still the only Russell Group University to have a programme (our Masters in Sikh Studies) in this field. Dr Jagbir Jhutti-Johal, who was awarded an OBE in the 2019 New Year's Honours List for her services to Higher Education, Faith Communities and to the Voluntary Sector, currently leads Sikh Studies. We have excellent relations with local, national and international faith-based Sikh organisations. We also seek to extend the School's dialogue and relations with other religious communities not only in Birmingham but also nationally and internationally.

The Guru Nanak Chair will work closely with relevant parts of the University, including the Edward Cadbury Centre for the Public Understanding of Religion, and other relevant research centres. The successful appointee will have a close association with the University of Birmingham India Institute (UBII), which receives core funding from the University, allowing it to run many events each year and to support Visiting Fellows and Visiting Distinguished Chairs.

It is anticipated that the Chair holder will extend and develop the University's work in Sikh Studies, Interfaith Relations, Religion and Politics, and Peace and Reconciliation. The successful candidate will also engage in international networking and public engagement, raising the profile of Sikh Studies in terms of research, education, and impact.

Person Specification

The University wishes to appoint an outstanding candidate to the Guru Nanak Chair with an appropriate academic stature and profile. The post will be within the Department of Theology and Religion in the School of Philosophy, Theology and Religion.

The Chair will be expected to have:

• A sustained outstanding international profile of sector-leading experience on one of the following two academic pathways in the broad field of Sikh Studies:
  • Research and Education with a sustained record of significant world-leading 4* publications as well as an excellent record of accomplishment as a teacher or
  • Enterprise, Engagement and Impact based on an excellent international research track record alongside an outstanding public and entrepreneurial profile
    • The post-holder will be expected to evidence, depending on pathway:
    • An ability to work closely with the India Institute and other University centres to build new teaching programmes, networks and research grant applications
    • The vision, experience and enthusiasm to lead, build good relationships, and nurture and support the research culture across the Department, School, College and University
    • An understanding of the importance of international collaborations, networks, and contacts
    • Strong awareness of and interest in public engagement and the potential wider social, political and/or cultural impact of their research
    • The ability to manage and interact well with staff and students at all levels, and to contribute to broadening the strategic development of the Department of Theology and Religion
    • A commitment (from day one) to attracting high-quality Post-Graduate Research students to UoB with a previous track record of successful PhD supervisions
    • A demonstrable commitment and track-record to leading international and national research grant applications
    • An awareness of the importance of, and willingness to play a full part in, the teaching of undergraduate and graduate students, coupled with a clear understanding of UoB's belief that education should inform research and vice-versa
    • A commitment to contribute to the administration of the Department/School

Education

• A good first degree together with a relevant higher degree relevant to the research/teaching area (usually PhD) or equivalent qualifications

Research Experience

• An international reputation in Sikh Studies
• Commitment to the development of Sikh Studies, Interfaith Studies, Peace and Reconciliation work
• Experience in collaborative and interdisciplinary research projects
• Proven success in research leadership and the potential to drive forward a research strategy
• Success in raising research funding
• High-quality publications and evidence of a strong profile of impact and engagement
• Successful supervision of research students, particularly PhD students, through to timely completion.

Teaching Experience

• Evidence of experience and leadership in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching
• Leadership in course management and delivery, either at undergraduate or post-graduate level
• Experience of teaching to undergraduate and Masters student
• Evidence of mentoring junior colleagues
• Teaching qualification

Enterprise, Engagement and Impact Experience

• High international reputation and recognition with key stakeholders for E, E&I activities within the Sikh community
• Successful record in attracting funding for E,E&I activities
• Evidence of the substantial impact of EE&I activities
• Sustained high-value impact knowledge transfer

Skills and Personal Attributes

• Excellent communication skills
• Networking skills
• An academic leader
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team
• Able to respond to and cope with change
• Demonstrable leadership skills
• An interest and enthusiasm for teaching and openness to developing new teaching approaches

The appointment process and how to apply

The University of Birmingham has engaged Perrett Laver to support the Selection Committee in this appointment and further information can be downloaded from their website at www.candidates.perrettlaver.com/vacancies using reference number 95790.

For informal enquiries about the role please contact Dr Urvashi Ramphul (Urvashi.Ramphul@perrettlaver.com; +44 (0)20 7340 6280.

Please note applications received directly will not be considered for shortlisting.

Valuing excellence, sustaining investment

We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working.