Researcher in Comparative Area Studies (Postdoctoral level)

The Faculty of Arts, Charles University (Prague, Czech Republic) is seeking a postdoctoral researcher 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 participate in the newly created Center for Multidisciplinary Area Studies (CenMAS).  The applicant will work closely with the ERA Chair holder, Prof Mariana Llanos, and the research group leader. The applicants are expected to focus on one of five regional specializations: Middle Eastern studies, Asian studies, East European studies, African studies, Latin American 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 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 researcher 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.  

We Offer

• Full-time employment (40 hours per week)
• Fixed-term position for a period of two years, with the possibility of extension
• Salary 2.000-2.600 EUR per month (take-home pay approx. 1.600-2.040 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 will end on 31 March 2030, but CenMAS will continue operating with external funding. The researcher can remain at the faculty if they secure a grant for further financing.  

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) 

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: 15 October 2025 
• Online interviews: 16 – 31 October 2025 
• Final decision: 15 November 2025 

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 regarding the application process should be emailed between 1 August 2025 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 programme.