MASARYK UNIVERSITY
Dean of the Faculty of Social Studies
ANNOUNCES A CALL FOR APPLICATIONS FOR THE POSITION OF
Fully funded post-doc position for the INTERFER project
Type of position: Full-time post-doc (1,0).
Start date: 1 July 2025 or upon agreement (earlier start possible).
Duration: 42 months full-time employment with salary .
Institution: International Institute of Political Science, Faculty of Social Studies, Masaryk University (Brno, Czech Republic).
Salary : 2.500 EUR / month (including social and health insurance).
Location: Brno, Czech Republic.
Deadline for applications: 28 February 2025.
Application requirements :
We are looking for a highly motivated postdoc in the field of international relations/security/political science to join our groundbreaking INTERFER project (project duration: 2025-2028). The project creates a unique inter- institutional platform for excellent research on foreign interference in the context of contemporary geopolitical and technological changes. Our Work Package examines the ways in which states internally adapt to the dynamically changing threat of foreign interference and build societal resilience against it.
YOUR JOB WILL INCLUDE:
Cutting-edge research: Conduct cutting-edge research within the scope of Work Package 3 of the INTERFER project.
Publication: Collaborate on the publication of research articles in high- quality journals and an edited volume (both in the role of a leading author and a co-author).
Community Engagement: Become an integral part of the institute and project team, engaging in events and activities that contribute to a dynamic research culture.
The position does not require teaching; however, it can be arranged in case of your interest.
WHAT WE OFFER:
Exciting work in a dynamic team of highly qualified researchers who care about the quality and effectiveness of their work, while also valuing an open and collaborative work environment.
Affiliation with a prestigious and successful research institute at one of the highest-ranked universities in the region of Central and Eastern Europe.
Active support in professional and personal development (expert workshops, workshops in research methods, broad support by the university – from language courses to sport activities).
Close collaboration with top international scientists and top European universities (incl. foreign mobility opportunities and international conferences).
A monthly salary of 2.500 EUR.
Fixed-term position for 42 months with the possibility to extend the employment in case of further funding acquisition.
Six weeks paid leave (30 working days).
REQUIREMENTS:
Ph.D. in international relations, security, political science, area studies or another social science discipline relevant to the study of foreign interference - EU Research level R2. The degree must be obtained before the commencement of employment and should not be older than seven years at the time of the application call.
Working experience outside the Czech Republic for at least 2 years during the last 5 years (as of the date of the start of work in the project team) at a minimum of 0.5 working time, or experience a Ph.D. student (or similar form - equivalent to ISCED level 8) abroad for at least 2 years during the last 5 years. Citizens of the Czech Republic are not excluded.
Publication history that includes at least two (co-)authored papers in journals registered in Web of Science (Q1-Q2 AIS quartiles) /Scopus (Q1 quartiles). Manuscripts accepted for publication (with a letter from the editorial office) will be also considered.
Interest in the field of foreign interference.
Fluency in English, both written and spoken.
Familiarity with research methods.
Excellent analytical skills, experience with independent scholarly research and willingness to learn new things on the go.
HOW TO APPLY:
Send your application via the electronic application by 28 February 2025. Attach all required documents specified below. After successful submission of the documents, you will receive an automatic confirmation email from jobs.muni.cz.
Required documents:
The job position is filled in accordance with the conditions of the Foreign Interference in The Context of Geopolitical and Technological Change (INTERFER, reg. no. CZ.02.01.01/00/23025/0008692)
ABOUT THE WORKPLACE:
Masaryk University is the second largest university in the Czech Republic, with 10 faculties and a number of other specialized departments, more than 6,000 employees and 32,000 students. We are a university with a wide range of research areas in the humanities and natural sciences and a strong international position. Our mission is to provide education and research of the highest quality.
The Faculty of Social Studies of Masaryk University was founded in 1998 and since 2005 has been located in a building in Joštova Street in Brno. Currently, it offers 14 Bachelor's degree programmes, 19 Master's degree programmes and also doctoral studies. It welcomes more than 1,300 new students each year and graduates over six hundred graduates annually. There are over 3,000 students under its roof and more than 250 academic and non-academic staff. Those interested in studying here can study subjects ranging from political science and psychology to media studies, sociology and social work.
The International Institute of Political Science (IIPS) at Masaryk University is an internationally renowned research institute, advancing knowledge and innovation in political science and its related disciplines. Recognized for its cutting-edge research and commitment to academic excellence, IIPS stands at the forefront of addressing contemporary challenges in politics, governance and international relations through groundbreaking research initiatives and impactful international collaborations. Founded in 1990, IIPS has a rich legacy of expertise in Czech and European political research. Over the years, it has become a hub for intellectual exchange, attracting top scholars, fostering thought-provoking debate, and driving forward new ideas that influence academic and policy-making communities.
ABOUT THE PROJECT
The four-year INTERFER project (Foreign Interference of Foreign Powers in the Context of Contemporary Geopolitical and Technological Change) under the Jan Amos Komenský Operational Programme will establish a unique inter- institutional platform for excellent research on foreign interference in the context of contemporary geopolitical and technological changes. The project is coordinated by Charles University, with Michal Smetana as its manager. Alongside Masaryk University, the Institute of International Relations and the University of Ostrava are also project partners. The outcomes will include articles in high-impact scientific journals, expert workshops, roundtables, policy papers with practical applications, foreign mobility opportunities, and follow-up grant applications.