Call for applications, two Researcher Positions

ERC-CoG Project: ‘Romani Family in an Age of War’ (RAW), Institute of Ethnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, The Czech Republic

Call for Applications: Two Researcher Positions

THE INSTITUTION

The Institute of Ethnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences (Prague, Czech Republic), invites applications for two fully funded researcher positions. The general aim of the Department of Mobility and Migration, where the project is based, is to understand the role of mobility and migration in the contemporary world and to describe and theorise how identities, practices, discourses, institutions, and places are formed and transformed as a function of movement through space and time.

POSITIONS

Under the supervision of Dr Martin Fotta and alongside members of the team, researchers will conduct ethnographic research among Romani or Domari communities in Europe or the Middle East that have been affected by wars and armed conflicts over the past forty years. They will work as a part of a research team within the project ‘Romani Family in an Age of War’ (RAW) funded by the European Research Council (ERC Consolidator Grant, 101170655).

JOB OFFERS AT GLANCE

• Starting date: 1 July 2026 or as agreed
• Duration: 3 years
• FTE: full-time positions
• Workplace: Prague or Brno (candidate must be ready to relocate to Prague or Brno)
• Salary: A gross salary ranging from €2,750 to €3,040, with an additional 4% annual increase. The exact amount will be determined based on the candidate’s experience.

YOUR ELIGIBILITY

• A Ph.D. in social and cultural anthropology or a closely related discipline, awarded prior to the start of the contract.
• Highly organized researcher with a demonstrated capability of working autonomously.
• Demonstrated research experience in ethnographic research and qualitative methods.
• A strong publication record or clear potential for high-quality academic outputs.
• Ability to conduct independent research while contributing to a collaborative research project.
• Willingness and ability to undertake fieldwork and travel as required by the project.
• Excellent command of English, both written and spoken.
• Knowledge of fieldwork-related languages. Knowledge of Romani is an advantage.
• Ability to present at international conferences and to contribute to communications aimed at the general public (blogposts, website, social media).
• Thematic expertise relevant to the project (e.g. kinship, violence or ethnicity) is an advantage. Previous research experience with Romani communities is desirable.
• Experience with grant writing, project coordination, or public engagement is an advantage.

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.
• Fees for open access publications.
• Training seminars and workshops to further professional development.
• Institutional affiliation with the Institute of Ethnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences.
• 25 days of paid annual leave, flexible working arrangements, and a family-friendly work environment.
• 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:

• Motivation letter (max. two pages).
• CV (max. two pages).
• Research project proposal (including objectives and research questions, methodology, and timeline).
• A sample of a written work in English (unpublished work, such as a thesis chapter is also acceptable).
• The names and contact details of two potential referees.

Applications should be emailed as a single file to ticha@eu.cas.cz under the subject ‘RAW Researcher position’ no later than 5 March 2026, 16:00 Central European Time.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview in mid-March.

ABOUT THE PROJECT

‘Romani Family in an Age of War (RAW)’ is an innovative project funded by the European Research Council and led by Dr Martin Fotta. This project is carried out by a six-member team conducting ethnographic research with Romani (or Domari) communities in Europe and the Middle East. Fieldwork may be undertaken in, or with people originating from, a range of contexts affected by armed conflicts in the last four decades, including, for example, Ukraine, Syria, Lebanon, Palestine and the Western Balkans. RAW investigates transformations in Romani kinship in the aftermath of war, focusing on how kinship practices and relationships are used as social resources to cope with violence, displacement and uncertainty. The project explores everyday practices of care, shifts in relatedness networks, and generational perspectives to understand how experiences of war are reflected in kinship structures and family relations. By centering a vulnerable, dispersed, and non-contiguous ethnic minority, the project offers an original contribution to the study of war and its social consequences beyond majority-focused analyses.

FURTHER INFORMATION

We strongly recommend that prospective applicants contact Dr. Fotta at fotta@eu.cas.cz for further information regarding the RAW ERC project prior to submitting the application.

Applications from Romani or Domari scholars are encouraged. In cases of equal merit, Romani or Domari applicants may be given preference. Should no suitable candidates be found, the positions will be re-opened.

We are looking forward to receiving your application!

Download pdf version here.