ERC Project: Postdoctoral Fellowship in Interdisciplinary South Asian Studies Oriental Institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences in Czech Republic

The Oriental Institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences is offering a postdoctoral fellowship in Interdisciplinary South Asian Studies, funded by the European Research Council (ERC) Advanced Grant project Anger, Legitimised (ANGLE). The position is based in the Department of South Asia in Prague and is integrated into the broader ANGLE research programme, with supervision by Dr James Madaio and Professor Atreyee Sen.

The research focus is on how narratives of anger and wrath—drawing from philosophy, mythology, mythohistory, religious iconography, and deity worship—are mobilised and legitimised in contemporary social, political, and neo-religious movements in South Asia. Empirical sites may include fringe social movements such as environmental activism or agitations around sexual-minority rights, with attention to recognition, protection, and belonging. The project requires interdisciplinary approaches, combining in-person ethnographic fieldwork, digital ethnography, and textual studies.

Applicants must have completed a PhD by the time of application or provide a letter confirming completion before September 2026. Experience in interdisciplinary research on anger/wrath in cultural, political, and/or religious contexts, proficiency in ethnographic and digital research methods, and textual studies are required. Candidates must be willing to conduct fieldwork abroad (4-6 months), reside and work in Prague, possess excellent English academic writing skills, and be proficient in at least one relevant South Asian language.

The fellowship offers a salary of approximately 2379 EUR per month, a full-time contract for 30 months, five weeks of paid leave, three personal days per year, flexible working hours, the possibility of remote work, access to childcare facilities, project management support, language courses, and onboarding assistance. The Institute is committed to fostering an inclusive, diverse, and equitable research environment.

During the fellowship, the successful candidate will participate in ANGLE project activities, present research at conferences and workshops, contribute to the academic life of the Department of South Asia, and produce at least two single-authored academic articles or book chapters, as well as 1-2 public-facing dissemination outputs.

To apply, submit a 3-page project proposal, PhD diploma or supervisor letter, and CV with publications to Adéla Rossi at [email protected]. Reference letters are not required at this stage. Informal inquiries can be sent to Atreyee Sen or James Madaio. The application deadline is 30 June 2026.

For further information, visit the ANGLE project page or the Oriental Institute website.