CHARLESTON Postdoctoral Fellowship: Charles University invites applications for the CHARLESTON Postdoctoral Fellowship, co-funded by the prestigious European Commission initiative MSCA COFUND (Horizon Europe). The programme supports early-career researchers through international mobility, career development, and secondments in non-academic institutions. The fellowship aims to foster sustainable development and societal impact in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Designation: Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Research Area: The CHARLESTON programme follows a bottom-up approach, allowing fellows to propose their research topics. Applications are encouraged from all disciplines available at Charles University’s 17 faculties and 4 institutes. Projects must align with one or more UN SDGs and contribute to sustainable development and societal impact.
Location: Fellows will be based at Charles University, Czech Republic, at one of its 17 faculties or 4 institutes across Prague, Hradec Králové, and Plzeň. A mandatory secondment (3-6 months) at a non-academic institution is required.
Eligibility/Qualification:
- Ph.D. degree obtained within the last 8 years (exceptions apply for parental leave and other career breaks).
- Must not have been employed by Charles University at the time of application submission.
- Must not have resided in the Czech Republic for more than 12 months within the past 36 months (mobility rule).
- Open to researchers from all nationalities and disciplines.
- Charles University encourages applications from women and scientists at risk.
Job Description:
- Conduct independent postdoctoral research at Charles University.
- Collaborate with faculty and researchers across CU’s faculties and institutes.
- Engage in a 3-6 month secondment in a non-academic institution to enhance intersectoral collaboration.
- Participate in the Career Development Programme, which includes mentoring, specialized courses, and training.
- Present research findings at two international conferences and undertake two international visits.
- Publish research outputs in open-access journals and contribute to knowledge transfer initiatives.
Employment Conditions & Benefits:
- Employment Contract: Fellows will be employed by Charles University with full social and health insurance coverage.
- Salary & Allowances:
- Living Allowance: €4,180/month (€3,068 gross salary after deductions).
- Mobility Allowance: €400/month (€293 after deductions).
- Family Allowance: €200/month (€146 after deductions) for fellows with dependent children.
- Research Costs Contribution: €600/month.
- Training Costs Contribution: €200/month.
- Additional funding available for secondment-related travel costs.
- Access to the CU Staff Welcome Centre for support in relocation and settling in the Czech Republic.
How to Apply:
- Applications must be submitted via the IS Věda portal.
- The call is open from 1 March to 31 May 2025, 2 pm Prague time.
- Required documents for application submission:
- Guide for Applicants
- User Manual for Submitting Online Application Form
- Part B1 Template – Proposed Project Description
- Part B2 Template – Ethics Issues Table
- Letter of Commitment – Non-Academic Institutions
- Definitions of Terms for Completing Project Description
- Frequently Asked Questions
- An online webinar for applicants will take place on Thursday, 27 March 2025, at 14:00 (Prague time). Prior registration is required via the provided link on the programme’s website.
Last Date to Apply: 31 May 2025, 2 pm Prague time.
For more details, visit the CHARLESTON programme website and refer to the Guide for Applicants.
