27.03.2018 |

Vacancy Notice: Research Director

The Institute of International Relations Prague (IIR) has been the leading Czech academic institution in the field of international studies since 1957. An active member of international research networks, the IIR engages in state-of-the-art academic research in the fields of International Relations, European Studies, Security Studies, International Political Sociology, International Political Economy, and International Law.

THE CALL IS NO LONGER ACTIVE

As an independent public research institution founded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Institute moreover produces policy research both for the Ministry and other national and international governmental bodies. It also serves as an agora for scholars, policy makers and citizens interested in international politics, and it stimulates and broadens the horizons of the public debate. The Institute organizes dozens of events every year, publishes books and journals in its own publishing house, and educates new talents in a joint Ph.D. programme with Metropolitan University Prague. Its administrative, research and project support, event and public relations service and the services of its library (with a unique collection of IR literature and performing information and knowledge management role) as well as its offices in the historical centre of Prague provide an exceptionally stimulating environment for research and communicating its outcomes to policy makers and public.

The IIR is now seeking to recruit a research director. His/her principal responsibility will be contributing to the further development of the Institute as it aspires to the highest standards in performing its core tasks of academic excellence; producing relevant policy research leading to better public policies; and influential public outreach benefiting from the trust and respect it enjoys. In particular, the new research director will be expected to design and assume a leading role in the implementation of the Institute’s research strategy; lead the research department of ca. 20 junior and senior researchers while benefiting from the support of dedicated administrative staff and the Institute’s other departments; inspire excellence in the Institute’s research community including through identifying new avenues of research (and seeking opportunities of their funding); while also being a potent voice with the policy circles and the broader public.

The research director will be a member of the Institute’s executive board, reporting to director of the Institute and supervising research staff and research centre’s leaders. He/she will be expected to travel.

 

Qualifications

  • Ph.D. in a relevant discipline, solid theoretical background and excellent analytical skills, and a strong research profile, ideally in combination with a record of providing policy advice to governance / public sector bodies;
  • An excellent command of English (knowledge of Czech is desirable but not essential insofar as the successful international applicant will be expected to gain a certain familiarity with the language);
  • Experience with research management / supervision, as well as liaising with government officials, think tanks and peers in academia, with a proven capacity to develop and maintain professional relationships;
  • Advanced communication and interpersonal skills, convincing presentation; and
  • Strong professional integrity.

 

Benefits

  • Leading and participation in development of excellent, international research team, with the prospect (and expectation) of shaping the research culture in a major regional research institution firmly embedded in international research networks;
  • An unique opportunity for engaged research in a centre of academic excellence that also participates in the design and implementation of public policies;
  • Fair allocation of research time in addition to managerial responsibilities;
  • A full-time senior researcher contract (with the salary to be negotiated based on the successful applicant’s experience) combined with a management bonus and additional remuneration based on excellent publications and participation in research projects;
  • The prospect for a permanent contract after one year;
  • Relocation allowance for the successful international applicant;
  • Environment conducive to both personal development and work/life harmony (with the prospect of in-house childcare);
  • Five weeks of annual leave.

 

Application Procedure

If you are interested in a career with us, please submit the following documentation to kosikova@iir.cz: 

  • A cover letter;
  • A curriculum vitae with a list of publications and current/past participation in research projects;
  • An outline proposal for the Institute’s research strategy in the next five years (not more than 3 pages);
  • A scanned copy of the Ph.D. certificate.

The applications will start to be reviewed at the end of April 2018 and the search will continue on a rolling basis until a suitable candidate is found. As a part of the process, shortlisted candidates will be interviewed by the selection board.

The position is tenable as soon as the selection process is completed. However, the start date is negotiable.

The IIR is an equal opportunity employer. Female candidates are encouraged to apply.




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