Overview

Project: UWB Returns
The project is primarily focused on increasing the professional competences of researchers returning to the scientific/research environment after a career break.
The CBAG return scheme has been announced, as part of the UWB RETURNS project, where applicants can apply for return grants with implementation from September 1, 2026, to February 29, 2028. The grant will also cover the costs of a support team, a mentor, further education of the main implementor, and care for a child or loved one. The maximum financial allocation for 1 grant application is CZK 3.3 million.
The UWB RETURNS project is funded by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports from the Johannes Amos Comenius Operational Programme within the framework of call no. 02_24_037 Returns.
Brief job description:
Within the CBAG project, employees will work at the UWB workplace. They will engage in research activities with regard to their field of specialization, as the main implementor of the CBAG project and at the same time plan activities for their professional team members and, if necessary, consult with a mentor on further steps. During the project, they will also receive training, prepare an Interim Activity Report on a regular basis, and a Final Activity Report at the end of the project. The performance of scientific work will also include, for example, publication1, participation in a professional event 2, preparation and submission of at least one project application in national programmes.

Requirements for applicants:
– duly completed doctoral study programme (PhD title or equivalent) at a university or college in the Czech Republic, or an equivalent duly completed similar study programme abroad or be a student of an accredited doctoral programme.
– they are on a career break or are within 12 months after its completion3.
– good proficiency in English – the CBAG project is submitted and administered in English.
– professional support of selected UWB faculty – approval of the head of the department. The faculty that accepts employees covers part of the grant costs with a contribution from its own resources (in the form of 10 % co-financing).

1 These are selected types of publications, such as articles, book chapters or books, regardless of publication in specific databases.
2 Conference, workshop, professional meeting.
3 A career break is a period of at least 180 calendar days during which the applicant was unable to fully perform
R&D activities due to maternity and parental leave, long-term care or long-term illness. The decisive date for the
condition of 12 months from the end of the career break is the submission of the project application, i.e. no later
than 15.02.2026.

Procedure for applicants:
– to contact vyzkum@rek.zcu.cz, fill in „CBAG“ in the subject,
– to get consent of the head of the receiving UWB department, including a statement on the potential of the applicant for the development of the receiving department and their further career development4,
– to submit copies of documents on the highest level of education achieved,
– to submit the grant application no later than February 15, 2026, via the IS ZČU II according to the valid Declarations5.
– to wait for the evaluation according to the specified schedule.
Offered salary from subsidy funds: 58,000 – 75,000 CZK for full-time employment (1.0 / 40 hours per week), depending on the position (junior vs. senior researcher)
– In addition to the salary, the following contributions can be drawn6:
o monthly childcare contribution of 9,114 CZK
o education contribution of 38,000 CZK
The final salary and related employment conditions will be determined by the relevant UWB faculties in accordance with applicable legislation and internal university regulations.
Place of work: Pilsen
Starting date: September 1, 2026