Company Description:
The American University in Cairo (AUC) has a rich legacy that dates back 100 years. Founded in 1919 as an English-language university based on high standards of conduct and scholarship, AUC remains a vibrant institution that contributes to the intellectual growth, discipline, and character of the future leaders of Egypt and the region. AUC emphasizes a liberal arts education, with all undergraduate students studying a common set of courses in the humanities and the natural and social sciences as part of the University's Core Curriculum. The AUC Libraries contain the largest English-language research collection in the region and are an active and integral part of the University's pursuit of excellence in all academic and scholarly programs. Located in one of the most interesting and important cities in the world - at the nexus of Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Europe, and the center of events of the Arab world - AUC is chartered and accredited in the United States and Egypt. AUC is an English-medium institution.
Job Description:
The Sheikh Hassan Abbas Sharbatly Department of Arab and Islamic Civilizations invites applications from a historian of art and architecture and/or material culture with a primary focus on the study of the Islamic world for an open-rank appointment that will begin in the Fall of 2027.
This is a tenure-track position. Candidates with research agendas that include areas of the Arab-Muslim world beyond Egypt, such as the Levant, North Africa and/or Iberia, Turkey, or Iran, Central and Southeast Asia, are especially encouraged to apply. The successful candidate will teach at the undergraduate and graduate levels, in all areas of Islamic art and architecture. The teaching load is three courses (nine credit hours) per semester. The successful candidate is expected to pursue a robust research agenda; to be an engaged teacher with a demonstrated commitment to teaching at both the undergraduate and graduate levels; to supervise M.A. and post-graduate theses; and to engage meaningfully in service at the department, school, university, and community levels. The department particularly seeks applicants whose research interests demonstrate facility with primary textual sources and reflect the department's interdisciplinarity, and who are receptive to adapting instruction to emerging curricular needs.
Requirements:
Rank is open. Applicants must have a PhD with a specialization in the history of Islamic Art and Architecture from a reputable university in hand at the time of application, relevant teaching experience at the university level, and an active research record and agenda.
Additional Information:
In terms of conferences where we can possibly recruit for the position, the biggest conglomeration of Islamic art historians is HIAA, and their conference is taking place in March in LA, which will be too late. Dr Noha Abou-Khatwa is attending the conference (L'ornement dans les arts de l'Islam) in France at the end of September. It's expected to be a big event in the field and several Islamic art specialists with varying backgrounds will be attending, so she can recruit there. It would be important to make sure the ad is already posted by then.
Application Instructions:
Applicants must submit the following documents via the online system: (a) an updated CV; (b) a letter of interest addressing the required qualifications; (c) a completed AUC Personnel Information Form (PIF); (d) a statement of teaching philosophy; (e) copies of recent student evaluations; (f) an example of a recent publication relevant to the position; and (g) letters of reference from at least three referees familiar with the applicant's professional background.
To ensure full consideration, candidates are encouraged to submit their applications by 10 December, 2026. The committee will begin reviewing applications after this date; however, applications will continue to be accepted until a qualified applicant pool has been achieved or until the position is filled. Questions may be directed to the department chair: Dr Amina Elbendary abendary@aucegypt.edu
