Postdoc Positions

Offer Description

carrying out scientific research within the scope “Equality under pressure: designing and implementing equality policies at technical universities in the context of isomorphism” project OPUS 30 funded by National Science Centre Poland, contributing to the University's organizational activities, and continuously improving professional competencies.

Employment is planned in two stages:

Stage I: a full-time, fixed-term employment contract for 12 months, from 15 December 2026 to 30 November 2027.

Stage II: subject to a positive evaluation of the project tasks, the selected candidate may be offered a subsequent fixed-term employment contract. It will cover the remaining project period (up to 36 months) and will end no later than the project end date.

A subsequent contract requires a separate decision by the University. The employee has no automatic right to it, and the University has no obligation to offer it. A positive evaluation does not by itself mean that a contract will be offered. No new recruitment procedure will be required for that contract.

After the first 12 months, the Principal Investigator will carry out the evaluation and document it in writing. The evaluation criteria are:

• timely completion of the tasks assigned to the position in the project schedule,
• quality and completeness of research results,
• contribution to publications, datasets or other project outputs,
• cooperation with the project team,
• consistency of further employment with the project schedule and budget.

Scope of duties

• Analysing documents - gender equality plans (GEPs), internal regulations and equality-policy artefacts - to reconstruct the regulative, normative and cultural-cognitive dimensions of institutional change.
• Coordinating research at one technical university: overseeing fieldwork, ensuring methodological consistency, and feeding the site’s findings into the comparative research design.
• Conducting qualitative fieldwork - in-depth interviews, focus groups and observations and documenting everyday practices, interpretations and the dynamics of resistance.
• Co-responsibility for qualitative coding in MAXQDA, developing analytical categories, and contributing to thematic analyses of the intersections of class, gender and technological cultures.
• Co-designing quantitative instruments, including questionnaire modules with class-, institution- and technology-related indicators aligned with the project’s conceptual framework.
• Managing quantitative data collection: organising and supervising the survey, liaising with university units, ensuring data quality, and supporting preparation of the dataset for analysis.
• Contributing to the comparative analysis: linking institutional patterns to theoretical findings on institutionalisation, resistance and socio-cultural dynamics in technical universities.
• Contributing to the integration of mixed-methods findings.
• Co-authoring methodological, empirical and comparative publications, and preparing conference presentations that strengthen the project’s academic visibility.
• Participating in knowledge exchange and teamwork through regular project meetings, methodological consultations and joint analytical sessions.

Where to apply

E-mail: konkursy-wh@agh.edu.pl

Requirements

• Research Field: Anthropology » Social anthropology
• Education Level: PhD or equivalent
• Research Field: Sociology
• Education Level: PhD or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

1. A doctoral degree in the discipline of sociological sciences or a related discipline within the social sciences. An obligatory formal criterion for admission to the competition is that the doctoral degree was obtained in the year of employment in the project or within 12 years preceding 1 January of the year of employment in the project (for persons holding more than one doctoral degree, the reference date is the date of obtaining the first of them). This period may be extended by the time spent during that period on long-term (exceeding 90 days) documented sick leave benefits or rehabilitation benefits granted due to incapacity for work, and additionally by the number of months spent on leaves related to childcare granted under the rules set out in the Polish Labour Code; in the case of women intending to enter the competition, by 18 months for each child born or adopted, if this method of accounting for career breaks is more favourable — verified on the basis of a copy of the diploma and a declaration.
2. Having obtained the doctoral degree at an institution other than the AGH University of Krakow, or having completed at least a 9-month, continuous and documented research placement, carried out during doctoral school training, doctoral studies, or after obtaining the doctoral degree, at an institution other than AGH and in a country other than the country in which the doctoral degree was obtained, in accordance with the conditions of employment in a post-doc position specified in the Regulations on granting funds for the implementation of tasks financed by the National Science Centre (Resolution of the NCN Council No. 72/2025 of 11 September 2025) — verified on the basis of the diploma and a declaration or placement documentation.
3. Authorship or co-authorship of at least two peer-reviewed scientific publications in the field of social sciences — verified on the basis of the list of publications in the CV.
4. Documented participation in at least one research project (grant-funded, statutory, or applied) as an investigator or researcher, with the role performed and the scope of tasks specified in the CV.
5. Documented experience in quantitative research, confirmed by at least one of the following: (a) authorship or co-authorship of a scientific publication employing quantitative analyses; (b) participation in a research project involving quantitative research; (c) a conference presentation or poster including results based on quantitative research. The cover letter should indicate the specific research, the role performed, and the analytical techniques applied.
6. A documented research record or research experience in at least one of the following areas: sociology of institutions, public policy analysis, or organization studies, confirmed by at least one of the following: (a) publications; (b) conference presentations; (c) the subject of the doctoral dissertation; (d) participation in research projects; (e) teaching courses in this area.
7. A documented research record or research experience in the sociology of gender, confirmed by at least one of the following: (a) publications; (b) conference presentations; (c) the subject of the doctoral dissertation; (d) participation in research projects; (e) teaching courses in this area.
8. Documented organisational achievements and active participation in conferences and symposia.
9. Proficiency in English at a minimum of B2 level (according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages of the Council of Europe).
10. Proficiency in Polish sufficient to conduct qualitative research (including individual in-depth interviews with biographical elements) and to prepare scientific publications; candidates who do not hold Polish citizenship should present a certificate of proficiency in Polish at C2 level.

