Selection Procedures
Institute of Ethnology of the CAS announces an open competition in accordance with the Act No. 283/1992 Coll. on the Czech Academy of Sciences, and the Statutes of the Czech Academy of Sciences for a position RESEARCHER IN ETHNOMUSICOLOGY/ETHNOCHOREOLOGY.
The Institute of Ethnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences (IE CAS), Prague, Czech Republic, invites applications for a full-time Researcher in Ethnomusicology/Ethnochoreology, starting on 1 April 2027, or by agreement.
This is an institutionally funded, 100% research position with no regular teaching obligations, offering substantial academic independence and a clear perspective for long-term employment. The initial contract is for three years and, subject to successful research assessment, may be renewed for a further three-year period. Subsequent successful assessments provide a pathway towards tenure/permanent employment at IE CAS.
We are looking for an ambitious and independent scholar who will develop their own distinctive research programme, publish internationally and actively pursue competitive external funding.
POSITION
We welcome applicants working in one or more of the following areas:
- Ethnomusicology and ethnochoreology, including anthropological approaches to music and dance
- Digital and computational approaches to music, including music information retrieval (MIR), digital humanities, music data science and computational (ethno)musicology
- Media, technology and sound, including sound studies and media archaeology
- Participatory research and citizen science, including collaborative, participatory and socially engaged research
We are particularly interested in research on music and dance in relation to social inclusion; conflict, migration and displacement; wellbeing; resilience; communities and minorities; cultural heritage; memory and cultural transmission; and more-than-human or environmental ethnomusicology.
Regional expertise in Central and Eastern Europe and knowledge of Czech is welcome but not required. The successful candidate is expected to settle in Prague and actively participate in the Institute’s research community. Applicants who do not speak Czech are very welcome, particularly if they are willing to learn the language gradually during their time at IE CAS.
The successful candidate will be expected to pursue an independent research agenda and progressively build their own externally funded research programme. We particularly welcome applicants with the ambition and potential to compete for prestigious national and international grants, including ERC funding.
Researchers at the Institute have been awarded seven ERC grants to date, alongside MSCA and other major national and international projects. The Institute provides experience, mentoring and administrative support for developing competitive grant proposals and implementing funded research.
We are therefore looking for a researcher who wants not simply to contribute to existing projects, but to develop their own ideas, collaborations and funding portfolio within IE CAS.
JOB OFFER AT GLANCE
Starting date: 1 April 2027, or by agreement
Duration: Initial three-year contract, renewable for a further three years following successful research assessment; subsequent successful assessments provide a pathway towards tenure/permanent employment
FTE: Full-time, 100% research; no regular teaching obligations
Workplace: Prague or Brno, Czech Republic; the successful candidate is expected to relocate to Prague or Brno
Salary: 35 – 45 000 CZK
Employment package: Statutory social security and public health insurance contributions are included as part of standard salaried employment in the Czech Republic
Application deadline: 15 November 2026
YOUR ELIGIBILITY
- A PhD in (ethno)musicology, (ethno)choreology, anthropology, ethnology, or another relevant discipline
- A strong research profile appropriate to the applicant’s career stage
- A clear and original independent research agenda
- Demonstrated potential for high-quality international publication
- The ambition and capacity to develop highly competitive grant applications, including for major international funding schemes such as the ERC
- Readiness to participate actively in the intellectual and collaborative life of the Institute
- Experience with international research collaboration or externally funded projects is an advantage
WE OFFER
- An institutionally funded research position within the Czech Academy of Sciences, the leading non-university research institution in the Czech Republic
- A position focused entirely on research, with no regular teaching duties
- Substantial academic independence and freedom to develop an original research programme
- A clear career perspective through regular research assessment and a pathway towards tenure/permanent employment
- Strong institutional support for developing national and international grant applications, backed by IE CAS’s experience with seven ERC grants, MSCA fellowships and other major research projects
- Access to rich archival and library collections, international research networks and interdisciplinary collaboration across IE CAS
- A workplace in Prague or Brno, safe, highly liveable and internationally connected European cities with vibrant academic and cultural environment
APPLICATION PROCESS
To apply, candidates are required to submit:
- a curriculum vitae, including a list of publications
- a cover letter outlining their research profile, motivation for joining IE CAS, and proposed research agenda, including plans for its future development
- A piece of your own academic writing in English (published or unpublished)
In the second stage, shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview.
CONTACT INFORMATION FOR THE POST
Before submitting your application, we recommend consulting it with the Head of the Department of Ethnomusicology and Ethnochoreology, Zita Skořepová (skorepova@eu.cas.cz).
Applications should be sent to recruitment@eu.cas.cz, stating “recruitment – OEE” in the subject line by 15 November 2026.
If no suitable candidate is identified, the Institute reserves the right not to fill the position and to reopen the vacancy.
Application deadline: 11/15/2026