About Programme












            ******************************************************************************************

            *
            ******************************************************************************************
            1. About CHARLESTON

            2. Research Project & Secondment
            3. Supervisors
            4. Employment conditions

            5. Steering Committee




            ******************************************************************************************

            * About CHARLESTON
            ******************************************************************************************
            CHARLESTON is a programme supporting postdoctoral research projects, co-funded by Charles 

            the prestigious European Commission initiative MSCA COFUND (Horizon Europe). Over the cour
            the programme will support a total of 20 projects: 10 in 2025 and another 10 in 2026.


            The Charleston programme emphasises sustainable development and societal impact, with sele
            contributing to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
            its commitment to fostering global collaboration, the programme also supports internationa

            supporting young researchers with experience from abroad.

            Each supported project will last between 27 and 30 months, during which early-career resea

            spend 24 months at Charles University and 3 to 6 months in non-academic institutions on a 
            Participants will also receive additional support for their career development through an 
            mentoring and training programme.



            <p style="color: rgb(210, 45, 64); font-size: 20px;">Pillars of the Programme</p>


            CHARLESTON is built on three main pillars. Firstly, the supported projects will contribute
            development and have a societal impact in alignment with the United Nations' Sustainable D

            Goals. Another key pillar is secondments in non-academic institutions, which will strength
            intersectoral collaboration. As a third pillar, a Career Development Programme will be des
            career researchers, enabling them to further advance their careers thanks to mentoring and

            United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
            The Charleston programme is a bottom-up, curiosity-driven funding scheme that allows appli
            their research topics freely. Charles University research teams encompass all scientific f

            engineering and veterinary science. However, a key requirement is that all research themes
            to achieving one or more of the United Nations‘ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) [ URL
            sdgs.un.org/goals"] , which have been selected as a cross-cutting theme of the programme. 

            reflects CU’s strong commitment to the SDGs, aligning with the objectives of the Horizon E

            Intersectoral collaboration

            One of the main objectives of the Charleston programme is to provide fellows with direct a
            intersectoral experience. This will be achieved through a mandatory secondment lasting 3–6
            non-academic sector, integrated into their research project.


            A variety of partnerships with non-academic institutions has been established to offer att
            opportunities for these mandatory secondments. These partnerships include private companie

            public institutions, and non-governmental organizations, all committed to hosting fellows,
            projects during the academic phase, and providing experienced non-academic mentors. You ca
            secondments here.

            Career Development Programme
            The Charleston programme aims to provide postdoctoral researchers with high-quality traini
            will foster their transferable skills and broaden their career opportunities. In addition 

            execution of the fellowships, one of the primary objectives of the Charleston programme is
            new Career Development Programme (CDP). It will consist of three essential components desi
            the careers of postdoctoral researchers: the standardized Career Development Plan, the Tra

            and the Mentoring Programme.



            You can find more information about CDP in the Career Development Programme section [ URL 
            "] .







            ******************************************************************************************
            * Research Project & Secondment

            ******************************************************************************************
            The CHARLESTON programme will support a total of 20 research projects – 10 will be selecte
            10 in 2026. The projects will last 27-30 months, including a mandatory secondment, the dur

            is flexible, ranging from 3 to 6 months. Projects from Call 1 will start between October 2
            2026, while projects from Call 2 will begin between October 2026 and January 2027.


            Fellows will have the freedom to select their own research topics based on a bottom-up app
            program does not prioritize any specific scientific disciplines. Applications for postdoct
            projects at any of CU’s faculties or institutes are encouraged. Charles University has 17 

            institutes across 3 different Czech cities: Prague, Hradec Králové, and Plzeň:

            Faculties:

            • Catholic Theological Faculty [ URL "http:•/Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Králové [ URL "
              www.ktf.cuni.cz/KTFENG-1.html"]            LFHKEN-1.html"]
            • Protestant Theological Faculty [ URL "htt•:Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové [ URL "

              web.etf.cuni.cz/ETFENG-1.html"]            lang=en-gb"]
            • Hussite Theological Faculty [ URL "http:/• Faculty of Arts [ URL "http://www.ff.cuni.cz/
              www.htf.cuni.cz/HTFN-1.html"]            • Faculty of Science [ URL "https://www.natur.c

            • Faculty of Law [ URL "https://www.prf.cun•.Faculty of Mathematics and Physics [ URL "htt
            • Faculty of Humanities [ URL "http://fhs.c•nFaculty of Education [ URL "http://pedf.cuni.
              FHSENG-1.html"]                          • Faculty of Social Sciences [ URL "http://fsv.

