Job Title:  Post-doctoral Researcher (f/m/d)

The Democracy Institute (DI) at Central European University (CEU) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow position within its Democracy in History Workgroup. The Workgroup focuses on the past modalities of (de-)democratization, exploring democracy both as a sociocultural practice and as an ideational framework. The Workgroup is especially interested in researchers studying the intellectual and epistemic foundations of modern governance, the histories of political participation with a specific focus on politicization and depoliticization of groups and spheres, and the origins, morphology, and affective underpinnings of illiberal politics. Apart from pursuing their research, the fellow will assist with developing and consolidating an innovative interdisciplinary international research network. Thus, the position will combine research and organizational tasks. We seek applicants with a record (or strong promise) of relevant and internationally recognized publications in the research area, familiarity with current political affairs, and a keen interest in networking and institution building. The position will be based in Budapest, Hungary, and will be connected to the educational and research infrastructure of CEU in Vienna.

Duties and Responsibilities 

• Contribute to the research activities of the workgroup with their own scholarly undertakings.
• Take advantage of the multidisciplinary composition of the Democracy Institute’s research profile and academic community and seek intellectual liaison with other workgroups.
• Organize seminars and public events for the workgroup and assist in engaging the core team’s international research network.
• Help with institution-building efforts, developing research project plans and funding proposals, and organizing brainstorming sessions and planning meetings.
• Depending on interest and capacities, the fellow can participate in educational activities such as mentoring readings/discussion groups of doctoral students, offering compact topical seminars to interested students, or engaging in other non-degree activities at CEU (summer courses, academic preparation courses, and non-degree programs).

Qualifications

Candidates must have a PhD, an outstanding research agenda, and a record of relevant publications in the field. Experience in research planning and management is an advantage. Applicants must have excellent written and oral proficiency in English and a working knowledge of at least one regional language of Central and Eastern Europe.

What CEU Offers 

We offer a competitive compensation package commensurate with experience and a dynamic, international academic environment. The employment contract is for 1.5 years, with the possibility of renewal.

How to Apply

Applicants need to submit:

• CV with a list of major publications (3 pages);
• statement on envisioned individual research (3 pages) and on institutional activities (1 page), in view of the research agenda of the Democracy in History;
• two recent English-language papers, chapters, or manuscripts that best represent their research;
• names and contact details of three scholars who could supply recommendation letters if the candidate is shortlisted for the job. CEU will contact the referees.

The position is open until filled, the evaluation of the applications begins on the 15th of December 2024.

CEU is an equal opportunity employer and values geographical and gender diversity, thus encouraging applications from women and/or other underrepresented groups. Since CEU strives to increase the share of women in professorial positions, given equal qualifications, preference will be given to female applicants. CEU recognizes that personal and family circumstances shape the trajectory of one’s career and working patterns. As such, and in line with CEU’s promotion of Equal Opportunities, we encourage applicants to detail periods of leave, part-time work or other such situations in their applications so that the Search Committee is able to assess an applicant’s academic record fairly in the context of their circumstances. Any declaration of personal and family circumstances is voluntary and will be handled confidentially and only considered in so far as it impacts on the academic career of an applicant.

About CEU

One of the world’s most international universities, a unique founding mission positions Central European University as both an acclaimed center for the study of economic, historical, social and political challenges, and a source of support for building open and democratic societies that respect human rights and human dignity. CEU is accredited in the United States and Austria, and offers English-language bachelor's, master's and doctoral programs in the social sciences, the humanities, law, environmental sciences, management and public policy. CEU enrolls more than 1,400 students from over 100 countries, with faculty from over 50 countries.

In 2019, CEU relocated from Hungary to Austria as the Hungarian government revoked its ability to issue US-accredited degrees in the country. As a result, CEU offers all of its degree programs in Vienna, Austria; and retains a non-degree, research and civic engagement presence in Budapest, Hungary, through its CEU Democracy Institute, the Institute for Advanced Study, the CEU Summer University and The Vera and Donald Blinken Open Society Archives (OSA), and its Hungarian language public educational programs and public lectures.

For more information, please visit https://www.ceu.edu/ or contact Agnes Kende at agneskende@ceu.edu.