Výběrová řízení

30. 06. 2026
Etnologický ústav AV ČR, v. v. i. vyhlašuje v souladu se zákonem č. 283/1992 Sb. o Akademii věd České republiky, ve znění zákona č. 420/2005 Sb. a Stanov AV ČR výběrové řízení na pozici Postdoktorand.

Project: ‘Desert Wilds’ (DesWilds), Institute of Ethnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic

Call for Applications: POSTDOCTORAL POSITION

The Institute of Ethnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic, invites applications for a one-year postdoctoral position, with the possibility of extending the contract to an additional year (total 2 years). Joining a budding research initiative on “wild simulation” permaculture practices in the global Traditional Chinese Medicine industry, the postdoctoral researcher will conduct ethnographic fieldwork in the region of Inner Mongolia in China.

RESEARCH PROJECT

‘Desert Wilds’ (DesWilds) is a project led by Dr. Hedwig Waters and funded by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic and based within the Department of Ecological Anthropology. Within the project, the two-member team will conduct ethnographic research in laboratory and permaculture field sites on “wild simulation” medicinal plant cultivation. Due to the shifting availability of medicinal plants, suppliers are increasingly engaging in innovative scientific and permaculture techniques to produce wild-like or “wild simulated” medicinal plants. DesWilds investigates these emergent practices through a focus on desert plants produced in Inner & Central Asia for the Traditional Chinese Medicine industry.

POSITION

As a postdoctoral researcher, you will conduct ethnographic fieldwork (up to five months) in Inner Mongolia, China, and research the laboratory, permaculture, and industrial practices developing around “desert ginseng” (cistanche deserticola). The successful candidate will be expected to proactively carry out high-quality ethnographic research in pursuit of the project’s aim to theorize wild simulations across the region. The chosen candidate will be expected to engage both independently and collaboratively, working closely together with Dr. Waters in the development of a concept paper as well as diverse dissemination activities.

JOB OFFER AT GLANCE

• Starting date: 1 September 2026, or as agreed
• Duration:  an initial one-year contract, with the possibility of extending the contract to additional one year (2 years total)
• FTE:  full-time positions
• Workplace: Prague (candidate must be ready to relocate to Prague)
• Salary: A gross salary 65 000 CZK per month (approximately 2 600 €)

YOUR ELIGIBILITY  

• A Ph.D. in social and cultural anthropology or related disciplines (sociology, geography, etc.). Applicants with their doctoral thesis already submitted will also be considered.
• Experience carrying out ethnographic research in Inner Mongolia, China, or similar region (Inner Asia/China) is essential.
• Experience with one of the following is desirable: plant/multispecies research; Science & Technology Studies; or economic anthropology.
• Excellent command of English, both written and spoken.
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team.
• Writing skills manifested in high-quality Ph.D. dissertation and peer-reviewed academic publications.
• Ability to present at international conferences and to contribute to communications aimed at the general public (blogposts, website, social media).
• Readiness to live and work in Prague, Czech Republic.

WE OFFER

• A cutting-edge research project, a vibrant and supportive research team, and the exciting broader research environment of the Institute of Ethnology and the Czech Academy of Sciences.
• Opportunities to work alongside experienced scholars within an innovative research project.
• Funding for fieldwork and conference travel.
• Various training seminars and workshops to further professional development.
• An open, family-friendly work environment, and holiday arrangements with 25 days of leave (based on a full-time contract). 
• Pleasant working environment in the centre of Prague.

APPLICATION PROCESS

To apply, candidates are required to submit the following as a single PDF document comprising:

• Cover letter (max. one page)
• CV (max. two pages)
• A sample of a written work in English, published or unpublished (max. 10 000 words)
• Contact information of two academic references

In the second stage, shortlisted candidates will be interviewed online. Additional documents might be requested as per the guidelines of the Institute.

CONTACT INFORMATION FOR THE POST

Applications should be emailed as a single file to recruitment@eu.cas.cz under the subject “DesWilds Postdoc position” no later than July 17th, 2026, 15:00 Central European Time.

We recommend that prospective applicants contact Dr Waters at waters@eu.cas.cz for further information regarding the DesWilds ERC CZ project prior to submitting the application.

We are looking forward to receiving your application!

If no suitable candidates are found the vacancy will be reopened.

Uzávěrka přihlášek: 17. 07. 2026