Recruitment rules

1. The post-doc position is awarded in accordance with resolution of the NCN Council No. 72/2025 of September 11, 2025: https://www.ncn.gov.pl/sites/default/files/pliki/uchwaly-rady/2025/uchwala72_2025-zal1.pdf
2. A person applying for a post-doc position must meet the following conditions:
3. obtained the doctoral degree at an institution other than the institution in which employment in this position is planned, or completed at least a 9-month, continuous and documented research placement, carried out during doctoral school training, doctoral studies, or after obtaining the doctoral degree, at an institution other than the institution implementing the project and in a country other than the country in which the doctoral degree was obtained;
4. will be employed for a period of not less than 6 months;
5. during the period of receiving this remuneration, will not receive any other remuneration from funds allocated as direct costs from research projects financed under NCN calls;
6. during the period of receiving this remuneration, will not receive remuneration from another employer under an employment contract, including from an employer based outside the territory of Poland;
7. during the period of receiving this remuneration, will not receive retirement benefits or equivalent benefits in Poland or abroad.

Specific Requirements

Desirable qualifications (assets):

1. Experience in mixed-methods research.
2. Familiarity with the study of social class or inequality, evidenced by at least one of the following: (a) a publication or conference presentation on social class, stratification, or social inequality; (b) the topic of the doctoral dissertation; (c) participation in a research project addressing this area; (d) teaching experience in this field.
3. Proficiency in MAXQDA or another CAQDAS software package.
4. Experience in coordinating fieldwork or leading a research team.
5. Publications in journals indexed in Scopus or Web of Science.

• Languages: English
• Level: Good
• Languages: Polish
• Level: Excellent
• Research Field: Anthropology » Social anthropology; Sociology
• Years of Research Experience: 4 - 10

Internal Application form(s) needed: Consent to personal data processing_1.pdf (English, 91.88 KB - PDF)

Additional Information

Benefits

Benefits:

1. Opportunity for professional development at one of Poland’s leading technical universities.
2. Excellent conditions for research activities and for collaboration with the academic communities.
3. Salary: at least PLN 8 996,00 gross per month plus seniority allowance and annual additional remuneration. Gross remuneration, including the seniority allowance and the annual additional remuneration, will average PLN 11,694 per month (PLN 170,000 annually, including employer’s contributions), subject to the two-stage employment model described in the offer description.

Eligibility criteria

Required documents:

