The Center for Environmental and Technology Ethics - Prague (CETE-P) – funded by the EU Horizon Europe programme ERA Chairs (2024-2027) and based at the Institute of Philosophy of the Czech Academy of Sciences – is seeking to appoint an experienced postdoctoral researcher to a research-only position in environmental ethics and/or technology ethics, with preference for a person who can combine both.

Qualified candidates must have research competence at the level of a 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 and PhD candidates in one of the world’s most charming cities.

The successful candidate is expected to work as a core member of the CETE-P research team in collaboration with the ERA Chair Holder Prof. Mark Coeckelbergh and the CETE-P Research Team Leader, initiate and conduct high-quality research, acquire external research funding, supervise PhD candidates, conduct outreach and networking activities and carry out other duties in accordance with CETE-P’s needs.

Qualification requirements

• PhD or equivalent academic qualification in philosophy/ethics or a related discipline
• Continuous, high-quality research activity pertaining to environmental and/or technology ethics
• Proven track record in at least one of CETE-P’s research fields
• 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 environmental and/or technology ethics – 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 CETE-P
• Capacity and willingness to acquire research funding
• Personal suitability and motivation for the position
• Good team player and versatile at all levels
• Skills within dissemination, public outreach and innovation
• Capability to create and contribute to a positive environment for collaboration
• Capability of multidisciplinary co-operation

We offer

• Full-time research position with no teaching and low administrative obligations
• Contract until 31 December 2027 (with a 3-month probation period)
• Salary about CZK 900,000 CZK per annum (gross) – room for negotiations and increase
• Professionally stimulating work environment
• Office space located in the historical centre of Prague
• Professional administrative and academic support
• Relocation assistance

The successful candidate for this post will commence duties preferably on 1 September 2024, or as soon as possible thereafter. 

How to apply

The application must include:

• Application letter (statement of motivation, summarising research interests)
• Personal research plan (2 pages)
• CV (list of education, positions, pedagogical experience, administrative experience, and other relevant qualifications)
• Complete list of publications
• List of reference persons: 2–3 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 31 March 2024 to Petra Zakostelecka at zakostelecka@flu.cas.cz.

About the selection procedure

In April 2024, the international Selection Committee will assess all applications and invite the most qualified applicants to online interviews taking place in the first half of June 2024. The candidates will be informed about the result of the selection process by the end of June 2024.

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 CETE-P, please contact CETE-P Project Coordinator Dr. Petr Urban at urban@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 CETE-P/ Institute of Philosophy of the Czech Academy of Sciences

CETE-P is a new research unit at the Institute of Philosophy of the Czech Academy of Sciences in Prague, conducting research on the nexus between environmental and technology ethics. It is being established due to the EU funded Horizon Europe project Nr. 101086898 led by prof. Mark Coeckelbergh. For more information about the project: https://cetep.eu

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/