Researcher in Archaeology

Masaryk University

Department of Archaeology and Museology – Faculty of Arts
Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic

Job Reference: 184440
Job Field: Science and Research
Employment Type: Full-time (40 hours/week)
Contract: Fixed-term (3 years, with possibility of a 1-year extension)
EU Researcher Profile: R1
Number of Positions: 1
Expected Start Date: 1 April 2026
Application Deadline: 8 March 2026

About the Position

The Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Masaryk University, announces an open competition for a Researcher (GIS) to join the Department of Archaeology and Museology. This is a non-academic research position focused on landscape archaeology, with particular emphasis on Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and network analysis.

The successful candidate will work within the ERC Synergy project CoCo (Connected Communities in Early Medieval Europe) as part of an international and interdisciplinary research team.

Main Job Responsibilities

Research Activities

  • Conduct auxiliary and partial research tasks under the guidance of senior researchers.

  • Participate actively in the ERC Synergy project CoCo.

  • Contribute to scientific publications and presentations.

  • Perform research focused on:

    • Landscape settings and contexts using GIS and network analysis.

    • Relationships between Early Medieval meeting places, landscape, waterways, and settlement hierarchies.

    • Integration of technical datasets (e.g. geomorphology, metal-detection finds) into archaeological analysis.

    • Production and distribution networks of prestigious artefacts using digital prototyping, material, and isotope analyses.

Other Responsibilities

  • Participate in operational and administrative activities as instructed by the Head of Department.

Required Qualifications and Skills

Education and Professional Background

  • Master’s degree in Archaeology (required)

  • Background in Geography (advantage)

  • Ongoing or planned PhD studies

  • Specialization in landscape or settlement archaeology (required)

  • Prior professional experience is not required

Language Skills

  • English proficiency at B2 level (C1/C2 an advantage)

  • Czech or Slovak language skills (advantage)

Technical and Research Skills

  • Ability to conduct independent scientific research

  • Experience working in a research team

  • Ability to articulate, present, and publish research results

  • Strong IT skills for research

  • Experience with:

    • GIS software (ArcGIS or similar)

    • Network analysis tools (Cytoscape, Gephi, or similar)

    • or multivariate statistical methods (SPSS, Statistica, R, or similar)

  • Basic knowledge of Early Medieval archaeology in Central Europe

Personal Competencies

  • Diligence, responsibility, and reliability

  • Openness to change and self-reflection

  • Strong teamwork skills

Additional Advantage

  • Familiarity with the university environment

What We Offer

Working Environment

  • Stable employment at a prestigious institution

  • HR Excellence in Research Award holder

  • Participation in the ERC Synergy project CoCo

  • International, interdisciplinary research team

  • Friendly and supportive working atmosphere

  • Central city location

  • Strong commitment to work–life balance

Employee Benefits

  • 6 weeks of paid vacation

  • Flexible working hours and partial home office

  • Meal allowance

  • Pension insurance or childcare allowance

  • Selected vaccinations free of charge

  • Discounted mobile tariffs (Vodafone)

  • Multisport card

  • Sports courses via the Faculty of Sports Studies

  • Access to Elánek nursery school near the faculty

Training and Development

  • Language and professional courses

  • Access to Masaryk University libraries

  • International placements and mobility opportunities

  • Conference participation

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted electronically by 8 March 2026 via the official e-application system.

Required documents:

  • Cover letter specifying research interests

  • Structured CV

  • Copies of educational certificates

  • Overview of scientific and publication activities

After submission, applicants will receive automatic confirmation by email. Information about subsequent steps will be provided after the deadline.

For application-related inquiries, please contact:
Mgr. Eva Brázdová Urbanová
Faculty of Arts Personnel Office
???? eva.urbanova@phil.muni.cz

Selection Process

Selection Criteria

  • Submission of all required documents

  • Match between candidate profile and position requirements

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview (in person or via videoconference).

About Masaryk University

Masaryk University, located in Brno, is the second-largest public university in the Czech Republic and one of the most prestigious in Central Europe. With approximately 35,000 students and 6,000 employees, it offers an outstanding research and teaching environment across sciences, humanities, and social sciences.

The Faculty of Arts hosts around 6,000 students and 600 staff and is internationally recognized for innovative research, modern facilities, and transparent HR practices. The faculty received the HR Excellence in Research Award in 2021.

Department Contact

Department of Archaeology and Museology
Website: https://archeo-muzeo.phil.muni.cz/en

Contact Person:
Prof. Mgr. Jiří Macháček, Ph.D.
???? machacek@phil.muni.cz
???? +420 549 49 1532

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