Call opens June 16, 2025
Deadline for submission: September 15, 2025
Publication of the results: beginning of October 2025
Period: January 1, 2026-December 31, 2027
Application Language: English
Address for submission: mateusz.chmurski@cefres.cz (send a copy to: claire.madl@cefres.cz)
Two postdoctoral researchers will be recruited from January 1, 2026 for two years at CEFRES. They will be both affiliated to CEFRES and to a relevant department for their research at Charles University (UK). The selection of both postdoctoral researchers will be based on the quality of their research project and its adequation to the research area or the research project it intends to contribute to.
Charles University & CEFRES joint postdoctoral positions. Presentation of the program
Charles University (UK) and CEFRES jointly finance two high-quality postdoctoral research fellows who reside elsewhere than the Czech Republic when applying and have also defended their PhD dissertation in a university outside the Czech Republic. Both postdoctoral researchers are assigned to CEFRES as a hosting institution of the postdoc research program of Charles University: “Junior Fund”.
These two positions are 24-months contract starting on January 1, 2026 at CEFRES.
The gross monthly salary is 34 888 CZK as of June 16, 2025 and may be subject to raise in the months to follow.
Eligibility criteria
- Be a high-level young researcher from abroad (resident of a country out of the Czech Republic), who defended a PhD dissertation no more than 5 years prior to the application deadline in a university outside the Czech Republic (exceptions to this rule apply for parental or medical leave; for other reasons please contact us directly).
- Conducting a research befitting one of the CEFRES Research areas
- Good command of English is mandatory, French is a plus.
Counterparts
UK-CEFRES postdoc research fellow is expected to:
- contribute through her or his own research to the research area, within which she or he applies;
- take part in the scientific life of the CEFRES;
- submit a yearly report on their research to the director of CEFRES;
- come to live in Prague from January 1, 2026.
Evaluation
The applications will be evaluated by a commission chaired by CEFRES Director and composed of researchers from and outside of the CEFRES, to represent the applicants’ various disciplines.
The two postdoctoral calls are detailed as follows:
Postdoc 1 – One postdoctoral position within CEFRES research areas.
The first postdoctoral position is intended for researchers whose research project can be part of one of CEFRES’ three research areas:
1 – Displacements, “Dépaysements” and Discrepancies: People, Knowledge & Practices
2 – Norms & Transgressions
3 – Objects, Traces, Mapping: Everyday Experience of Spaces
Research projects whose object is located in Central Europe, connected to this area and other areas or in comparison with other “cultural areas”, will be prioritized.
Postdoc 1. Application Package
Applicants must submit the complete application package consisting of the following elements:
1/ The application form duly filled in (to be downloaded here). The application form includes the description of the personal research project and must:
- specify the CEFRES research area you want to apply to and how the personal project will benefit it;
- include:
- an explanation on the methodology and inputs of your own research, as well as a selected bibliography (max. 1 page-long)
- expected outcomes (publications, conferences, and so forth).
2/ One letter of reference from the former PhD supervisor of the candidate. Please use the following model form to be downloaded here. The letter must mention the title of the PhD, the date of defense etc.
3/ A detailed CV
4/ A list of publications
5/ A copy of the PhD diploma
Application packages in both PDF and as a Word-document must be submitted by September 15, 2025 at 23:59 CET electronically in an email entitled “YOUR LAST NAME_CEFRES-UK” at: mateusz.chmurski@cefres.cz (send a copy to: claire.madl@cefres.cz).
Postdoc 2 – One postdoctoral position within the “Tandem” project:
Paper Bonds: Bookmaking for Kin, Friends and Self in Contemporary Europe and the Middle East
led by a “Tandem” of 2 researchers:
Hélène Martinelli (ENS / CNRS, based at CEFRES, Prague)
Giedrė Šabasevičiūtė (Oriental Institute, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague)
The project explores self-made books and private bookmaking practices in contemporary Europe and the Middle East, focusing on their material, symbolic and social dimensions. Adopting a genealogical perspective, it examines how non-commercial publishing and book production shape relationships, express identity and responds to political and technological change.
Drawing from the disciplines of anthropology, book history and sociology of literature, the project aims to reappraise the social significance of the print book in the era of digital publishing. Researchers working on contemporary bookmaking practices from the perspective of book history, anthropology, sociology, literary studies and other disciplines such as information and communication sciences are more than welcome to apply.
The young scientist will be affiliated with CEFRES and benefit from collaboration with the Oriental Institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences and a chosen Department at Charles University. The position can lead to further project–based collaboration.
Postdoc 2. Application Package
Applicants must submit the complete application package consisting of the following elements:
1/ The application form duly filled in (please download it here). The application form includes the description of the personal research project which must:
- specify the title of the “Tandem” research project and explain how the personal research work will benefit it;
- include:
- an explanation on the methodology and inputs of your own research, as well as a selected bibliography (max. 1 page-long)
- expected outcomes (publications, conferences, and so forth).
2/ A letter of reference from the former PhD supervisor (please use and download the form here). The letter must mention the title of the PhD, the date of defense etc.
3/ A detailed CV
4/ A list of publications
5/ A copy of the PhD diploma
Applicants are welcome to contact the PIs of the Tandem research projects they apply to before sending their application.
Application packages must be submitted (both PDF and as a Word-document) by September 15, 2025, 23:59 CET electronically in an email entitled “YOUR LAST NAME_CEFRES-UK-TANDEM” at: mateusz.chmurski@cefres.cz
Please send a copy to:
saba@orient.cas.cz
helene.martinelli@ens-lyon.fr
claire.madl@cefres.cz