Researcher in Comparative Area Studies, with a Focus on Asia (Postdoctoral Level)

The Faculty of Arts, Charles University (Prague, Czech Republic) is seeking a postdoctoral researcher in comparative area studies, with a focus on South Asia, East Asia and/or Southeast Asia. As part of the project funded by Horizon Europe (ERA Chair in Multidisciplinary Area Studies, ERA-AREAS), this post holder will participate in the international research group under the newly-established Center for Multidisciplinary Area Studies (CenMAS). The applicant will work closely with the ERA Chair Holder, Prof Mariana Llanos, and the research group leader, Dr. Mahmoud Farag.

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, the Faculty 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 Asia which include, in particular, political crises, economic shocks, coups, democratic breakdowns, social protests, early government terminations, threats to democracies,  and outbursts of political violence.

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 (qualitative, quantitative, computational or mixed 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. (or an internationally recognized equivalent) in a relevant social science discipline, obtained no more than five years prior to the application deadline (excluding eligible career breaks such as parental leave, military service, serious illness, or other legally recognized interruptions). If the Ph.D. is not completed by the application deadline (September 14, 2026) but is expected to be finished by the start date (April 1, 2027), the candidate must provide a confirmation letter from their supervisor stating that the Ph.D. will be completed no later than April 1, 2027.
• 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 Asian 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, especially the ability to utilize comparative methods of causal inference to uncover the determinants and consequences of critical contemporary events,
• 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.

Desirable Criteria

• Engaging with research that involves cross-region comparisons to other global regions than those which constitute the thrust of the applicant’s expertise (that is Middle East, Eastern Europe, Latin America and Africa),
• Evidence of research impact beyond academia, including engagement with policymakers, practitioners, or civil society,
• The ability to present research findings to broader public through media and public outreach. Limited travel budget will be available for academic conferences,
• A history of successful research grant applications and a clear potential to attract further research funding.

Your Responsibilities

• The postdoctoral researchers will form part of a multidisciplinary and cross-regional research group at the Center for Multidisciplinary Area Studies guided by a single overarching analytic theme, composed of other newly hired postdoctoral researchers and current researchers at the Faculty Arts area studies departments,
• 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,
• Ensure practical relevance and societal impact of the research by contributing to policy development, engage proactively with non-academic audiences, including policymakers, practitioners, and media outlets, ensuring research is accessible and socially relevant,
• Participate in other activities of the ERA-AREAS project, including public outreach, communication with area studies departments at the Faculty of Arts,
• The post holder will closely collaborate with one of the area studies departments at the Faculty of Arts based on their region of expertise,
• Cooperate with the ERA Chair Holder (Prof. Mariana Llanos), the Project Coordinator (Prof. Karel Kouba), and the CenMAS research group leader (Dr. Mahmoud Farag).

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 center 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 2027.

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.

Selection Process Timeline

Candidate questions concerning the recruitment process
8 June – 31 August 2026

Application deadline
14 September 2026 at 23:59 CEST

Shortlisting for online interviews
15 – 30 September 2026

Online interviews
1 – 15 October 2026

Final decision
31 October 2026

How to apply

Please apply via the online application form Application for Researcher in Comparative Area Studies with a Focus on Asia (accessed via the ‘Apply’ button above.)

Make sure to carefully complete all required fields and upload all the necessary documents listed below. Please ensure that all information provided is complete and up to date, as incomplete applications may not be considered. After submitting the form, you will receive confirmation of receipt from our HR manager. 

Please upload the documents listed below as a single attachment in one PDF file, in the following order:

1. Curriculum Vitae
2. 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)
3. A work sample that best represents your research (e.g. published article, working paper, dissertation chapter, etc.)
4. List of publications and research outputs (including peer-reviewed articles, books, conference presentations, etc.)
5. Contact details for two persons available to provide references (these might be contacted as part of the selection process)
6. If necessary, confirmation letter from supervisor stating that the Ph.D. will be completed no later than April 1, 2027

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 offer 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 with strict confidence and will not effect the selection decision. Questions regarding the application process should be emailed between 8 June 2026 and 31 August 2026.

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.