            • First Faculty of Medicine [ URL "https://• Faculty of Physical Education and Sport [ URL
              www.lf1.cuni.cz/en"]                       FTVSEN-1.html"]
            • Second Faculty of Medicine [ URL "http://

              www.lf2.cuni.cz/en"]
            • Third Faculty of Medicine [ URL "http://

              www.lf3.cuni.cz/3LFEN-1.html"]
            • Faculty of Medicine in Plzeň [ URL "https://lfp.cuni.cz/
              en/"]


            University Institutes:

            • Institute of the History of Charles University and Archive of Charles University [ URL "

              UKEN-108.html?poid=1462978309160849"]
            • Center for Theoretical Study [ URL "http://www.cts.cuni.cz/?lang=en"]
            • Center for Economic Research and Graduate Education [ URL "http://www.cerge-ei.cz/"]

            • Environment Centre [ URL "https://czp.cuni.cz/en/"]

            The research topic should primarily be proposed by the postdoc in collaboration with the C

            a non-academic institution where the applicant will be hosted. Project proposals must clea
            or more UN’s Sustainable Development Goals [ URL "https://sdgs.un.org/goals"] (SDGs) and p
            for this connection. Supporting the achievement of the SDGs aligns with Charles University

            Development Strategy [ URL "https://cuni.cz/UK-12285-version1-strategie_udrzitelneho_rozvo
            where the SDGs play a central role, as well as with EU missions, including Horizon Europe,
            the Charleston programme.


            One of the key parts of CHARLESTON is the Career Development Programme (CDP), designed to 
            advance the careers of postdoctoral researchers. For more information about the CDP, pleas

            Career Development Programme section [ URL "UKEN-2188.html "] .

            The Charleston programme is designed with an international focus and fully aligns with the

            requirement, which applies to all applicants without exception. Additionally, fellows are 
            complete short stays abroad, including participation in two international conferences and 
            international visits, such as study trips or summer schools.


            <p style="color: rgb(210, 45, 64); font-size: 20px;">Secondment at non-academic institutio


            A key goal of the Charleston programme is to provide fellows with direct, hands-on experie
            sectors. This will be achieved through a mandatory secondment in the non-academic sector, 
            and 6 months, which will be integrated into their research project. The secondment can be 

            two parts and scheduled at any point during the project. Each part of the secondment must 
            six weeks.


            A diverse range of partnerships with 13 non-academic institutions has been established to 
            hosting opportunities for these secondments. These partnerships include private companies,
            public institutions, and non-governmental organizations, all committed to hosting fellows,

            research projects, and providing experienced mentors from the non-academic sector:
            • Motol University Hospital [ URL "https://•wMama AI [ URL "https://themama.ai/"]
              en/"]                                    • Rossum [ URL "https://rossum.ai/"]
            • Forum 2000 [ URL "https://www.forum2000.c•/IKEA Czech Republic [ URL "https://www.ikea.c

            • European Valuation Institute [ URL "https:/this-is-ikea/"]
              en.evalin.org/"]                         • Antikomplex [ URL "https://antikomplex.cz/"]
            • Post Bellum [ URL "https://www.postbellum•cMinistry of Industry and Trade [ URL "https:/

              international/"]                           mpo.gov.cz/en/"]
            • OG Research [ URL "https://www.ogresearch•cParliamentary Institute [ URL "https://pspen.
            • Czech National Bank [ URL "https://www.cnb.office-of-the-chamber/parliamentary-institute

            • Ella CS [ URL "https://ellacs.eu/"]


            If a suitable host institution is not found within the existing network, the postdoc can p
            alternative non-academic institution.






