The Institute of Philosophy of the Czech Academy of Sciences invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher position within the international ACADEMIA project, funded by the European Research Council (ERC). The position requires a Ph.D. degree in a relevant field, such as Medieval Studies, History, Auxiliary Sciences of History, Classical Philology, or Philosophy. Applicants are expected to have experience in analysing late medieval manuscripts, an excellent command of Medieval Latin, and proficiency in English at least at B2+ level. Interested candidates may submit a cover letter, a CV, and a publication sample by email by 7 June 2026.
Call for Applications: Postdoctoral Researcher for ERC Project ACADEMIA
The Institute of Philosophy of the Czech Academy of Sciences (FLU CAS), the leading and largest humanities research institution in the Czech Republic and a holder of the HR Excellence in Research Award, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher position within a prestigious international project funded by the European Research Council (ERC).
Position Details
- Full Project Title: ERC ACADEMIA (Reconstructing Late Medieval Quests for Knowledge: Quodlibetal Debates as Precursors of Modern Academic Practice, Grant Agreement No. 949710)
- Principal Investigator (PI): Dr. Ota Pavlíček
- Duration: 1 year
- Expected Start Date: July 1, 2026
- Application Deadline: June 7, 2026
About the Project
The ACADEMIA research project focuses on the intellectual history of European universities, in particular on quodlibetal debates, an under-researched genre of academic disputations which flourished at the Faculties of Arts of European universities from the 14th to the 17th century. The successful candidate will join the research group within the Department for the Study of Ancient and Medieval Thought at the Institute of Philosophy, CAS.
Job Description
- Transcribing unique late medieval scholarly manuscripts originating from quodlibetal debates at universities in Central Europe.
- Preparing and publishing one or two studies in your area of expertise on a selected portion of these resources within a collaborative volume or a journal, possibly including critical text edition.
- Collaborating on building a database application around the textual corpus (experience in Digital Humanities is a plus).
- Working for a prestigious project funded by the European Research Council.
- You will work directly with the PI and contribute to the printed and digital results of the project.
Qualifications and Requirements
- Education: A Ph.D. degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field (e.g., Medieval Studies, History, Auxiliary Sciences of History, Classical Philology, or Philosophy).
- Palaeographic Skills: Proven and adequate experience in reading and analysing late medieval manuscripts.
- Philological Skills: Excellent command of Medieval Latin.
- Language Skills: Proficiency in English (at least B2+).
- Administrative requirement: Standard A1 certificate (applicable for candidates with cross-border work arrangements or social security registration in another EU country).
What We Offer
- Employment Type: 1.0 FTE (full-time). For outstanding candidates interested in a smaller commitment, there is a possibility of dividing the position into two 0.5 FTEs.
- Salary: 50,000 – 60,000 CZK (approx. 2,100 – 2,500 EUR) gross per month, depending on the level of expertise and previous research experience.
- Location: Prague, Czech Republic. Office space located directly in the historical centre of Prague. While physical presence in Prague is preferred, flexibility (a hybrid working model) is possible upon mutual agreement.
- Work in an inspiring, international, and cutting-edge research environment at an institution that ensures equal opportunities and supports work-life balance.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit the following documents via email by June 7, 2026:
- Cover Letter explaining your interest in the position and how your background aligns with the requirements.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Publication Sample (a representative text demonstrating your research and philological skills).
Contact and Selection Process
Please send your application or any inquiries directly to the Principal Investigator, Dr. Ota Pavlíček, at:
By submitting your application, you consent to the processing of your personal data by the Institute of Philosophy of the CAS for the purposes and duration of this selection process in accordance with GDPR regulations.
