MASARYK UNIVERSITY
The Dean of Faculty of Social Studies
OPENS A POSITION
of
Assistant professor at the Department of Political Science
specialising in security studies, research methods and digital technologies
Workplace: Department of Political Science, Faculty of Social Studies, Masaryk University, Brno
Position type: academic position | EU Researcher Profile R2
Workload: 0.5 FTE (20 hours per week)
Start date / duration of employment: January 2027 or by agreement; fixed-term contract for a period of three years.
Application deadline: 25.11.2026
Who we are looking for
The Department of Political Science at the Faculty of Social Studies, Masaryk University, is looking for a colleague who combines social science research on security and political topics with advanced research methods and digital technologies. The position is suited to a researcher able to work across social science and technical perspectives and to contribute to the development of the department's teaching, research and applied projects.
Main responsibilities
- teaching in bachelor's and master's degree programmes, particularly in security studies, hybrid threats, information and cognitive influence operations, and related topics;
- supervising bachelor's and master's theses;
- own research and publication activity commensurate with the profile of an academic staff member;
- involvement in the preparation and implementation of national and international research and applied projects;
- cooperation with academic and non-academic partners in the Czech Republic and abroad, and participation in the academic life of the department.
Requirements
- a completed Ph.D. in political science, security studies or a related social science discipline;
- expertise relevant to security and political topics, particularly hybrid threats, psychological operations, information or cognitive influence operations, or related areas;
- experience with empirical social science research and the ability to combine qualitative and quantitative methods;
- a relevant publication record and potential for further publication development;
- university teaching experience or demonstrable potential for high-quality teaching;
- advanced English sufficient for independent teaching and academic work; ability to teach in Czech or Slovak;
- an international profile evidenced, for example, by international research collaboration, mobility, joint projects or publications;
- ability to use and develop mixed-methods research designs and to work with both qualitative and quantitative data;
- ability to conduct network analysis;
- ability to use digital and computational tools in social science research; the ability to design or develop one's own research tools, software or AI systems is welcome;
- commitment to transparent, auditable and reproducible research practices and the responsible use of AI;
- ability to work in a team and willingness to contribute to the development of the department.
Desirable qualificationss
- experience with software development, automation of data workflows or the use of programming languages in research;
- experience in preparing grant and project proposals.
What we offer
- the academic environment of a research-oriented university and the facilities of the Faculty of Social Studies, MU;
- the opportunity to develop your own research agenda and interdisciplinary collaboration;
- involvement in the research, project and international activities of the department and the faculty;
- support for professional development and international mobility;
- flexible working hours and employee benefits in line with the current rules of MU and FSS MU;
- a workplace in the centre of Brno.
Selection process
The selection procedure will be conducted in accordance with the Masaryk University Selection Procedure Rules and the rules of FSS MU. After a check of formal requirements, applicants will be assessed against criteria published in advance. The next round will include an interview, which may take place in person, in hybrid form or online.
The committee will consider in particular the fit between the applicant's expertise and the needs of the department, the quality and prospects of their research and publication activity, methodological skills, teaching experience, international profile, project experience and potential for teamwork.
How to apply
Please apply via the Masaryk University online application form. Attach a structured academic CV, a cover letter, a list of publications, an overview of research and project activities, an overview of teaching activities and supervised theses (if applicable), and proof of qualifications to the extent required by the FSS MU Human Resources Office.
Masaryk University supports equal opportunities and open, transparent, merit-based recruitment and selection.
