Karel Kouba

Postdoctoral Researcher in Comparative Area Studies (Asia) at Charles University The Centre for Multidisciplinary Area Studies (CenMAS) at the Faculty of Arts, Charles University, Prague, is inviting applications for a postdoctoral researcher position in Comparative Area Studies with a focus on South Asia, East Asia and/or Southeast Asia . The role is part of the Horizon Europe-funded ERA Chair in Multidisciplinary Area Studies (ERA-AREAS) project. The successful candidate will join an international research group and work closely with the ERA Chair Holder, Prof. Mariana Llanos , the Project Coordinator, Prof. Karel Kouba , and the research group leader, Dr. Mahmoud Farag . The post is designed for scholars whose work combines deep regional expertise with comparative social science methods and a strong interest in globally significant issues. Research focus: contemporary crises in Asia, including political crises, economic shocks, coups, democratic breakdowns, social protests, early government terminations, threats to democracies, and political violence. The post is especially relevant to applicants working in Political Science, Sociology, Economics, Anthropology, Contemporary History , and related area studies fields. Eligibility highlights: applicants must have a completed PhD (or equivalent) in a relevant social science discipline, awarded no more than five years before the deadline, or expect to complete the PhD by 1 April 2027 . Strong English proficiency is required; Czech is not required. Candidates should also have an international publication record in Asian studies, experience with comparative methods, and the ability to work across disciplinary boundaries. Funding and conditions: full-time employment for 2 years with a salary of 2,000–2,600 EUR per month (take-home pay approx. 1,600–2,040 EUR). The university also offers limited conference travel support and relocation assistance, including help with visa arrangements, housing, and healthcare registration. Deadline: 14 September 2026 at 23:59 CEST. Shortlisting and interviews follow in late September and early October 2026, with a final decision expected by 31 October 2026. The expected start date is 1 April 2027 . How to apply: submit the online application form and upload a single PDF containing your CV, cover letter with research plans, work sample, publication list, references, and a supervisor confirmation letter if your PhD will be completed by the start date. Complete applications only will be considered.

Charles University (Faculty of Arts, Prague, Czech Republic) is recruiting a postdoctoral researcher in Comparative Area Studies with a focus on Sub-Saharan Africa through the Centre for Multidisciplinary Area Studies (CenMAS) and the ERA Chair in Multidisciplinary Area Studies project (ERA-AREAS). The position is part of a Horizon Europe-funded research environment and is designed for scholars working at the intersection of area studies and social science approaches. The successful candidate will join an international research group and work closely with the ERA Chair Holder, Prof. Mariana Llanos , the Project Coordinator, Prof. Karel Kouba , and the research group leader, Dr. Mahmoud Farag . Research themes include the causes and consequences of contemporary crises in Sub-Saharan Africa, such as political crises, economic shocks, coups, democratic breakdowns, social protests, early government terminations, threats to democracies, and political violence. The post emphasizes comparative methods , causal inference, and regionally grounded research that can speak to broader global debates. The disciplinary focus is flexible, with sociology, political science, economics, contemporary history, and anthropology highlighted as especially relevant. This is a full-time, fixed-term postdoctoral appointment for two years, with the possibility of extension. The salary is 2,000–2,600 EUR per month (take-home pay approx. 1,600–2,040 EUR). The role also includes limited teaching duties, publication expectations, external grant development, and engagement with policy, media, and public outreach. Limited travel support for conferences is available, and relocation support may assist with visa, housing, and healthcare registration. Eligibility highlights: a completed Ph.D. (or equivalent) in a relevant social science discipline, awarded no more than five years before the deadline, strong English proficiency, international publication record, and demonstrated ability to work across disciplinary boundaries. If the Ph.D. is not yet completed by the deadline, it must be finished by 1 April 2027 and supported by a supervisor confirmation letter. Deadline: 14 September 2026 at 23:59 CEST. Start date: 1 April 2027. How to apply: Submit the online application form and upload a single PDF containing your CV, cover letter/supporting statement, work sample, publication list, and two referees’ contact details. Include the supervisor confirmation letter if applicable.