Researcher in Comparative Area Studies (Postdoctoral Level)

Researcher in Comparative Area Studies (Postdoctoral level) 

The Faculty of Arts, Charles University is seeking a postdoctoral researcher in comparative area studies. As part of the project funded by Horizon Europe (ERA Chair in Multidisciplinary Area Studies), this post holder will participate in the newly created Center for Multidisciplinary Area Studies. 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. 

Essential criteria 

• 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 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,  
• A completed Ph.D. in a relevant social science discipline, obtained no more than five years prior to the application deadline
• High proficiency in spoken and written English, Czech language proficiency is not required, 
• Language skills adequate for deep contextual understanding of the given global region, 
• An international publication record in an area studies field appropriate for the postdoctoral-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,
• 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.

Your Responsibilities 

• 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, 
• Maintain a strong and consistent publication output in leading international publication outlets (peer – reviewed journals, book publishers), 
• Secure external research funding, engage in further collaborative projects, develop and submit competitive grant applications.

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)  
• 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.  

How to apply 

To view the full advertisement, please click the Apply button above. 

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. 

• CV 
• A cover letter, 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  

For more information, please contact the Project Coordinator Prof. Karel Kouba and Project HR Manager Petra Koubová (era-areas@ff.cuni.cz).

Advert information