The Department of Applied Philosophy and Ethics (DAPE) and the Center for Environmental and Technology Ethics-Prague (CETE-P) at the Institute of Philosophy of the Czech Academy of Sciences seek to appoint a Postdoctoral Researcher (with no teaching duties) specializing in the cross-section of AI and communication / AI and democracy.

The position is part of the project Human-centered AI for a Sustainable and Adaptive Society, awarded by the Czech Ministry of Education Youth and Sport (CZ.02.01.01/00/23_025/0008691). The project deals with various ways genAI can improve democratic processes, human communication and education.

Qualified candidates must have research competence at the level of Postdoctoral Researcher / Assistant Professor and be willing to relocate to Prague. This is an exciting opportunity for collaboration in a vibrant and collegial international community of researchers in one of the world’s most charming cities.

The successful candidate is expected to work as a member of the DAPE/CETE-P research team, initiate and conduct high-quality research that results in excellent publications, participate in research stays lasting 1-3 months at leading European institutions and organize scientific events.

Qualification requirements

• PhD degree in philosophy/ethics or a related discipline, obtained no more than 5 years 
  before the application deadline
• Continuous, high-quality research activity in philosophy and ethics of AI
• Proven publication track record in the relevant research areas
• Documented experience with and ability to build international networks
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English

Criteria to be explicitly addressed in the evaluation process

• Academic production pertaining to philosophy and ethics of AI – originality and innovative thinking
  will be weighted more heavily  than quantity
• Potential to contribute to the long-term development of the academic and research environment
  at DAPE/CETE-P
• Personal suitability and motivation for the position
• Capability to create and contribute to a positive environment for collaboration
• Preparedness to organize and execute workshops and conferences
• Capability of multidisciplinary co-operation

We offer

• Full-time research position with no teaching and low administrative obligations
• Employment contract for 24-30 months (with a 3-month probation period)
• Salary about CZK 600,000 per annum (gross)
• Funded 3 research stays lasting between 1 and a half and 3 months at prestigious
  European academic institutions
• Professionally stimulating work environment
• Office space located in the historical centre of Prague
• Professional administrative and academic support

The successful candidate for this post will commence duties preferably in April 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter.

How to apply
The application must include:

• Cover letter (statement of motivation, summarising research interests)
• Academic CV
• Research proposal with focus on AI and communication / AI and democracy (no more than 1000 words)
• Complete list of publications
• A sample of published work
• Two academic references (name, position, relation to candidate, e-mail and phone number)

Please note that all documents should be in English.

The application with attachments must be delivered via email by 15 March, 2025 to Petra Zakostelecka at zakostelecka@flu.cas.cz.

About the selection procedure
In late March, the Selection Committee will assess all applications and invite the most qualified applicants to online interviews taking place in the end of March 2025. The candidates will be informed about the result of the selection process in early April 2025.

Equal opportunities
The Institute of Philosophy of the Czech Academy of Sciences conducts an equal opportunities policy and encourages everyone to apply. Applications from the currently underrepresented groups in philosophy are especially welcome.

Contact information
To explore the post further or for any queries you may have about DAPE/CETE-P, please contact the head of DAPE Dr. Juraj Hvorecky at hvorecky@flu.cas.cz. For questions about how to apply and the application process, please contact HR Officer Petra Zakostelecka at zakostelecka@flu.cas.cz

About us
DAPE (dape.flu.cas.cz) is a new research unit at the Institute of Philosophy of the Czech Academy of Sciences in Prague, conducting research in applied ethics, with focus areas in technology and environmental ethics, as well as bioethics. Its essential part is the Center for Environmental and Technology Ethics - Prague (cetep.eu), the EU funded Horizon Europe project led by prof. Mark Coeckelbergh. 

The Institute of Philosophy of the Czech Academy of Sciences is a publicly funded non-university research institution, conducting research in key areas of philosophy and related humanities. It is the largest humanities institute affiliated with the Czech Academy of Sciences. The Institute has a vibrant international research community and hosts prestigious research projects supported by European funding schemes such as ERC, Horizon Europe or COST. It is located at the very heart of the historical centre of Prague. For more information about the Institute: https://www.flu.cas.cz/en/