Pre-proposal phase for HORIZON-WIDERA-2027-02-WIDENING-01: ERA Chairs
The Faculty of Science at Charles University invites an outstanding senior researcher to explore a unique leadership opportunity: to lead the creation of a new research group and drive excellence in Advanced Population Projections and Modelling and to shape the future of demographic research in the Czech Republic.
We invite expression of interests from researchers ready to collaborate on an ERA Chair proposal under Horizon Europe WIDERA and, if successful, to build and lead this group in Prague.
Who We Are Looking For
We are seeking a highly qualified and internationally recognized scholar (R3/R4 level) with:
- A strong track record in demographic modelling, population statistics, or related quantitative fields
- Experience in leading research teams and securing competitive funding
- An interest in advancing methodologies such as stochastic forecasting, Bayesian approaches, microsimulation, or mortality modelling
- The motivation and capacity to build a high-impact research group at a leading Central European university
Candidates of all nationalities are eligible. ERA Chair holders may not have an existing contractual relationship with Charles University.
Key parameters
- Funding scheme: Horizon Europe, WIDERA, topic HORIZON-WIDERA-2027-02-WIDENING-01
- Project duration: 5 years
- Project budget: approx. 2.5 million €
- Proposal deadline: 14 September 2027
- Working language: English
Why This Position Matters
Unique Role, European Impact
Founded in 1348, Charles University is the oldest and most prestigious university in Central Europe, consistently ranked among the top regional institutions. The Department of Demography and Geodemography is the only specialized demography department in the Czech Republic, providing comprehensive education at Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral levels.
Demographic challenges as ageing populations, shifting migration patterns, declining fertility and others are among the defining policy questions of 21st-century Europe. The ERA Chair will place Prague at the centre of that conversation, producing research with direct relevance for pension systems, healthcare planning, and public policy across the continent.
Science That Shapes Society
Population projections are essential for evidence-based policymaking and have far-reaching implications for both society and scientific research. Robust demographic modelling underpins effective planning of pension systems, healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Advancing this field at the European level is critical for the long-term functioning of our societies and that is precisely the contribution the ERA Chair is positioned to make.
Methodological Ambition
Demographic forecasting in the Czech Republic offers significant scope for methodological advancement building on approaches already established at leading international institutions. The ERA Chair will drive the integration of:
- Stochastic and multi-dimensional forecasting approaches
- Mortality modelling (e.g., Lee–Carter, Cairns–Blake–Dowd models)
- Bayesian methods and hierarchical population models
- Multi-state models and microsimulation techniques
- Scenario-based and Monte Carlo simulations
Expected Impact of the ERA Chair
ERA Chairs are among the most prestigious individual research grants under Horizon Europe. The successful candidate will drive a transformative step forward in demographic research in the Czech Republic. The ERA Chair holder will build a permanent, high-performing research group fully integrated within the Department with direct impact on both research output and institutional culture:
- Publication of results in leading international journals and participation in prestigious European research consortia
- Strengthened interdisciplinary collaboration across the Faculty of Science (epidemiology, environmental sciences, ecology, population genetics)
- Integration of cutting-edge research into teaching at all levels, and mentorship of PhD students and postdoctoral researchers
- Improved capacity to compete successfully for further EU and international funding
- Lasting institutional reforms aligned with ERA priorities as open science, transparent recruitment, and researcher career development
Get In Touch
Interested candidates are invited to send us a short email with their CV to get in touch and start the conversation. We are happy to discuss the opportunity informally before any commitment.
Contact person:
Kateřina Chmelíková
Head of the Department of International Projects
Charles University
Faculty of Science
Albertov 6, 128 43 Prague 2
www.natur.cuni.cz/en
phone: +420 776 577 447
Where to apply
E-mail: katerina.chmelikova@natur.cuni.cz
Requirements
- Research Field: Demography
- Education Level: PhD or equivalent
- Languages: ENGLISH — Level: Excellent
Work Location(s)
- Number of offers available: 1
- Company/Institute: Charles University, Faculty of Science
- Country: Czech Republic
- City: Prague
Contact
State/Province: Czech republic
City: Prague
Website: https://natur.cuni.cz/en
Street: Albertov 6
Postal Code: 12800