            ******************************************************************************************
            * Supervisors

            ******************************************************************************************

            Applicants (postdocs) must identify 1) an internal supervisor at a faculty or unit at Char

            where they will conduct their research and 2) an external supervisor at non-academic insti
            will undertake their secondment before submitting their application.


            Prior consultation with both supervisors is necessary as their approval is required at the
            application process (Part A2). The application cannot be submitted without their approval.


            Finding an internal supervisor from Charles University
            1. Choose a Relevant Faculty or Unit


            See the list of faculties and university units and select the one that best aligns with yo
            topic.


            Faculties:
            • Catholic Theological Faculty [ URL "http://www.ktf.cuni.cz/KTFENG-1.html"]
            • Protestant Theological Faculty [ URL "http://web.etf.cuni.cz/ETFENG-1.html"]
            • Hussite Theological Faculty [ URL "http://www.htf.cuni.cz/HTFN-1.html"]

            • Faculty of Law [ URL "https://www.prf.cuni.cz/en"]
            • Faculty of Humanities [ URL "http://fhs.cuni.cz/FHSENG-1.html"]
            • First Faculty of Medicine [ URL "https://www.lf1.cuni.cz/en"]

            • Second Faculty of Medicine [ URL "http://www.lf2.cuni.cz/en"]
            • Third Faculty of Medicine [ URL "http://www.lf3.cuni.cz/3LFEN-1.html"]
            • Faculty of Medicine in Plzeň [ URL "https://lfp.cuni.cz/en/"]

            • Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Králové [ URL "https://www.lfhk.cuni.cz/LFHKEN-1.html"]
            • Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové [ URL "https://www.faf.cuni.cz/?lang=en-gb"]
            • Faculty of Arts [ URL "http://www.ff.cuni.cz/home/"]

            • Faculty of Science [ URL "https://www.natur.cuni.cz/eng"]
            • Faculty of Mathematics and Physics [ URL "https://www.mff.cuni.cz/to.en/"]

            • Faculty of Education [ URL "http://pedf.cuni.cz/PEDFEN-1.html"]
            • Faculty of Social Sciences [ URL "http://fsv.cuni.cz/en"]
            • Faculty of Physical Education and Sport [ URL "http://www.ftvs.cuni.cz/FTVSEN-1.html"]


            University Institutes:


            • Institute of the History of Charles University and Archive of Charles University [ URL "
              UKEN-108.html?poid=1462978309160849"]
            • Center for Theoretical Study [ URL "http://www.cts.cuni.cz/?lang=en"]

            • Center for Economic Research and Graduate Education [ URL "http://www.cerge-ei.cz/"]
            • Environment Centre [ URL "https://czp.cuni.cz/en/"]


            2. Identify a Suitable Supervisor

            Visit the website of your chosen faculty/unit and find a potential supervisor whose expert

            research area.

            The supervisor must have at least eight years of research experience after completing thei

            decisive date for calculating this experience is the call deadline (May 31, 2025).

            3. Contact Your Potential Supervisor


            Send an email introducing yourself and your proposed research topic. Express your interest
            their supervision and inquire about their availability and willingness to take on this rol


            4. Confirm and Add the Supervisor in IS Věda Portal


            If the supervisor agrees, you can list them as your supervisor in the IS Věda portal as
            part of your project proposal. They will receive a notification requesting their approval.
            (See User Manual for Submitting Online Application Form [ URL "UKEN-2186-version1-

            uken_2187_version1_user_manual_for_submitting_online_application_form.pdf"] for more detai
            Finding an external supervisor from a non-academic institution
            Applicants can choose from 13 pre-arranged partner institutions for their secondment. A li

            institutions, along with contact details for identifying an external supervisor and arrang
            secondment, can be found in the Partners section [ URL "https://cuni.cz/UKEN-2233.html"] o


            If a suitable host institution is not found within the existing network, the postdoc can p
            alternative non-academic institution.