1. Application letter. In the letter, the candidate should address: fit with the project profile (sociology of institutions, public policy analysis, or organization studies, as well as the sociology of gender); quantitative research experience; where applicable, experience in mixed-methods research; where relevant, familiarity with the study of social class or inequality; and a brief statement of motivation for participating in the project. The elements indicated in the letter are additionally confirmed by the attached documents.
2. Personal questionnaire for a person applying for employment, using the prescribed template: https://csp.agh.edu.pl/home/csp/dokumenty/dla_kandydata/Kwestionariusz_osobowy_dla_osoby_ubiegajacej_sie_o_zatrudnienie.docx.
3. Copies of diplomas and other certificates confirming the candidate’s qualifications.
4. In the case of a foreign national or a person who has conducted continuous scientific activity abroad for at least five years preceding the announcement of the competition, a declaration on the recognition of professional qualifications https://nawa.gov.pl/en/recognition/system-kwalifikator.
5. Lists documenting compliance with the requirements, in particular:
   1. a list of the candidate's peer-reviewed scientific publications in the social sciences, documenting authorship or co-authorship of at least two publications and indicating, where applicable, publications indexed in Scopus or Web of Science;
   2. a list of research projects (grant-funded, statutory, or applied) in which the candidate has participated, specifying the role held and the scope of tasks;
   3. a declaration on the date of award of the doctoral degree and, where applicable, on the circumstances extending the eligibility period (long-term - over 90 days - documented sick leave or rehabilitation benefits; parental and childcare leave granted under the Labour Code; and 18 months per child born or adopted in the case of women);
   4. a declaration and/or supporting documentation confirming fulfilment of the mobility condition for the post-doc position – that the doctoral degree was obtained at an institution other than AGH University of Krakow, or documentation of at least a 9-month continuous research placement completed at an institution other than AGH and in a country other than the country in which the doctoral degree was obtained (in accordance with NCN Council resolution No. 72/2025 of 11 September 2025);
   5. documentation of experience in quantitative research (scientific publications employing quantitative analyses, participation in research projects involving quantitative research, conference presentations or posters including results of quantitative research); the specific research, the role held, and the analytical techniques applied should be indicated in the application letter;
   6. documentation of achievements or research experience in at least one of the following areas: sociology of institutions, public policy analysis, or organization studies (through publications, conference presentations, the topic of the doctoral dissertation, participation in research projects, or relevant teaching);
   7. documentation of achievements or research experience in the sociology of gender (through publications, conference presentations, the topic of the doctoral dissertation, participation in research projects, or relevant teaching);
   8. where held, documentation of the additional qualifications: experience in mixed-methods research; a focus on social class, stratification, or social inequality; proficiency in MAXQDA or another CAQDAS package; and experience in coordinating fieldwork or leading a research team;
   9. A list of organisational achievements and a list of conferences and symposia at which a paper was delivered.
   10. A document confirming proficiency in English at a minimum B2 level; in the case of foreign nationals, additionally a document confirming proficiency in Polish at a minimum C2 level.
6. A declaration that, upon employment, AGH will constitute the candidate’s primary place of employment within the meaning of the Act, using the prescribed template https://csp.agh.edu.pl/home/csp/dokumenty/dla_zatrudnianego_pracownika/Oswiadczenie_o_podstawowym_miejscu_pracy.docx.
7. Consent to the processing of personal data, using the prescribed template https://bezpieczenstwo.agh.edu.pl/restricted/bezpieczenstwo/Dokumenty/Ochrona_danych_osobowych/Zgoda_rekrutacja_pracownik.docx.

Selection process

The competition is conducted in accordance with the principles of the OTM-R (Open, Transparent and Merit-Based Recruitment) Policy, and the recruitment process takes into account the European Charter for Researchers, the AGH Gender Equality Plan, the Principle of Equal Treatment, and the Accessibility Policy. We would also like to inform candidates that the AGH University of Krakow has implemented a Procedure for Reporting Violations of Law and Taking Follow-up Actions.

The above-mentioned documents, as well as:

• a detailed description of the career development path and career prospects;
• information on employment conditions and employee entitlements (including social benefits);
• detailed information on the objective evaluation criteria taking into account candidates’ qualifications and competences; are available at: https://hrs4r.agh.edu.pl/rekrutacja-i-praca#c39212

Recruitment Procedure

The recruitment process will be conducted in two stages:

1. Formal assessment stage – verification of the completeness of submitted documents and compliance with the requirements specified in the Act, the AGH Statute, and the competition announcement.
2. Substantive assessment stage – objective and merit-based evaluation of applications submitted by candidates who successfully pass the previous stage; interviews with candidates may be conducted (either on-site or remotely).

