Expression of Interest: Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship – Digital Research Database of Czech Folk Songs 

The Institute of Ethnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences (IE CAS) invites outstanding researchers to apply for the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship (MSCA-PF) and collaborate on an innovative digital humanities project focused on Czech folk music. This is a unique opportunity to join an internationally recognised research environment with access to three active ERC grants and a strong track record in European funding schemes. 

Project Overview: Digital Research Database of Czech Folk Songs 

IE CAS is leading the development of an extensive digital archive of Czech folk songs, dating from the 1800s onward with over 30,000 records. The archive contains mostly handwritten materials together with sound recordings as old as 1909. You can visit the current version of the database at https://lidoveprameny.cz/ (currently in development). 

The MSCA-PF candidate can contribute to the development of the database in one of the following areas (or their intersections!):   

• Digital (ethno)musicology – Engaging with melodic analysis, song classification, and digital preservation of traditional music. 

• Computational Music Processing – Implementing AI, deep learning, or algorithmic methods for analysing the musical material. 

• Music Data Science – Organising large-scale datasets, developing searchable taxonomies, and enhancing retrieval methodologies. 

• Computational Linguistics & Text Analysis – Studying lyrics, textual variations, and linguistic structures within folk song traditions (the songs are in various dialects of Czech, some also in German). 

• Ethnochoreology – Investigating dance types historically associated with specific songs and their cultural significance. 

• Media Archaeology – Analysing and cataloguing historical sound recordings from wax cylinders, magnetic tapes, and vinyl records. 

• Your Own Ideas Welcome! – The MSCA-PF candidates are welcome to develop their own research agenda in alignment with the project’s mission.  

Who We Are Looking For 

• Candidates with a strong research record in one (or combination) of the above-mentioned disciplines. 

• PhD holders (up to 8 years of postdoctoral research experience). 

• Candidates must comply with the mobility rule. The candidate must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the Czech Republic for more than 12 months in the past 3 years. 

• Knowledge of Czech is an advantage, not a requirement (knowledge of other Slavic language(s) or passion to learn Czech will be welcomed and appreciated!) 

Why Choose IE CAS? 

• High Funding Success Rate: MSCA-PF applicants in the Czech Republic benefit from OPJAK funding, significantly increasing chances of securing financial support (including for projects scoring above 70% but unfunded by Horizon Europe). 

• Prestigious Research Institute: Over a century of expertise in ethnology, social anthropology and related disciplines. 

• Strong Project Leadership: IE CAS has a proven track record of successful grant management, currently hosting three ERC grants, managing two outgoing MSCA-PF fellowships, and multiple international projects. 

• Access to Exclusive Resources: Work with extensive archival collections and advanced computational tools. 

• Located in Prague: Work in one of the world’s most beautiful cities, regularly ranked among the top global destinations for quality of life. 

• Competitive Salary & Benefits: MSCA fellows receive an attractive salary package, including mobility and family allowances, ensuring financial stability during the fellowship. 

Application Process 

• Application package: CV + brief research proposal (1–2 pages). 

• Deadline for Expression of Interest: 31/05/2025 

• MSCA-PF call deadline: 10/09/2025. 

Important Note: Each applicant is responsible for developing and submitting their MSCA-PF proposal by the official deadline. IE CAS will provide guidance and support throughout the application process, including assistance with proposal structuring and feedback to enhance the project’s competitiveness.  

Interested candidates should express their interest by contacting Matěj Kratochvíl (kratochvil@eu.cas.cz). 

We look forward to hearing from you!