Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Masaryk University announces an open competition for the position

Researcher

Department: Centre for the Digital Research of Religion, Department for the Study of Religions, Faculty of Arts, Masaryk University

Position Type: non-academic position in research

EU Researcher Profile: R2

Work time: part-time, 28 hours per week

Type of employment contract: fixed term (for 1 year)

Number of open positions: 1

Expected start: March 1, 2026 or negotiable

Deadline for applications: January 31, 2026

WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR

We are looking for a colleague to join the Centre for the Digital Research of Religion at the Department for the Study of Religions in the position of a postdoctoral researcher focusing on mathematical modelling of data and statistics within the Czech Science Foundation Junior Star project Socio-Spatial Situatedness of Roman Professions and its Impact on Religion in the Roman Empire: A Formal Modeling Approach (SIPROME).

The SIPROME project investigates how professions and the socio-environmental and geographical situatedness of work environments in the ancient Roman Empire contributed to the spatial spread of ancient cults. Using computational methods, the project examines how the occupational risks faced by inhabitants of the Roman Empire influenced their choice of preferred cults. The main methods used in the project include spatial analysis, predictive modelling, statistics, and the analysis of geocoded data, especially of epigraphic and archaeological origin.

MAIN JOB CONTENT

Framework

• Conducting research in cooperation with the project team.
• Publishing research results in academic journals and disseminating ongoing research findings at conferences and other public events.
• Independent work as well as collaboration with other members of the project team.
• Content of the research activity:
  • Mathematical modeling and statistical data analysis.
  • Evaluating data as potential predictors explaining the spatial distribution of archaeological or epigraphic finds (e.g., analysis of variance, correlation, regression, maximum entropy models).

WE REQUEST

Professional education, qualifications and experience

• Ph.D. in mathematics/statistics or a relevant related field. If the Ph.D. has not yet been obtained, candidates may apply under the condition that the degree will be completed no later than during the spring semester 2026.
• Specialization in statistical analysis and mathematical modeling is required.
• Experience with publishing a scientific article.

Language skills

• English at level B2 required; C1 is an advantage.
• Knowledge of Czech or Slovak spoken language is an advantage.

Requirements related to job content

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team on complex research tasks
• Ability to clearly articulate research results
• Ability to present the results of own research
• Ability to publish independently
• Networking skills
• Team spirit

The advantage is

• knowledge of the university environment

WE OFFER

Working environment

• employment in a prestigious institution awarded by the HR Excellence in Research
• opportunity to work in an interdisciplinary team of experts
• friendly and inspiring working environment
• convenient location of the faculty in the city centre
• a friendly approach to work-life balance

Employee benefits

6 weeks of paid vacation per year, flexible working hours with the possibility to work partly from home for better work life balance, meal allowance in the salary or for meals in canteens, pension insurance contribution or nursery school/ playgroup allowance, selected vaccinations free of charge, favourable mobile tariffs Vodafone, Multisport card, sports lessons organized by the Faculty of Sports Studies, the nursery school Elánek for children of employees near the faculty.

Training and development

Opportunities for training and personal development, e.g., language and other courses provided by MU, use of MU libraries, use of placements and mobilities abroad, participation in conferences, etc.

HOW TO APPLY

Please send your application via the electronic application link by 31. 1. 2026 (please use the link in the Electronic Application section below) and please attach all required documents.

The following documents are required as a part of your application:

• cover letter (max 2 pages) describing relevant experience and specifying research interest related to the project
• structured CV with an overview of previous experience and a list of research publications
• copies of proof of education

Once your application has been successfully submitted, you will receive an automatic confirmation of acceptance to your e-mail address. After the e-application deadline, you will receive information about the next steps. If you are unsure, please contact the FF MU Personnel Office: Mgr. Eva Brázdová Urbanová, e-mail: eva.urbanova@phil.muni.cz

SELECTION PROCESS

Selection criteria:

• submitting all required documents in the e-application
• compliance of the candidate's profile with the requirements for the job as stated above

Suitable candidates will be invited to a personal interview, which may also take the form of a videoconference.