Assistant (Junior Lecturer) at the Department of Political Science Specialising in Czech Politics

MASARYK UNIVERSITY

The Dean of Faculty of Social Studies

OPENS A POSITION

of

Assistant (Junior Lecturer) at the Department of Political Science

specialising in Czech politics, contemporary history and socio-political change

Workplace: Department of Political Science, Faculty of Social Studies, Masaryk University, Brno

Position type: academic position | EU Researcher Profile R1-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 at an advanced stage of doctoral studies whose academic and teaching profile connects contemporary Czech politics, contemporary political and institutional history, and broader socio-political change. We welcome an interest in democratic development, political institutions, political ideas and conflicts, national identity, cultural and value conflicts, the changing information environment, and the relationship between society, technology and public authority.

Main responsibilities

• teaching in bachelor's and master's degree programmes in contemporary Czech politics, political institutions, democratic and authoritarian governance, political ideas and ideologies, and contemporary political history;
• teaching topics related to changes in Czech society, national identity, cultural and value conflicts, social inequalities and the relationship between politics and society;
• teaching and developing topics focused on the information environment, power networks and hierarchies, digital platforms, technological change and their impact on politics and society;
• leading seminar-based and project-oriented teaching, including work with texts, discussion, fieldwork or documentation activities, and cooperation with external partners;
• gradual involvement in supervising bachelor's and master's theses in line with the qualifications attained;
• own research and publication activity in line with the academic profile of the position;
• involvement in the academic life of the department and collaboration on teaching, projects and other departmental activities;
• organising community and academic events – from student activities and academic community building to conferences, workshops, panel discussions and other formal academic events.

Requirements

• ongoing doctoral studies at an advanced stage in political science, contemporary history or a related social science discipline, with a realistic prospect of completion in the near future (6–10 months);
• an academic profile matching at least some of the thematic areas listed above;
• university teaching experience or demonstrable potential for high-quality independent teaching;
• ability to lead seminar-based and discussion-oriented classes and to work with students in small groups;
• ability to organise student, community or academic events;
• ability to work independently as a scholar, to develop a publication record and to work in a team;
• advanced English for academic work and communication; ability to teach in Czech or Slovak;
• an international profile or the potential to develop one, for example through mobility, collaboration, projects or professional contacts.

Desirable qualifications

• experience with project-oriented, field-based or documentation-based teaching and cooperation with public, memory, cultural or civic institutions;
• experience teaching or researching Czech politics, democratic transition, political institutions, political ideas, contemporary history or social conflicts;
• experience organising conferences, workshops, public debates, student events or other academic and community formats;
• knowledge of German for communicating with foreign foundations and institutional partners;
• experience with interdisciplinary collaboration and with involving external experts or partner institutions in teaching.

What we offer

• a part-time academic position (0.5 FTE);
• the opportunity to gradually develop your own teaching and academic profile at the Department of Political Science, FSS MU;
• room to develop new teaching formats and to collaborate across degree programmes;
• involvement in the academic, project and community activities of the department and the faculty;
• support for professional development, international collaboration and academic 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 academic and teaching profile and the needs of the department, the quality of their teaching to date, the prospects of completing their doctoral studies, research and publication potential, organisational experience, international profile and aptitude for teamwork.

How to apply

• Please apply via the Masaryk University online application form. Attach a structured academic CV, a cover letter, an overview of publication and research activities, an overview of teaching activities and, where applicable, experience organising academic or community events, and proof of ongoing doctoral studies.
• Masaryk University supports equal opportunities and open, transparent, merit-based recruitment.