Openings for Research Associates / Visiting Faculty

HARVARD DIVINITY SCHOOL announces five full-time positions as Research Associate and Visiting Faculty for 2022-23 in its Women’s Studies and Religion Program.  Proposals for book-length projects utilizing both religion and gender as central categories of analysis and focusing on any religion are welcomed. Salary for 2022-23 will be $60,000. 

Completed applications are due online by October 15, 2021.  Applicants must have received their PhD by October 1, 2021.  Please see our website (http://wsrp.hds.harvard.edu/apply) for more information.

The Women’s Studies in Religion Program was founded in 1973 to explore the fundamental role played by religious traditions in defining roles for women and men.  Research on religion and gender sheds light on questions about the changing roles of women both inside religious communities and in broader public spheres.  The Program’s goal is the production of new primary research addressing these and related issues and the dispersal of that information through courses, publications, and public programs.

Contact:

Tracy Wall

wsrp@hds.harvard.edu

www.wsrp.hds.harvard.edu

Dissertation Scholarships at the Centre for Trust, Peace, & Social Relations–Deadline 26 July

The Aziz Foundation is offering 9 scholarships to study at the brilliant Centre for Trust, Peace and Social Relations where I work.  I would be delighted to mentor future Aziz Scholars.

Three more days to deadline for applications.  Peace Studies is a wide discipline, which has significant overlaps with British Muslim Studies. I would be keen to see dissertation proposals on marginalisation, Islamophobia, Human Rights, inter-religious relations, parliamentary lobbying, social activism and unheard voices.

Study Peace and make a difference. Details here: https://www.azizfoundation.org.uk/2021/01/scholarships-application-cycle-open-for-2021-22/

Please share this widely – only 3 more days to the deadline – 26th July 2021

I hope to see your applications

With best wishes and thanks
Sariya

Dr Sariya Cheruvallil-Contractor
Associate Professor | Research Group Lead | Faith and Peaceful Relations

RFP: Religion, Spirituality, & Democratic Renewal Fellowships

The Religion, Spirituality, and Democratic Renewal (RSDR) Fellowship of the Social Science Research Council (SSRC), with the support of the Fetzer Institute, aims to bring knowledge of the place of religion and spirituality into scholarly and public conversations about renewing democracy in the United States.

These fellowships offer research support over a period of up to 12 months to doctoral students who have advanced to candidacy and to postdoctoral researchers within five years of their PhD.

We welcome proposals on all aspects and dimensions of religion and spirituality in its relation to democracy from across all fields in the social sciences, humanities, and theology.

Applications are due April 6, 2021. More information on the fellowship, eligibility, and application process is available on the Program’s website.

https://www.ssrc.org/fellowships/view/religion-spirituality-and-democratic-renewal-fellowship/

Job Opening: Science and the Transmission of Islamic Knowledge

Research Fellow, ‘Science and the Transmission of Islamic Knowledge in Britain’, Department of Theology and Religion, University of Birmingham

Part time 80% FTE, fixed term for 24 months

This position is for a post-doctoral Research Fellow to work on the new Templeton Religion Trust-funded research project, ‘Science and the Transmission of Islamic Knowledge in Britain’. This project will investigate how the relationship between Islam and science is understood and discussed by those involved in the transmission of Islamic knowledge and the establishment of Islamic authority in Britain. It will examine: if, and how, scientific concepts are used by Muslim religious leaders to legitimise their arguments; if Islamic education centres and religious leaders oppose any scientific theories, and if so what movements influence them; and how Muslim leaders’ answers to questions about science and Islam are affected by UK policy context and Muslims’ position within British society. It will provide one of the first in-depth portraits of whether, when and how Muslim religious leaders interact with scientific concepts and popular narratives about science.

The post holder will work with the Principal Investigator and external Co-investigator to conduct ethnographic observation of women’s and co-educational Islamic educational institutions as well as interview research with current and in-training Muslim religious leaders. They will also assist in research by carrying out literature reviews, conducting data analysis and writing up research findings. The post holder will be expected to engage in, and support, aspects of project dissemination, team meetings and international networking activities, including contributing the project-related websites, workshops and seminars. They will also be expected to effectively contribute to the presentation and dissemination of research outputs, including developing academic and non-academic publications/presentations.

Some of the responsibilities of this role are outlined below.

