Senior Fellowship in Area Studies – Charles University

About the Fellowship

Charles University’s Faculty of Arts is offering a Senior Research Fellowship for an experienced scholar to lead a new interdisciplinary research group within the ERA Chair in Multidisciplinary Area Studies (ERA-AREAS) project, funded by Horizon Europe. Based in Prague, this permanent role focuses on developing cutting-edge research in Comparative Area Studies with a regional focus on Middle Eastern, Asian, or East European Studies. The selected fellow will coordinate the Centre for Multidisciplinary Area Studies (CENMAS) and foster collaboration across disciplines to investigate the causes and consequences of contemporary global crises. This is a unique opportunity to shape long-term research strategy, build an international research team, and contribute to the global academic dialogue on governance, democracy, and political transformation.

Fellowship / Details

Position Title: Research Group Leader in Comparative Area Studies
Host Institution: Faculty of Arts, Charles University
Administering Body / Funding Agency: ERA Chair in Multidisciplinary Area Studies (ERA-AREAS), Horizon Europe
Location: Prague, Czech Republic
Research Field(s): Comparative Area Studies, Political Science, Sociology, Economics, Anthropology, Contemporary History
Fellowship Type: Full-time, Senior Research Position
Level: Mid-career or Senior-level
Fellowship Duration: Permanent position (extending beyond March 2030)
Expected Start Date: April 2026
Working Hours: 40 hours per week
Funding/Compensation: €3,500–€4,000 per month gross (approx. €2,600–€3,000 net); relocation support available
Required Degree/Diploma: PhD in a relevant social science discipline such as Political Science, Sociology, Economics, Contemporary History, or Anthropology

Supported Research Fields / Areas

Middle Eastern Studies
Asian Studies
East European Studies
Comparative Political and Social Research
Global Crisis Studies

Eligibility & Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

Proven research expertise in one of the regional specialisations: Middle East, Asia, or Eastern Europe
Demonstrated use of comparative methodologies (qualitative or quantitative)
Strong publication record in internationally recognised outlets
Academic leadership experience, including coordinating research teams and managing projects
Excellent proficiency in English; language skills appropriate to regional focus
Commitment to multidisciplinary collaboration and international academic engagement

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with cross-regional research comparisons
Ability to apply methodological pluralism (including critical, historical, or ethnographic approaches)
Teaching or supervision experience at postgraduate level
Evidence of research impact beyond academia (e.g., policy engagement, public outreach)
Proven success in securing external funding

Not Eligible:

Candidates who have had contractual links with Charles University in the past (due to Horizon Europe rules – max. 50% prior affiliation per team)

Fellowship/Job Benefits

Monthly salary: €3,500–€4,000 gross (€2,600–€3,000 net)
Permanent employment contract
Relocation assistance including visa, housing, and healthcare registration support
Office space in central Prague
Full access to Charles University’s research infrastructure and interdisciplinary collaboration opportunities
Travel and accommodation support for in-person interviews
Opportunities for professional growth, publication, and international networking

Key Responsibilities

Lead the Centre for Multidisciplinary Area Studies (CENMAS) and coordinate a new cross-regional research team
Develop a comparative research agenda on political, economic, and social crises
Mentor early-career researchers and supervise MA/PhD students (1 course per semester)
Engage in collaborative grant writing, project development, and dissemination
Represent the centre publicly and contribute to its strategic growth
Collaborate closely with the ERA Chair Holder (Prof. Mariana Llanos) and Project Coordinator (Prof. Karel Kouba)

Application Process

How to Apply:

Send applications by email to era-areas@ff.cuni.cz with subject line “Application – Research Group Leader in Comparative Area Studies”.

Required Documents:

Curriculum Vitae
Cover letter (max. 2 pages) detailing research plans and alignment with project goals
List of publications and research outputs
Contact details of two referees

Important Dates

Application Opens: 1 August 2025
Deadline: 30 September 2025 at 23:59 CEST
Online Interview Period: 16–31 October 2025
In-Person Interviews in Prague: 19 November 2025 (travel and accommodation covered)
Final Notification: 15 December 2025
Fellowship Start Date: 1 April 2026