Researcher / Research Assistant (2 posts) Assured Translation Programme

About the role

We are recruiting for two posts to support the Assured Translation programme, a project committed to the highest standards of excellence and accuracy in Quran translation, and setting a new benchmark for rigour and fidelity.

Appointments will be made at either Researcher or Research Assistant level depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications. Both roles are supportive in nature: you will work under the direction of the project lead, contributing to rigorous translation and research work and helping ensure accuracy, clarity, consistency, and high editorial standards across project outputs.

We are looking for candidates who share our commitment to excellence and who are motivated by the opportunity to contribute to work of lasting scholarly and religious significance.

Key responsibilities

Depending on level, responsibilities may include:

Supporting translation and tafsīr-informed research and drafting in exceptional English

Reviewing and improving clarity, consistency, and accuracy of English outputs

Cross-checking Arabic source material and documenting reasoning and decisions where needed

Preparing structured research notes, references, and source extracts for internal use

Assisting with editorial workflow tasks (formatting, version tracking, compiling review lists, maintaining organised research files)

Collaborating closely with the project lead and team to meet quality and delivery expectations

Other related services and projects at the centre may be added to tasks

Essential requirements

Exceptional written English, with the ability to produce and edit publication-ready prose that is precise and demonstrates strong translation competence (including sensitivity to meaning, nuance, and register)

High-level Arabic, with proven ability to engage directly with tafsīr and classical Arabic texts, underpinned by strong naḥw, ṣarf, and balāghah, enabling careful interpretation of meaning and nuance

Strong research discipline, attention to detail, and the ability to work carefully with complex texts

Willingness to relocate to Glasgow and work full-time on-site

Right to work in the UK (no visa sponsorship available)

Desirable

Experience with tafsīr and/or Quranic studies

Relevant qualifications in translation, Quranic studies, Islamic studies, Arabic, or related fields

Prior experience in academic writing, editing, research assistance, or publication workflows