Přehled

The Faculty of Arts, Charles University (Prague, Czech Republic) is seeking a research group leader in comparative area studies. As part of the project funded by Horizon Europe (ERA Chair in Multidisciplinary Area Studies, ERA-AREAS), this post holder will be responsible for coordinating a newly created Center for Multidisciplinary Area Studies (CenMAS).  The applicant will work closely with the ERA Chair Holder, Prof. Mariana Llanos. The applicants are expected to focus on one of three regional specializations: Middle Eastern studies, Asian studies, East European studies.

The Faculty of Arts belongs among the largest and longest-established centers for area studies research and instruction in Central and Eastern Europe, covering all global regions in its research. By engaging in the ERA-AREAS project, it seeks to strengthen its area studies programs focused on non-European global regions and Eastern Europe. We invite applications from scholars within area studies whose research demonstrates strong regional expertise and a commitment to addressing globally significant issues through a social science lens. The research group leader will coordinate a research group composed of scholars focusing on other global regions under a shared topic. We therefore expect experience with managing and coordinating academic research as well as the ability to foster particular research agendas in a collaborative fashion. The ideal candidate will employ comparative methodologies and actively engage in disciplinary debates within area studies on critical current events from a comparative perspective. While the specific  disciplinary focus of the applicants is secondary (gravitating towards the loosely defined core of sociology, political science, economics, contemporary history or anthropology), the research group leader is expected to engage in research of the causes and consequences of  contemporary crises in global regions which include, in particular, political crises, economic shocks, coups, democratic breakdowns, social protests, early government terminations, threats to democracies,  and outbursts of political violence. Applications from scholars at middle or advanced career stage with past active engagement in international academic networks are especially welcome.

 Essential criteria 

• Academic focus on one of three regional specializations: Middle Eastern studies, Asian studies, East European studies,
• Completed Ph.D. in a relevant social science discipline,
• Proven experience with approaches that compare contexts within or across global regions, including the ability to combine deep contextual knowledge of specific global regions with comparative methods (qualitative or quantitative) to identify causal linkages,
• Demonstrated capacity to apply social science research methods to area studies, moving beyond traditional linguistic-cultural approaches while avoiding purely universalist, theory-driven models of explanation,
• Experience with academic management or coordination of research activities ideally within a university or research institute. This includes leading a team of researchers, overseeing project planning and execution, managing grants and reporting, supporting the preparation of publications and other research outputs.
• Highly desirable is the ability to represent the center externally and contribute to its strategic development.
• Highly proficient in spoken and written English, Czech language proficiency is not required,
• Language skills adequate for deep contextual understanding of the given global region,
• A strong international publication record in an area studies field appropriate for the senior level position,
• A well-developed and ambitious research agenda featuring regionally grounded social science work that addresses global issues using comparative approaches,
• Advanced knowledge of area studies methodologies and social science research techniques, especially the ability to utilize comparative methods of causal inference to uncover the determinants and consequences of critical contemporary events,
• We expect a broader expertise in a global region that extends beyond the study of a single country or community and that spans multiple national contexts,
• Proven ability to work collaboratively across disciplinary boundaries, supporting multidisciplinary dialogue and research,

Desirable Criteria 

• Engaging with research that involves cross-region comparisons to other global regions than those which constitute the thrust of the applicant’s expertise (that is Middle East, Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America and Africa),
• The ability to engage in research from a methodologically pluralist perspective, including historical, interpretivist, ethnographic or critical-theoretical perspectives (including decolonial and postcolonial perspectives that interrogate knowledge production in area studies).
• Prior experience with graduate student teaching and supervision.
• Evidence of research impact beyond academia, including engagement with policymakers, practitioners, or civil society,
• Engagement with the methodological and conceptual challenges of pursuing area studies.
• The ability to present research findings to broader public though media and public outreach
• A history of successful external research grant applications and a clear potential to attract further research funding.