  • With the PI and Co-I, negotiate access to research sites and interviewees.
  • Conduct ethnographic and interview research at two case study sites, as well as interviews at a variety of settings around the UK.
  • Undertake research administration and support the PI and Co-I in research management.
  • Analyse and interpret data gathered for the project.
  • Co-ordinate the collaborative preparation of findings for dissemination to academic and non-academic audiences both in the UK and internationally.
  • Present research outputs at UK-based and international conferences and contribute to academic publications.
  • Actively contribute to public reports based on the data collected and related public/media engagement activity.
  • Work with Muslim educational and community organisations to set up forums for the discussion and dissemination of the research.
  • Provide guidance to support staff and any students and colleagues who may be assisting with research.

For informal inquiries, please contact Dr Stephen Jones (PI) at s.h.jones@bham.ac.uk.

As this vacancy has limited funding, the maximum salary that can be offered is Grade 7, salary £30,942.

Closing date: 24th Feb 2021 Reference: 12098

Funding Opportunity: Research on Muslim Women’s Experiences of Maternity Care

About MWNUK

Muslim Women’s Network UK (MWNUK) is a small charity (no.1155092) that works to improve social justice and equality for Muslim women and girls. We find out about their experiences through research and helpline enquiries. We identify policy and practice gaps and use this information to influence political decision makers and inform our community campaigns. We also develop resources and train women, so they are better aware of their rights. 

About the Research

MWNUK has secured funding from the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation to undertake research into Muslim women’s experiences of maternity care in England.

Research Aim

The aim of this research is to develop an in-depth understanding of the experiences of Muslim women who have accessed maternity care in the last five years in England. The main objective when analysing their experiences is to find out whether the women felt they were subjected to discriminatory attitudes and behaviours, what this looked like to them and how they felt it impacted on their health care (e.g. whether it could be contributing to increased maternal mortality and morbidity) so that lessons can be learned to mitigate existing inequalities.  

Background to the Research

The deep inequalities in maternity care and outcomes in England are well documented. Black women are 4-5 times more likely to die during pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period than White women, while for Asian women it is 2-3 times more likely to be the case. A number of factors may contribute to poorer care and outcomes for certain groups of women. These include biological factors (e.g. individual physiologies or specific underlying health conditions among women from racialised minorities); structural inequalities impacting on socio-economic status, levels of education and thus capacity to communicate effectively; poor maternity practices and discriminatory attitudes among health professionals; insecure migration status leading to delays in seeking help. All of these can increase the risk of complications and limit access to ante-natal care and information. However, all women regardless of their social background or location should receive equally high standards of care. 

In this research, we focus on women’s experiences of discrimination and bias because it is essential that service providers understand what this looks like so that bespoke training can be developed to challenge / change attitudes as opposed to generic equality, diversity and inclusion training.

Research Questions

When gathering in depth information from Muslim women, questions will be designed to elicit the following information:

  • If and how experiences vary according to differing ethnicities (with a focus on Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Indian and Black African and African-Caribbean backgrounds), educational levels, ages, language needs and migration status;
  • If and how experiences vary according to types of maternity care e.g. antenatal advice / care; care during birth; and post-natal advice / care;
  • Perceptions of how they are dealt with by and attitudes of different healthcare practitioners
  • The standard of care received;
  • Mental health impact of experiences i.e. how it made the women feel, including whether their experiences affected their further engagement with health service professionals;
  • Perceptions of physical health impacts including: complications, traumatic births; impact on mother and baby’s health

Research Time-Table

We estimate that this research will take approximately 6 months:

  • October 2020 – desk research on BAME women’s maternal health and analysis of the results of the online survey to be conducted by MWN among Muslim women who have accessed maternity care in England over the last 5 years
  • November 2020 – interview women
  • December 2020 /January 2021 – interview women
  • January / February 2021 – analysis of interview data
  • February / March 2021– first draft of report
  • April / May 2021 – final report

Research Location

Although MWNUK is based in Birmingham, the researcher will be expected to work from home and will conduct telephone or video interviews with women across England.

Applicant Profile

We invite suitably qualified individuals to apply such as those with research experience, preferably to PhD standard and who have experience of interviewing women from Black Asian Minority Ethnic backgrounds. The ability to speak a South Asian language (preferably Urdu or Punjabi) is desirable. The post is open to women only, as it is an occupational requirement that the post be held by a woman (Schedule 9, Part 1, Paragraph 1, Equality Act 2010).

