Researcher in Comparative Area Studies, with a Focus on Africa (Postdoctoral Level)

About the role

The Faculty of Arts, Charles University (Prague, Czech Republic) is seeking a postdoctoral researcher in comparative area studies, with a focus on Sub-Saharan Africa. As part of the project funded by Horizon Europe (ERA Chair in Multidisciplinary Area Studies, ERA-AREAS), this post holder will participate in the international research group under the newly established Center for Multidisciplinary Area Studies (CenMAS) . The applicant will work closely with the ERA Chair Holder, Prof Mariana Llanos, and the research group leader, Dr. Mahmoud Farag. The Faculty of Arts belongs among the largest and longest-established centers for area studies research and instruction in Central and Eastern Europe, covering all global regions in its research. By engaging in the ERA-AREAS project, the Faculty seeks to strengthen its area studies programs focused on non-European global regions and Eastern Europe. We invite applications from scholars within area studies whose research demonstrates strong regional expertise and a commitment to addressing globally significant issues through a social science lens . The ideal candidate will employ comparative methodologies and actively engage in disciplinary debates within area studies on critical current events from a comparative perspective. While the specific disciplinary focus of the applicants is secondary (gravitating towards the loosely defined core of sociology, political science, economics, contemporary history or anthropology), the researcher is expected to engage in research of the causes and consequences of contemporary crises in Sub-Saharan Africa which include, in particular, political crises, economic shocks, coups, democratic breakdowns, social protests, early government terminations, threats to democracies, and outbursts of political violence. Essential criteria Proven experience with approaches that compare contexts within or across global regions, including the ability to combine deep contextual knowledge of Sub-Saharan Africa with comparative methods (qualitative, quantitative, computational or mixed methods) to identify causal linkages, Demonstrated capacity to apply social science research methods to area studies, moving beyond traditional linguistic-cultural approaches while avoiding purely universalist, theory-driven models of explanation, A completed Ph.D. (or an internationally recognized equivalent) in a relevant social science discipline, obtained no more than five years prior to the application deadline (excluding eligible career breaks such as parental leave, military service, serious illness, or other legally recognized interruptions). If the Ph.D. is not completed by the application deadline (September 14, 2026) but is expected to be finished by the start date (April 1, 2027), the candidate must provide a confirmation letter from their supervisor stating that the Ph.D. will be completed no later than April 1, 2027. High proficiency in spoken and written English; Czech language proficiency is not required, Language skills adequate for deep contextual understanding of the given global region, An international publication record in an area studies field appropriate for the postdoctoral-level position, A well-developed and ambitious research agenda featuring regionally grounded social science work that addresses global issues using comparative approaches, Advanced knowledge of area studies methodologies and social science research techniques, especially the ability to utilize comparative methods of causal inference to uncover the determinants and consequences of critical contemporary events, We expect a broader expertise in a global region that extends beyond the study of a single country or community and that spans multiple national contexts, Proven ability to work collaboratively across disciplinary boundaries, supporting multidisciplinary dialogue and research. Desirable Criteria Engaging with research that involves cross-region comparisons to other global regions than those which constitute the thrust of the applicant's expertise (that is Middle East, Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America), Evidence of research impact beyond academia, including engagement with policymakers, practitioners, or civil society, The ability to present research findings to broader public through media and public outreach. Limited travel budget will be available for academic conferences, A history of successful research grant applications and a clear potential to attract further research funding. Your Responsibilities The postdoctoral researchers will form part of a multidisciplinary and cross-regional research group at the Center for Multidisciplinary Area Studies guided by a single overarching analytic theme, composed of other newly hired postdoctoral researchers and current researchers at the Faculty Arts area studies departments, Contribute to the scientific goal of the project by analyzing the causes and consequences of critical current events from a methodologically rigoro

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