Your Responsibilities

•  The post holder will coordinate research activities of a multidisciplinary and cross-regional research team (Center for Multidisciplinary Area Studies) composed of newly hired postdoctoral researchers and current researchers at the Faculty of Arts area studies departments. They will contribute to the selection of postdoctoral researchers (covering different global regions) within his/her research topic to forge a cohesive research group guided by a single overarching analytic theme,
• Contribute to the scientific goal of the project by analyzing the causes and consequences of critical current events from a methodologically rigorous and comparative perspective,
• Limited teaching duties (approximately 1 course per semester for MA and PhD students within the research interest of the post holder),
• Conduct innovative and impactful research that pushes the boundaries of the field, collaborating with students and colleagues to cultivate a vibrant research environment and mentor early-career researchers and postgraduate students,
• Maintain a strong and consistent publication output in leading international publication outlets (peer-reviewed journals, book publishers),
• Secure external research funding, lead collaborative projects, develop and submit competitive grant applications,
• Ensure practical relevance and societal impact of the research by contributing to policy development, engage proactively with non-academic audiences, including policymakers, practitioners, and media outlets, ensuring research is accessible and socially relevant,
• Participate in other activities of the ERA-AREAS project, including public outreach, communication with area studies departments at the Faculty of Arts, contribute to the implementation of the new organizational model for area studies—both in research and academic programmes—developed within the project, and actively foster collaboration among the area studies departments,
• The post holder will be formally associated to one of the area studies departments at the Faculty of Arts (Middle Eastern Studies, Asian Studies, East European Studies) based on his/her region of expertise. They will therefore be expected to participate in the activities of that department,
• Cooperate with the ERA Chair Holder (Prof. Mariana Llanos), and the Project Coordinator (Prof. Karel Kouba).

We Offer: 

• Full-time employment (40 hours per week)
• Permanent contract (indefinite period)
• Salary 3.500 – 4.000 EUR per month (take-home pay approx. 2.600-3.000 EUR)
• A dynamic and intellectually stimulating academic environment at one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Central Europe
• Full access to the research infrastructure and resources of the Faculty of Arts, Charles University, including libraries, databases, and support services
• Opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration within the university and with partner institutions in the Czech Republic and abroad
• Employee Benefits at Charles University
• Office space located in the centre of Prague
• Relocation Support such as assistance with visa arrangements, housing, healthcare registration and other individual needs related to settling in

The successful candidate is expected to start on 1 April 2026. 

The ERA-AREAS project is scheduled to conclude on 31 March 2030. However, the position of the CenMAS Leader will remain permanent, as CenMAS will continue its operations beyond the project’s end. Its ongoing activities as well as the CenMAS Leader salary will be supported through external funding, which CenMAS will actively seek and apply for during the project’s implementation phase.

Selection Process Timeline 

• Candidate Questions Concerning the Recruitment Process:
  1 August 2025 – 15 September 2025
• Deadline for submission of applications:
  30 September 2025 at 23:59 CEST
• Pre-selection of candidates invited to online interview:
  1 – 15 October 2025
• Online interviews:
  16 – 31 October 2025
• Final shortlisting of candidates invited to in-person interview:
  31 October 2025
• In-person interviews in Prague:
  19 November 2025 Travel (economy class) and accommodation expenses will be provided by the ERA-AREAS project.
• Final decision: 15 December 2025

How to apply

To apply please submit the following documents to era-areas@ff.cuni.cz
Please specify the position you’re applying for in the email subject. 

• Curriculum Vitae
• A cover letter (supporting statement), which explains why you are applying for the post and provides evidence of how your qualifications, skills, and experience meet the selection criteria outlined above. This includes experience gained in education or employment. Particular reference should be made to your research plans within the scope of the ERA-AREAS project (max. 2 pages)
• List of Publications and Research Outputs (including peer-reviewed articles, books, conference presentations, etc.)
• Contact details for two persons available to provide references (these might be contacted as part of the selection process)

Project-Specific Criteria 

• In accordance with the Horizon Europe Work Programme 2023–2025 – Widening Participation and Strengthening the European Research Area, no more than 50% of the appointed team members may have had previous contractual links with Charles University. Therefore, preference will be given to candidates from outside the university.
• Charles University is committed to promoting equal opportunities and fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful academic environment. In line with its institutional policies, the university actively supports gender balance and particularly encourages applications from female candidates. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals regardless of age, race, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, religion, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
• The selection process includes a due diligence review to ensure compliance with resilience and sanctions-related provisions under both international and national legislation.

If you would like to discuss this job post and find out more please contact the Project Coordinator Prof. Karel Kouba and Project HR Manager Petra Koubová (era-areas@ff.cuni.cz). All enquiries will be treated in strict confidence and will not form part of the selection decision. Questions should be emailed between 1 August and 15 September 2025.

As English is the official language of the selection process, all documents submitted by applicants, as well as all communication, must be conducted in English.

By submitting your application, you consent to the processing of your personal data by Charles University for the purposes of the recruitment process, in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council (General Data Protection Regulation – GDPR). Your data will be processed solely for the purpose of evaluating your application and will not be shared with third parties without your consent.

The project ERA Chair in Multidisciplinary Area Studies (ERA-AREAS), Project No. 101185327, is funded by the European Union under the Horizon Europe program.