Application Time-Table

  • Deadlines for Applications: 12 noon Monday 28th September 2020
  • Interviews: Week beginning 5th October 2020

Remuneration and Scope of Work to be Covered

The researcher will be self-employed and will be paid £12,600 for the research and report which will include:

  • Analysing an online survey on Muslim women’s maternity experiences
  • Contacting women and arranging about 35 interviews
  • Analysing the interviews
  • Writing a draft followed by a final report

Note:  Although MWN will identify the women to be interviewed, the researcher may be required to provide some support to identify women for the research.

How to Apply

Please submit a cover letter explaining why you are interested in carrying out this research, strengths you can bring to this piece of work and experience you have of working with and conducting research about women from racialised minorities. Cover letters should be a maximum of 3 sides of A4. Please send these to contact@mwnuk.co.uk.  By 12 noon  Monday 28th September 2020.

Dissertation Fellowships

The Lake Institute on Faith & Giving is requesting your assistance in communicating to Ph.D. students the 2020-2021 Lake Doctoral Dissertation Fellowship opportunity. The Lake Doctoral Dissertation Fellowship supports the last year of dissertation research that engages issues within religion & philanthropy or faith & giving. Applicants representing all fields of study are encouraged to apply. Please share the information below regarding the annual $25,000 award for the Lake Doctoral Dissertation Fellowship.  

The link to the application, along with more information regarding the fellowship, can be found here on our website: philanthropy.iupui.edu/fellowship

Applications are now being accepted until January 15, 2020.

For more information, do not hesitate to contact the Lake Institute on Faith & Giving at Indiana University’s Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.

Funding Opportunity: Global Religion Research Initiative

Hi, I am writing to ask you to share this announcement about three major grant and fellowship opportunities with your faculty and graduate student colleagues. Could you please forward this email to them and anyone else you know who studies global religion or might possibly be interested in incorporating global religion into their current research?

Thank you,

Christian Smith
Center for the Study of Religion and Society
Department of Sociology, University of Notre Dame


Funding Opportunity: Global Religion Research Initiative

The Center for the Study of Religion and Society in the Department of Sociology at the University of Notre Dame is pleased to announce the Global Religion Research Initiative (GRRI), directed by Christian Smith and funded by the Templeton Religion Trust of Nassau, Bahamas.

The GRRI will fund over 150 research proposals by distributing $3.1 million to scholars of global religion between 2017 and 2021. This year, the GRRI offers three distinct competitive research and writing grants and fellowships programs available to scholars at all levels of their careers that intend to significantly advance the social scientific study of religions around the world.

Find out which grant or fellowship fits your idea below.

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The application deadline is November 18, 2019.
Apply online at grri.nd.edu.

Global Religion Research Initiative
Center for the Study of Religion and Society
University of Notre Dame
1(800) 434-8441
grri@nd.edu

RFP: The Sociology of Science and Religion: Identity and Belief Formation

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

The Sociology of Science and Religion: Identity and Belief Formation

Rice University and the University of California, San Diego are pleased to announce a $2.9 million re-granting initiative.  The “Science and Religion: Identity and Belief Formation” project will specifically fund sociological research that empirically examines how identities and beliefs are related to science and religion.  This project has been designed to provide support for new scholarship in the sociology of science and religion. The project, led by Elaine Howard Ecklund (Rice University) and John H. Evans (University of California, San Diego), is funded through the Templeton Religion Trust and coordinated by The Issachar Fund.

Religion and science are perhaps the dominant ways of meaning making in the late modern world.  While theologians and philosophers have built an impressive body of work on how science and religion should relate, and historians on how people have connected science and religion in the past, we know little about how contemporary people actually understand the science and religion interface.  This project on the sociology of science and religion, with a focus on beliefs and identities, is running concurrently with, and interacting with, separate yet aligned proposals in cognitive science/psychology and evolutionary anthropology.