            There are no specific experience requirements for the external supervisor at the non-acade





            ******************************************************************************************

            * Employment conditions
            ******************************************************************************************


            CHARLESTON postdocs will be employed under an employment contract with Charles University,
            the entire duration of the fellowship, including any non-academic secondment periods. Soci
            health insurance contributions will be automatically deducted from the fellows' salaries, 

            that postdoctoral researchers receive the same social security coverage as other employees
            Republic. This coverage includes sick leave, maternity/paternity leave, parental leave, an


            <p style="color: rgb(210, 45, 64); font-size: 18px;">Funding</p>


            <p style="color: rgb(210, 45, 64); fon<p style="color: rgb(210, 45, 64);
            15px;">Category</p>                   font-size: 15px;">Monthly amount</p>
            Living allowance                      €4,180 (€3,068*)

            Mobility allowance                    €400 (€293*)
            Family allowance                      €200 (€146*)
            Research costs contribution           €600

            Training costs                        €200
            + Secondment costs (if relevant)

            Postdocs will be offered a living allowance of €4180 per month.

            *This amount includes all employer’s social and health contributions as mandated by Czech 
            result the gross salary is €3068 per month (amount stated in the work agreement).


            The mobility allowance is €400 per month. It will be paid as a part of the salary.
            *This amount includes all employer’s social and health contributions as mandated by nation
            In result the mobility allowance will top-up the gross salary for €293 per month (amount s

            agreement).

            Furthermore, a family allowance of €147 will be provided to all fellows with a family. The

            is €200 per month for postdoctoral researchers who have child or children under 18years of
            paid as a part of the salary.
            *This amount includes all employer’s social and health contributions as mandated by nation

            In result the family allowance will top-up the gross salary for €146 per month (amount sta
            agreement).
            Eligibility for the family allowance will be verified during the recruitment stage. Resear

            for this allowance if their family situation changes during the fellowship.

            Research costs of €600 per month will cover consumables, travel expenses to conferences, e

            usage of specialized machines, and expenditures related to publication in open-access jour
            other things. Additionally, fellows will have acces to a monthly allowance of €200 to meet

            training needs that are not covered by the Training within the CDP. There will also be fun
            for travel costs related to secondments in non-academic institutions.


            <p style="color: rgb(210, 45, 64); font-size: 20px;">Relocating to Czechia</p>

            Are you curious about what it’s like to work at Charles University and live in the Czech R

            you like to know what needs to be arranged before your arrival, upon arrival, or during yo
            the website of the CU Staff Welcome Centre [ URL "https://swc.cuni.cz/UKSWCEN-1.html"] , d
            ensuring that all incoming academics and researchers have the smoothest possible start in 

            Republic.

            Charles University has 17 faculties and 4 institutes, located in 3 Czech cities. Discover 

            Czech Republic [ URL "https://www.visitczechia.com/en-us"] and the cities where you can ca
            research projects – Prague [ URL "https://prague.eu/en/"] , Pilsen [ URL "https://www.visi
            and Hradec Králové [ URL "https://www.visithradeckralove.cz/"] .







            ******************************************************************************************

            * Steering Committee
            ******************************************************************************************

                                                                                                      
            prof. PhDr. Ladislav Krištoufek, Ph.D.             member and scientific director of the p
            prof. RNDr. Zdeněk Doležal, Dr.                    member representing natural sciences   
            prof. MUDr. Romana Šlamberová, Ph.D.               member representing medical sciences   
                                                                                                      
            PhDr. Zuzana Kasáková, Ph.D.                       member representing social sciences    
            prof. Mgr. Václav Cvrček, Ph.D.                    member representing humanities         
            Ing. Vojtěch Malina                                member representing the area of ??intel
                                                                                                      
            MUDr. Josef Fontana, Ph.D.                         member representing the area of ??resea
            Petra Trnková, Ph.D., MSc.                         member representing non-academic partne
            Mgr. Eva Janů                                      programme administrator (without the ri



            <!DOCTYPE html> <html lang="cs"> <head> <meta charset="UTF-8"> <meta name="viewport" conte

            width, initial-scale=1.0"> <title>Obrázek s textem</title> </head> <body> <img src="https:
            regional_policy/ images/information-sources/logo-download-center/eu_co_funded_en.jpg" alt=
            width="300"> <p style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10px; color: gr

            10px;font-style: italic;"> <strong>N.B.</strong> Funded by the European Union. Views and o
            are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the Europe
            the European Research Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting author

            responsible for them. </p> </body> </html>