Postdoctoral Researcher - Natural Sciences or Social Sciences and Humanities

About the Role

Pavol Jozef Šafárik University (UPJS) in Košice, Slovakia, is recruiting postdoctoral researchers across two broad thematic areas: Natural Sciences (physics, chemistry, biology, earth sciences, and mathematics) and Social Sciences and Humanities. Positions are funded through the Slovak Research and Development Agency and EU Structural Funds. Contracts are for two years with a possible one-year extension based on performance.

Gross salary is approximately EUR 1,600 to 1,900 per month depending on qualification level, following the Slovak university pay framework. Košice is a compact university city of 240,000 with low living costs and direct rail connections to Vienna, Budapest, and Krakow.

Responsibilities

• Carry out original research within the host department’s active research programme
• Publish a minimum of two Q1-indexed journal articles per year as first or corresponding author
• Contribute to departmental teaching (one course per semester, in English or Slovak)
• Apply independently or collaboratively for external grants (national APVV calls and EU Horizon calls)
• Mentor Masters and PhD students in the host group

Requirements

• PhD in a relevant field, awarded within the past seven years (career breaks are considered)
• Strong publication record relative to career stage
• Ability to work and communicate in English; Slovak is not required at entry
• No citizenship restriction; applicants from all countries may apply

Nice to Have

• Prior postdoctoral experience at a non-Slovak institution (international mobility is valued)
• Active grant portfolio or a strong grant application in preparation
• Experience in interdisciplinary projects

How to Apply

Submit your application by 30 June 2026 through the UPJS online recruitment portal at upjs.sk. Required documents: CV with full publication list, cover letter identifying the target department and a brief research plan (max 3 pages), copies of the PhD certificate and three most recent publications, and contact details for two referees. Contact the HR office for guidance on identifying the relevant hiring department for your field.