Research Team Leader in Environmental and/or Technology Ethics

The Center for Environmental and Technology Ethics - Prague (CETE-P) – based at the Institute of Philosophy of the Czech Academy of Sciences and funded by the EU Horizon Europe programme ERA Chairs – is seeking to appoint an established scholar of international standing to a permanent research position in environmental ethics and/or technology ethics (with preference for a person who can combine both) 

Qualified candidates must have research competence at the level of associate professor within one of these fields and be willing to relocate to Prague (Czechia). This is an exciting opportunity for leadership in a vibrant and collegial community of active researchers and PhD candidates at the Institute of Philosophy of the Czech Academy of Sciences, in one of the world’s most charming cities. 

The successful candidate is expected to establish and lead the CETE-P research team in collaboration with the ERA Chair Holder Prof. Mark Coeckelbergh, initiate and conduct high-quality research, acquire external research funding, supervise PhD candidates, and carry out administrative duties in accordance with CETE-P’s needs. 

Qualification requirements

• PhD or equivalent academic qualifications within the CETE-P’s disciplines: Philosophy and/or Ethics
• Continuous, high-quality research activity pertaining to Environmental and/or Technology Ethics
• Proven track record in one of the fields
• Documented potential for project acquisition and experience in leading research projects
• Documented experience with and ability to build international networks
• Excellent organisational experience and skills
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English 

Criteria to be explicitly addressed in the evaluation process

• Academic production pertaining to environmental and/or technology ethics – originality and innovative thinking will be weighted more heavily than quantity
• Academic leadership capacities and potential to contribute to the long-term development of the academic and research environment at CETE-P
• Capacity to acquire research funding and lead big international projects
• Personal suitability and motivation for the position
• Good team player and versatile at all levels
• Skills within popular dissemination, public outreach and innovation
• Documented results from teaching and supervision, and ability to inspire students
• Interest and ability in leadership and administration
• Ability to create and contribute to a positive environment for collaboration
• Capability of multidisciplinary co-operation 

We offer

• Full-time research position with no teaching and low administrative obligations
• Permanent contract, with a 6-month probation period
• Salary approximately CZK 1mil per annum (gross) – room for negotiations and increase
• A professionally stimulating working environment
• Attractive welfare benefits
• Office space located in the historical centre of Prague
• Professional administrative and academic support
• Relocation assistance 

The successful candidate for this permanent post will commence duties preferably on 1 June 2024, or as soon as possible thereafter. 

How to apply

The application must include:

• Application letter (statement of motivation, summarising scientific work, research interest and personal research plan)
• Curriculum Vitae (list of education, positions, pedagogical experience, administrative experience, project acquisition and coordination experience, and other relevant qualifications)
• Complete list of publications
• Proposal of research priorities for CETE-P
• List of reference persons: 2–3 references (name, position, relation to candidate, e-mail and phone number)
• Please note that all documents should be in English
• Applicants are required to describe and document the entire range of qualifications and criteria described in the announcement of the post with concrete examples 

The application with attachments must be delivered via email by 30 November 2023 to Petra Zakostelecka at zakostelecka@flu.cas.cz. 

About the selection procedure

As the first step, Selection Committee will assess all applications and invite the most qualified applicants to online interviews taking place in January 2024. Finally, the most highly ranked candidates will be invited for an in person interview and a trial lecture organized in Prague in March 2024. 

Equal opportunities

The Institute of Philosophy of the Czech Academy of Sciences conducts an equal opportunities policy and encourages everyone to apply. Applications from the currently underrepresented groups in philosophy are especially welcome. 

Contact information

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have about CETE-P, please contact CETE-P Project Coordinator Dr. Petr Urban at urban@flu.cas.cz. For questions about how to apply and the application process, please contact HR Officer Petra Zakostelecka at zakostelecka@flu.cas.cz. 

About CETE-P/ Institute of Philosophy of the Czech Academy of Sciences

CETE-P is a new research unit at the Institute of Philosophy of the Czech Academy of Sciences in Prague, conducting research on the nexus between environmental and technology ethics. It is being established due to the EU funded Horizon Europe project Nr. 101086898 led by prof. Mark Coeckelbergh. For more information about the project: https://cetep.eu 

The Institute of Philosophy of the Czech Academy of Sciences is a publicly funded non-university research institution, conducting research in key areas of philosophy and related humanities. It is the largest humanities institute affiliated with the Czech Academy of Sciences. The Institute has a vibrant international research community and hosts prestigious research projects supported by European funding schemes such as ERC, Horizon Europe or COST. It is located at the very heart of the historical centre of Prague. For more information about the Institute: https://www.flu.cas.cz/en/