University of the West of England 
Bristol, United Kingdom Project Description
Doctoral Researcher: Islamic Finance, Governance and Constitutional Legitimacy
Job description
The Bristol Business School of the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) invites applications for a Doctoral Researcher position in the MSCA Doctoral Network MINARET: A Sociology of Post-Imperial Islamic Legal Cultures.
Do you want to explore how Islamic finance institutions shape public trust, economic governance, and constitutional legitimacy? Can principles such as fairness, risk-sharing, and social responsibility contribute to stronger governance and more trusted public institutions? This PhD opportunity is your chance to join an ambitious international research programme investigating the relationships between law, religion, economy, and governance in Muslim-majority societies, with a particular focus on Central Asia and Southeast Asia (Uzbekistan and Indonesia).
Project Overview
This doctoral position is part of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Network A Sociology of Post-Imperial Islamic Legal Cultures (MINARET), funded by the European Union's Horizon Europe programme.
MINARET brings together leading universities and research partner institutions to train 15 doctoral candidates investigating the relationships between law, religion, economy and governance in post-imperial Muslim-majority societies. The network's three core aims are to advance empirical and theoretical understanding of the interactions between law, religion, economy and governance; to deliver sustainable, interdisciplinary doctoral training across disciplines, sectors, and regions; and to contribute to global debates on democratisation and good governance through policy-relevant research, publications, workshops, and outreach activities.
PhD Topic Description
The doctoral project (DC9) at UWE Bristol forms part of MINARET's work package on law, economy, and governance in post-imperial Muslim-majority societies. It will examine how Islamic finance institutions contribute to public trust, economic governance, and constitutional legitimacy in Central Asia and Southeast Asia (Uzbekistan and Indonesia).
The research focuses on how Islamic principles such as fairness, risk-sharing, and social responsibility are translated into contemporary legal, financial, and governance arrangements. It will explore how Islamic finance institutions interact with state structures, influence governance practices, and shape citizens' perceptions of state authority and institutional legitimacy. The project aims to bridge debates in economics, law, governance, political economy, and Islamic studies by generating new empirical and theoretical insights into the relationship between religion, economy, and governance.
The doctoral candidate will be based at the Bristol Business School of UWE for most of the three years, undertake funded secondments with MINARET partner and associate partner institutions, collaborate closely with the other 14 doctoral candidates across the network, participate in joint training through workshops and summer schools, and engage with academic and non-academic stakeholders. The programme offers joint supervision, international mobility, strong transferable skills development, and a clear bridge between academic research and policy.
Host Institution
UWE Bristol is one of the largest providers of higher education in the Southwest of England. Based in Bristol, a thriving and multi-cultural city just over an hour by train from London and surrounded by the beautiful countryside of the Southwest of England and Wales, the University is regionally embedded and internationally connected.
The Bristol Business School is renowned for research across economics, governance, public policy, and international development, offering a vibrant and inclusive research culture. Research group Bristol Research in Economics (BRE) is an internationally recognised cluster of leading economists pursuing innovative research in intersecting areas of economics including applied economics, development economics, political economy and regional studies. BRE has an active membership and runs collective activities including regular seminars, early career workshops, and group meetings. Research collaborations are encouraged and members can apply for internal seed funding for getting exciting new ideas off the ground. For further detail please see Research in economics.
Essential Skills & Qualifications
- A relevant master’s degree relating to economics, economic development, development studies, behavioural science, or a related field.
- Excellent English speaking, reading, and writing skills (applicants will need IELTS score of 7.0 overall, or equivalent).
- Strong mixed-methods research skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
- Effective communication skills for academic and non-academic audiences.
- Motivation to engage in interdisciplinary research and policy outreach.
Desirable
- Experience integrating methods and theories from multiple disciplines.
- Experience working with both quantitative and qualitative data.
Salary & Eligibility
You will be employed on a 36-month contract under the conditions of the MSCA Doctoral Network scheme which includes: gross salary of €4,008/month (approx. £3,447/month); mobility allowance of €489/month (approx. £421/month); and family allowance of €455/month (approx. £391/month), if applicable.
Eligibility conditions
- You must not already hold a doctoral degree.
- You must have an IELTS score of 7.0 overall or equivalent.
- You must not have lived or carried out your main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the UK for more than 12 months in the 36 months before your recruitment date.
- You can be of any nationality.
Where is this role based?
This post is based at our lively Frenchay campus where we have invested in the latest facilities and resources to give both our staff and students access to everything they need to succeed.
Why UWE Bristol?
We are one of the largest providers of Higher Education in the South West with 38,000 students and 4,000 staff from right across the globe. Based in vibrant Bristol, our ambitions are to make a positive difference to our planet, transforming futures through actions and solving real world challenges.
We offer a wide range of employee benefits including progressive pay rates, very generous annual leave and career average pension schemes as well as retail savings, onsite nursery and opportunities for training and personal development.
Add your individuality to ours
UWE Bristol recognises the power of a truly diverse university community.
We are proud to be part of a dynamic, multicultural city that celebrates diversity, we’re always looking for talented people from all backgrounds to join us. Our people are our strength, and diversity enhances our creativity and leads to better decision-making and problem-solving. Bring your talent and ambition to our stimulating and supportive community where we’ll help you thrive.
We particularly encourage applications from global majority candidates as we are currently under-represented in this area, however all appointments are made strictly on individual merit.
As a Disability Confident employer we welcome applications from those who identify as having a disability.
Further information
If you would like to speak to us to find out more about this role please contact Kobil Ruziev email: Kobil.Ruziev@uwe.ac.uk, however please note that the University will be closed from 19 December and will reopen on 5 January 2026. We will respond to queries received during this time when we return in the New Year.
This is a full-time, fixed-term post lasting for 36 months.
UWE Bristol is a campus-based University, and it is vital to our success and the delivery of an outstanding experience for our students that our campuses are dynamic and vibrant places to learn and spend time. This role is therefore campus based for most of your time, with the opportunity to work from home on the remaining days.
Advice to applicants
We’d love to hear from you - if you are excited about this opportunity please complete our application form as soon as possible.
A complete application should contain the following information in pdf format:
- Cover letter (max. 2 pages).
- Research proposal (2–3 pages) outlining your interest in the topic.
- CV (up to 3 pages including list of publications).
- Degree certificates and academic transcripts.
- Contact details for two academic referees
A successful candidate will be asked to complete a UWE PhD application form.
A successful candidate will comply with the UWE doctoral programme requirements, including adherence to UWE regulations, achievement of key milestone deadlines, and submission of the thesis within the stipulated timeframe.