Evaluation Criteria

1. Scientific output (max 22)
   1. Peer-reviewed publications (articles, chapters, monographs) from the last 5 years, consistent with the profile defined in the call; 1 pt each; max 6pt.
   2. Publications in journals indexed in Scopus or Web of Science (asset 5); 1 pt each; max 4pt.
   3. Participation in research projects (national/international); 1 pt per project as contractor; 2 pts for independently leading a grant or the Polish part of an international project; max 5pt.
   4. Active participation in scientific conferences; national 0.5 pt / international 1 pt. max 3pt.
   5. Academic awards/distinctions and scientific supervision; assessed qualitatively, 4pt.
2. Methodological & thematic fit with the project (max 16)
   1. Documented experience in quantitative research (required criterion); 3 pt.
   2. Experience in mixed-methods research (asset 1); 3pt
   3. Achievements/experience in sociology of institutions, public policy analysis, or organization studies (required criterion); 3pt
   4. Research record/experience in the sociology of gender (required criterion); 3pt
   5. Familiarity with the study of social class or inequality (asset 2); max 2pt
   6. Proficiency in MAXQDA or another CAQDAS package (asset 3); max 1 pt
   7. Experience coordinating fieldwork or leading a research team (asset 4); max 1 pt
3. Organizational output (max 5)
   1. Functions held in academic/scientific bodies, conference committees, professional organizations; 1 pt each; max 3 pt
   2. Communication, teamwork and coordination skills; expert/organizational engagement relevant to the post, 2pt.

Maximum score: 43 points.

A positive formal assessment is a prerequisite for admission to the substantive assessment. The substantive assessment is carried out solely on the basis of the documents submitted by the candidates, according to the criteria and point scale set out in this announcement. A candidate may be recommended for employment if they obtain at least 26 out of 43 possible points. Obtaining the minimum number of points does not guarantee employment. The final decision on employment is made by the Rector. The competition may be closed without selecting a candidate.

Appeals Procedure

Candidates have the right to file an appeal against the outcome of the competition procedure within 5 working days from the date of receiving notification of the decision.

Additional comments

We offer the following:

1. career development opportunities at one of the leading technical universities in Poland,
2. ideal conditions for conducting research and cooperating with academia.

The competition is conducted in accordance with the principles of the OTM-R Policy, and the recruitment process takes into account the European Charter for Researchers, the Gender Equality Plan at the AGH University of Krakow, the Principle of Equal Treatment, and the Accessibility Policy. Please also be informed that the AGH University of Krakow has in place the Procedure for Reporting Breaches of Law and Taking Follow-Up Actions.

The aforementioned documents, as well as the following:

• a detailed description of the professional development path and career prospects;
• information on employment conditions and employee rights (including social and employee benefits);
• detailed information on the objective assessment criteria, taking into account the qualifications and competences of candidates; can be found on the website: https://hrs4r.agh.edu.pl/rekrutacja-i-praca#c39212

The recruitment procedure is divided into two stages:

1. formal assessment – assessment of the completeness of the application documents and compliance with the requirements specified in the Act, the AGH University of Krakow Statute, and the competition announcement,
2. substantive assessment – an objective and merit-based assessment of applications submitted by candidates who have successfully passed the previous stage; interviews with candidates may be conducted at this stage (either in person or remotely).

The candidate has the right to appeal against the competition results within 5 working days after receiving the notification.

In case of any questions regarding the competition and the recruitment process, contact Professor Katarzyna Leszczyńska, by telephone at +48 12 617 43 80 or via e-mail at konkursy-wh@agh.edu.pl. (title: dotyczy konkursu OPUS NCN, “Równość pod presją: projektowanie i implementacja polityk równościowych w uczelniach technicznych w warunkach izomorfizmu”).

To be considered a candidate you must meet the following requirements set out in the Act:

1. you hold the qualifications defined in the Act,
2. you have full capacity for juridical acts,
3. you have not been convicted for an intentional offence,
4. you enjoy full public rights.

Website for additional job details: https://www.agh.edu.pl/o-agh/praca-w-agh

Work Location(s)

• Number of offers available: 1
• Company/Institute: AGH University of Krakow Faculty of Humanities Department of Society and Technology Studies
• Country: Poland
• City: Krakow
• Postal Code: 30-054
• Street: Czarnowiejska 36

Contact

• State/Province: Malopolska
• City: Krakow
• Website: https://www.agh.edu.pl
• Street: al. Mickiewicza 30
• Postal Code: 30-059
• E-Mail: konkursy-wh@agh.edu.pl
• Phone: +48 12 617 43 80