Postdoctoral Research Assistant (PDRA) In Tibetan Studies

Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures, School of Languages, Cultures and Societies

Are a scholar of Tibetan studies with an interest in traditions? Do you have field experience documenting traditional cultural practices in Tibetan communities in China? Would you like to be part of a project that seeks to make significant steps in helping to keep Tibetan traditional cultures alive?

As postdoctoral research assistant in Tibetan Studies, you will help develop and support the work of the Tibetan Sustainable Heritage Initiative, a UKRI funded project aimed at working collaboratively with Tibetan communities in the People’s Republic of China to document traditional cultures, and co-create new methods for cultural transmission. In collaboration with the project PI, Dr Timothy Thurston, you will conduct fieldwork-based research, help develop training materials, lead workshops, and write and present about findings in international venues. This exciting project has the potential to make real differences both in Tibetan communities and in international circles interested in questions of cultural sustainability.

You will have some experience conducting fieldwork-based research in Western China, and a PhD in Tibetan studies or a relevant discipline by time of appointment, ideally with a specialism in oral traditions. You will have the ability to conduct fieldwork and lead workshops in Western China. You may also have some experience working with or developing digital tools for Tibetan communities. You will also have opportunities to develop your own research and teaching, as appropriate.

What does the role entail?

As a Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Tibetan studies, your main duties will include:

• Working with and supporting Dr Thurston on their research agenda, research projects and publications;
• Contributing to working with Tibetan traditions bearers, cultural documentarians, and educators to co-create strategies for transmitting Tibetan culture
• Learning how to develop and use digital technologies to support cultural sustainability;
• Being an active researcher, conducting research, planning and undertaking fieldwork/conferences and analysing data, including conducting fieldwork with Tibetan communities;
• Under guidance, writing about research findings for academic and non- academic audiences and communicating complex data in accessible ways;
• Being involved in presenting research findings at both national and international

conferences;

• Being involved in developing Chinese and Tibetan language training materials;
• Contributing to teaching parts of training workshops in Western China;
• Assisting in monitoring and evaluating the outcomes of workshops and other

training programmes;

• Updating the project website and social media presence;
• Balancing the competing pressures of research demands and deadlines.

1. These duties provide a framework for the role and should not be regarded as a definitive list. Other reasonable duties may be required consistent with the grade of the post.

What will you bring to the role?

As a Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Tibetan Studies you will have:

• A PhD in Tibetan studies, or in a related field;
• Competence in at least one dialect of Tibetan and in Standard Mandarin

Chinese;

• Experience conducting ethnographic fieldwork, preferably in Tibetan

communities within China;

• The ability to travel to China to conduct fieldwork and lead training workshops;
• Experience of presenting research findings to professional and/or academic

audiences;

• Excellent organisational skills with a demonstrable ability to manage time

effectively, to prioritise tasks and meet internal and external deadlines;

• A high level of interpersonal and communication skills, including ability to communicate effectively with the academic lead researcher and other

stakeholders as appropriate;

• Ability to work as part of a team to achieve project outcomes and also independently on own initiative.

You may also have:

• Some experience working with digital technologies and computer coding to

support research outcomes;

• A proven record of research on Tibetan oral and expressive traditions;
• Experience developing monitoring and evaluation practices.
• A desire to work with Tibetan communities to help sustain intangible cultural

traditions;

1. How to apply

You can apply for this role online; more guidance can be found on our How to Apply information. Applications should be submitted by 23.59 (UK time) on the closing date.

Contact information

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact:

Dr Timothy Thurston, Lecturer in Chinese Studies and PI

Tel: +44 (0)113 343 3462 Email: T.Thurston@leeds.ac.uk

Additional information

Find out more about our School please visit the School of Languages, Cultures & Societies.

Working at Leeds

You can find out more about our generous benefits package and more about what it is like to work at the University and live in the Leeds area in our Working at Leeds information.

Information for candidates with disabilities, impairments or health conditions, including requesting alternative formats, can be found in our Accessibility information or by getting in touch with us at disclosure@leeds.ac.uk.

Criminal record information

Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974

A criminal record check is not required for this position, however, all applicants will be required to declare if they have any ‘unspent’ criminal offences, including those pending.

Any offer of appointment will be in accordance with our Criminal Records policy. You can find out more about required checks and declarations in our Criminal Records information.