May Beattie Visiting Fellow in Carpet Studies | Oxford UK

About the Position

The University of Oxford invites applications for the prestigious May Beattie Visiting Fellow in Carpet Studies, based at the world-renowned Ashmolean Museum, Oxford, United Kingdom. This full-time, fixed-term fellowship for two years supports original research grounded in the exceptional May Beattie Archive and the Ashmolean’s internationally significant Islamic carpet collections.

The fellowship is designed for an Islamic carpet and textile specialist seeking to advance scholarly research, publication, and public engagement. Working closely with colleagues in the Eastern Art Department and academic partners at Oxford, the Fellow will contribute to archive documentation, promote carpet studies through lectures and study sessions, and deliver at least one public lecture during the fellowship period. This role aligns with Oxford’s commitment to excellence in art history, museum-based research, and public scholarship, and is strictly on-site due to the nature of the collections work.

Position / Job Details

Position: May Beattie Visiting Fellow in Carpet Studies
Institution: University of Oxford
Department: Ashmolean Museum, Eastern Art Department
Research Field: Islamic Art History and Carpet Studies
Location: Oxford, United Kingdom
Number of Posts: 1
Job Type: Full-time, Fixed-term Fellowship
Contract Duration: 2 years
Start Date (Anticipated): 2026
Working Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Salary Range: Starting from £39,424 per annum (University Grade 7, with annual increment up to discretionary range)
Required Degree/Diploma: Postgraduate

Research Area

Islamic carpets and textiles
Carpet history, analysis, and documentation
Archive-based and object-based research
Museum collections and digital databases
Public engagement and academic dissemination

Eligibility & Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

Postgraduate qualification or equivalent scholarly standing in Islamic art history or a related field
Specialist knowledge of Islamic carpets and textiles
Strong art-historical and technical understanding of carpets
Ability to analyse, catalogue, and document museum objects
Excellent written and spoken English

Preferred Qualifications:

Previous museum or archive experience
Record of academic publications
Experience engaging public and academic audiences

Key Responsibilities

Undertake an original research project leading to publication
Work with and help organise the May Beattie Archive
Support academic and public programmes, including lectures and study sessions
Collaborate with museum and university colleagues
Deliver at least one public lecture during the fellowship

Application Process

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online via the University of Oxford recruitment system.

Required Documents:

Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Supporting statement addressing each essential and desirable selection criterion

CVs submitted without a supporting statement will not be considered.

For role-specific enquiries, contact Dr Francesca Leoni, Curator of Islamic Art (francesca.leoni@ashmus.ox.ac.uk).
For application process queries, contact the GLAM Recruitment Team at recruitment@glam.ox.ac.uk.