Research Group Leader in Comparative Area 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. The research group leader will coordinate a research group composed of scholars focusing on other global regions under a shared topic. The ideal candidate will employ comparative methodologies and actively engage in disciplinary debates within area studies on critical current events from a comparative perspective. 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.
• 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
• 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. 

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)  
• Opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration within the university and with partner institutions in the Czech Republic and abroad 
• 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.  

How to apply 

For details, click the Apply button.

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 

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

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