"Senior and Junior Researcher Positions in Theology, Religious Studies, Canon Law, Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Computer Science"

European Research College Rome (ERC Rome)

The European Research College Rome (ERC Rome) invites applications for both full-time Junior Researcher and part-time Senior Researcher positions aimed at strengthening ERUNI’s academic presence in Italy

We seek ambitious and talented researchers in Theology, Religious Studies, Canon Law, Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Computer Science who can contribute to building a vibrant interdisciplinary research environment with strong European and transatlantic connections.

Position Overview

ERC Rome forms part of the European Research University Institute (ERUNI), a growing international academic network connecting research excellence with European public policy and global scholarship.

These positions offer scholars the opportunity to conduct high-level research, develop international partnerships, and engage with European policy and academic communities.

The roles emphasize independent research, international collaboration, and proactive engagement in academic funding opportunities, including Horizon Europe, European Research Council (ERC), and similar global programs.

Key Details

• Position Titles:
  • Junior Researcher (full-time)
  • Senior Researcher (part-time, approx. 0.2 FTE)
• Location: Rome, Italy (onsite)
• Salary: Competitive remuneration based on role and involvement.
• Contract Type: Renewable two-year term with performance review every 12 months leading to a possible open-ended, tenured contract.
• Start Date: October 2026

Benefits

• Research Focus: Protected research time with minimal administrative duties.
• Research Freedom: Full autonomy in selecting and designing research themes aligned with ERC’s focus areas.
• Networking Opportunities: Regular academic events, workshops, and collaboration with ERUNI’s colleges in London, Amsterdam and Prague.
• Funding Support: Institutional assistance with applications to European and international research funding calls (Horizon Europe, ERC, COST, etc.).
• Professional Growth: Mentoring opportunities, participation in research strategy development, and access to ERUNI’s collaborative research resources.

Responsibilities

As a Junior or Senior Researcher, you will:

• Conduct and publish research in Theology, Religious Studies, Canon Law, Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, or Computer Science.
• Develop and submit grant proposals to European and international funding schemes.
• Collaborate with partner universities and policy institutions across Europe.
• Represent ERC Rome in relevant academic and professional forums.

In addition, a Senior Researcher will:

• Mentor early-career researchers and contribute to academic seminars.
• Look for and propose new funding sources

Eligibility Requirements

Essential Qualifications

For Junior Researchers:

• PhD (or near completion) in Theology, Religious Studies, Canon Law, Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Computer Science or similar sciences
• Demonstrated research potential and publication trajectory in the field.
• Commitment to collaborative and cross-disciplinary work.

For Senior Researchers:

• Current or recent affiliation with a recognised research university (preferably QS Top 200).
• Established record of publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Proven experience in securing competitive research funding.
• Capacity to lead research groups and mentor junior scholars.

Desired Attributes

• Experience with European or comparative political research.
• Prior participation in international research projects or academic networks.
• Experience in editorial boards, academic associations, or policy engagement.

Application Process

To apply, please submit the following materials in a single PDF document:

1. A short letter of motivation indicating your research field and interest.
2. 1–3 representative publications (published papers, working papers, or forthcoming articles).
3. A professional CV including a list of publications (APA style with DOIs where possible).
4. A proposed research plan outlining your intended programme of work (max. 2–3 pages).

Please send all materials to vit.simral@eruni.org with the subject line: “ERC Application 2026 – [Field / Rome]” no later than on 30 April 2026.

Only complete applications containing all required documents will be considered.

Applications will be reviewed through a two-stage process:

Application Review – assessment of research record and alignment with ERC goals.

Interview – shortlisted candidates will discuss research vision, leadership potential, and collaborative fit.

About European Research College Rome

The European Research College Rome is part of ERUNI’s strategic expansion into leading European academic centres.

It is envisioned as a hub for interdisciplinary and comparative research, connecting scholarship in international relations, law, and governance with policy-relevant inquiry.