Working at SLU, your next career step!

🎓 Overview of Silesian University

Silesian University, known in Czech as Slezská univerzita v Opavě, is a public higher education institution founded in 1991 in the historic town of Opava, within the Moravskoslezský kraj region of Czechia. Emerging from the Faculty of Education at Palacký University Olomouc, it has grown into a vibrant university with around 5,000 students across multiple faculties. The main campuses are in Opava and Karviná, offering a blend of traditional architecture and modern facilities in a region rich in industrial heritage and natural beauty.

The university's mission emphasizes practical, regionally relevant education and research, particularly in social sciences, business, public policy, and health care. Its three primary faculties—the Faculty of Public Policies in Opava, the School of Business Administration in Karviná, and the Faculty of Health Social Studies—drive its academic offerings. Jobs at Silesian University span teaching, research, administration, and support roles, attracting professionals passionate about contributing to Czechia's higher education landscape.

With strong ties to local industries and EU projects, positions here provide opportunities to engage in impactful work. Whether you're seeking lecturer jobs at Silesian University or administrative roles, the institution values innovation and community involvement.

Types of Jobs at Silesian University

Academic careers at Silesian University are diverse, reflecting its focus on applied disciplines. Common positions include assistant professors, associate professors (docenti), full professors, researchers, and lecturers. Administrative jobs cover departments like human resources, international relations, and student services. For a comprehensive look at university job types, explore available categories tailored to higher education.

Research assistant jobs at Silesian University often involve grant-funded projects in public policy analysis or health social studies. Postdoctoral roles, while not as abundant as in larger Czech universities, support early-career researchers in social sciences. Administrative positions, such as HR jobs in higher ed, ensure smooth operations across campuses.

• Lecturers and professors delivering courses in business administration or public policies.
• Researchers collaborating on EU Horizon projects.
• Health care educators training future social workers and therapists.
• Support staff managing international student programs.

These roles contribute to the university's ranking among regional leaders in Czechia, fostering expertise in practical fields.

📋 Required Academic Qualifications

To secure jobs at Silesian University, candidates typically need a master's degree as a minimum, with a PhD (doktor) essential for research-intensive or senior lecturing positions. In the Czech academic system, the title 'docent' signifies habilitation, achieved after a rigorous evaluation of scholarly work, while 'profesor' requires further national appointment. International applicants must often provide nostrification (recognition) of foreign degrees through Czech authorities.

For faculty roles, prior teaching experience at higher ed institutions is preferred. Publications in peer-reviewed journals, especially those indexed in Scopus or Web of Science, strengthen applications. Learn more about crafting a strong profile via how to write a winning academic CV.

🔬 Research Focus and Expertise Needed

Silesian University's research emphasizes regional development, public administration, business economics, and health social work. Preferred expertise includes quantitative methods in policy analysis, sustainable business practices, and interdisciplinary health studies. Faculty often secure grants from the Czech Grant Agency or EU funds, so experience with project management is advantageous.

Preferred experience encompasses 3-5 peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and grant writing. For example, projects on Moravskoslezský kraj's industrial transformation highlight the university's applied focus. Skills like statistical software proficiency (e.g., SPSS, R) or qualitative analysis tools are highly valued.

🛠️ Skills and Competencies

Successful candidates for Silesian University jobs demonstrate strong communication, teamwork, and adaptability. Key competencies include:

• Teaching skills, with student-centered pedagogies.
• Research methodology expertise relevant to social sciences.
• Czech and English proficiency; German or Polish is a plus in the multicultural region.
• Digital literacy for online teaching platforms.
• Intercultural competence for diverse student cohorts.

Administrative roles require organizational skills and familiarity with Czech higher ed regulations.

Definitions

To aid understanding of jobs at Silesian University, here are key terms:

• Docent: A mid-level academic title in Czechia, equivalent to associate professor, requiring habilitation based on a monograph and teaching record.
• Profesor: Senior title awarded nationally after docent status and significant contributions.
• Nostrification: Official recognition of foreign qualifications by Czech ministries for employment eligibility.
• Habilitation: Advanced academic qualification involving a public defense of scholarly work.
• Grant Agency of the Czech Republic (GAČR): Primary funder of basic research projects.

📄 Application Process and Tips

The application process for jobs at Silesian University begins with monitoring the official vacancies page (su.cz/en/careers) or platforms like university jobs on AcademicJobs.com. Submit a structured CV (Europass format recommended), motivation letter, list of publications, and references. Interviews often include a teaching demonstration and research presentation.

Actionable tips:

1. Customize your cover letter to the faculty's research priorities, referencing specific projects.
2. Highlight regional ties or Czech language skills to stand out.
3. Prepare for habilitation/inaugural lectures if applying for senior roles.
4. Use free cover letter template tailored for academia.
5. Follow up post-submission and network at Czech academic conferences.

Deadlines align with academic semesters; early applications boost chances.

🌈 Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives

Silesian University actively promotes diversity through its Equal Opportunities Strategy, compliant with Czech Anti-Discrimination Act and EU directives. Initiatives include mentoring for female academics aiming for profesor titles, support for international researchers via relocation grants, and accessibility programs for disabled staff. The International Office facilitates visas for non-EU hires, and gender-balanced hiring committees ensure fairness. Events like Diversity Days in Opava foster inclusive campus culture.

⚖️ Work-Life Balance and Campus Life

Jobs at Silesian University offer solid work-life balance with 25-30 vacation days, flexible scheduling, and parental leave per Czech labor law. Campuses feature sports centers, libraries, and cafés in Opava's baroque old town and Karviná's modern settings. Staff enjoy subsidies for cultural events in Moravskoslezský kraj, known for Beskydy Mountains hiking and Ostrava's vibrant scene. Wellness programs address burnout, with hybrid work options post-COVID. The close-knit community hosts faculty clubs and family days, enhancing quality of life in affordable Czechia.

Explore employer branding secrets to see how universities like this attract talent.

Career Development and Benefits

Professional growth is prioritized through sabbaticals, conference funding, and training via the Lifelong Learning Centre. Benefits include health insurance, pension contributions, and housing allowances for early-career staff. Salaries range from 35,000 CZK for assistants to 100,000+ CZK for professors, competitive regionally. Ties to Czechia university jobs networks provide mobility.

Summary

Silesian University offers rewarding jobs at Silesian University in a dynamic Czech setting. From faculty to admin roles, opportunities abound for qualified professionals. Visit higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, or recruitment resources on AcademicJobs.com to advance your search. Check professor salaries and university salaries for insights.