We can imagine sociologists asking a number of questions within this broad framework.  We offer just a few examples: How do aligned identities (such as race, class, and gender identities) intersect with religious identities to shape beliefs about science, and beliefs about the relationship between religion and science? How do people use religion and science to anchor their identities in the modern world?  For example, are there people for whom science is an identity that operates in a manner similar to how religion operates as a source of identity?  Do people use religion and science to establish other identities? Given that people experience religion and science at the same time in their lives, how do people combine these perspectives to form meaningful action?

Awards for projects related to this initiative are available through the following five award types:

  1. Sociology graduate student fellowships ($50,000 each for a total of two years of funding).
  2. A two-year postdoctoral fellowship for a sociologist to be in residence at Rice University.
  3. Research grants ($100,000 each) for early career sociologists.
  4. Research grants ($200,000 each) for mid-career sociologists.
  5. Research grants ($200,000 each) for senior sociologists.

All awards will run two years in length. Early-career, mid-career, and senior scholar awards are eligible to begin as early as April 1, 2020; all projects must be completed by June 30, 2022. Graduate student and post-doctoral fellowships will begin on July 1, 2020 and must be completed by June 30, 2022. Letters of Intent are due October 15, 2019 for faculty grants, and January 15, 2020 for graduate student and postdoc awards.

For complete information about grant application eligibility, instructions and deadlines, download the full RFP from:  www.religion-science-sociology.com

John H. Evans
Tata Chancellor’s Chair in Social Sciences
Professor of Sociology
Associate Dean of Social Sciences,
Co-Director, Institute for Practical Ethics
University of California, San Diego

PhD Scholarships on “The African Diaspora and Pentecostalism in Australia”

Dear colleagues,

We are offering 2 PhD scholarships (1 based in Sydney and 1 in Perth) as part of the Australian Research Council (ARC) funded project: “The African Diaspora and Pentecostalism in Australia: New Perspectives on Materiality, Media and Religion.”

This project investigates the new African Diaspora in Australia and its embrace of Pentecostalism, particularly after arrival. The African community in Australia has often been associated with poor settlement outcomes, and has also been on the receiving end of a racialised moral panic. The project aims: to understand the range of challenges African-Australian communities faces; to determine why so many of their members join Pentecostal churches; to investigate how Pentecostal churches support these communities’ translocal and transnational mobility and sense of belonging, and; to contribute to policy efforts to improve outcomes for African new arrivals in Australia.

Within this larger project, the PhD candidates will conduct ethnographic research with Pentecostal churches in Australia, and with African Diasporas in the country. Both projects will investigate questions such as: how do Pentecostal churches support/hinder processes of settlement and ‘integration’? How do some Pentecostal megachurches generate transnational religious fields – ones which may harness resources from branches elsewhere in the world? And what impact does all of this have on Australian cities’ post-secular social landscapes?

We welcome applicants from a range of backgrounds: anthropology, sociology, religious studies, African studies, Migration studies or a related field. In particular, the project is suitable for candidates with strong interests in the intersections of migration and religion. Applications from students of African heritage are especially welcomed.

Deadline: 30 June 2019

For more details, see

1. https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/graduate_research_school/grs/scholarships/current_scholarships/current_scholarships/ssap_the_african_diaspora_and_pentecostalism_in_australia (Religion and Society Research Centre, School of Social Sciences and Psychology, Western Sydney University, Sydney)

2. http://www.scholarships.uwa.edu.au/search?sc_view=1&id=8941 (, at the School of Social Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth).

Prof Cristina Rocha
Director of Religion and Society Research Cluster |School of Social Sciences and Psychology
Western Sydney University
President: Australian Association for the Study of Religion

Fellowship Programme, University of Durham

New fellowship programme – calling for applications for the first fellow (deadline 30 September 2018).

Durham University has just launched the Mohamed Ali Foundation Fellowship programme, linked to the Abbas Hilmi II Papers which are deposited at Durham University Library. Digital copies of the Papers are also held at the American University and CULTNAT in Cairo. The fellowship carries a grant, accommodation and meals, and the first residency (14 Jan-22 Mar 2019) will be a valuable research and publication opportunity for an established specialist on 19th and early 20th-century Egypt: more details are provided in the attached notices.
Attached are a media release, an advert for the role of the first fellow, and a document more fully describing the role and responsibilities of this position. The deadline for applications is 30 September 2018. Enquiries may be directed to maf.fellow@durham.ac.uk.
This information is also available online at https://www.dur.ac.uk/library/asc/abbashilmi/