The objective of PFs is to support researchers’ careers and foster excellence in research. The Postdoctoral Fellowships action targets researchers holding a PhD who wish to carry out their research activities abroad, acquire new skills and develop their careers. The reserchers are employed at the institution for the given period of time with competitive salary. They have a supervisor to help them with their research. More about the program at the official EU website here.

CURRENTLY SEEKING:

RECOMMENDED AREAS OF THE RESEARCH PROPOSALS:

1. Evidence-Based Education (Evidence-Based Pedagogy, Guidelines or Evidence Synthesis Methodology, Evidence-based practice methodologies in social care and special education)

2. Research of strategies to improve evidence transfer in policy and practice

Brief abstract: We offer a postdoctoral fellowship topic with the aim to explore in what ways the products of secondary research (systematic reviews, guidelines, implementation science findings) may be transferred to the policy makers, practitioners, and other stakeholders in education / related areas including arts therapies. First, the project will explore how evidence is understood, communicated and utilized in the policy making, including policy analysis in different countries. Second, based on the mixed-design research of the preferences and needs of the evidence users, innovative strategies for evidence-transfer will be designed and explored. An exploratory study on the potential of generative AI and automatization tools to identify the best available evidence may be included as part of the proposal.

3. GRADE-EDU: Developing a GRADE-based framework for trustworthy Evidence-Based Pedagogy Guidelines

Brief abstract: We offer a postdoctoral fellowship topic focused on adapting the methodology of the GRADE Working Group for use in educational research and pedagogy. The project aims to develop the first structured framework for assessing certainty of evidence and formulating trustworthy recommendations for teaching methods, assessment strategies, and digital learning interventions. The fellow will conduct methodological research combining umbrella reviews, consensus methods, and pilot guideline development to create a transparent approach to evidence-based decision-making in education. The project will contribute to reducing research waste in pedagogy and improving the reliability of recommendations for educators, institutions, and policy makers. Collaboration with international methodological networks (e.g., Cochrane, Joanna Briggs Institute) will support strong global impact.

4. PRISMA-EDU: PRISMA reporting guideline extension for systematic reviews in pedagogy

Brief abstract: We offer a postdoctoral fellowship topic aimed at developing an extension of the PRISMA Statement tailored to systematic reviews in education research. The project will identify methodological and reporting gaps specific to pedagogical evidence synthesis, including challenges related to complex interventions, contextual factors, and heterogeneous learning outcomes. Using systematic meta-research and international expert consensus, the fellow will develop a PRISMA-EDU checklist and guidance document to improve transparency, reproducibility, and usability of evidence in pedagogy. The outputs will support journals, researchers, and decision makers in strengthening methodological standards in educational research and promoting evidence-based teaching practice. Collaboration with networks such as the EQUATOR Network is expected.

CONDITIONS

Researchers interested in PFs:

• should have a PhD degree at the time of the deadline for applications. Applicants who have successfully defended their doctoral thesis but who have not yet formally been awarded the doctoral degree will also be considered eligible to apply

• must have a maximum of eight years experience in research, from the date of the award of their PhD degree, years of experience outside research and career breaks will not count towards the above maximum, nor will years of experience in research in third countries, for nationals or long-term residents of EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries who wish to reintegrate to Europe

• should comply with mobility rules: they must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of the beneficiary (for European Postdoctoral Fellowships), or the host organisation for the outgoing phase (for Global Postdoctoral Fellowships) for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before the call deadline

The EU provides financial support for the recruited researcher in the form of:

• a living allowance

• a mobility allowance

• if applicable, family, long-term leave and special needs allowances

In addition, funding is provided for:

• research, training and networking activities

• management and indirect costs

In case your MSCA PF is not funded by the European Commission, and your project proposal received score above the threshold (achieved a score of at least 70% of the total points, but could not be funded due to a lack of funds in the given call), you might be able to apply for Czech Grant Call (e.g. MSCA Fellowships CZ) recieving the same financial conditions (although this depends on the Czech budget situation as well).

CONTACT:

SUPERVISOR: PhDr. Mgr. Miloslav Klugar, Ph.D. - miloslav.klugar@upol.cz

PROJECT MANAGER: Mgr. Dana Jurková - dana.jurkova@upol.cz 

CONTACT PERSON: Mgr. Tereza Tomančáková - tereza.tomancakova@upol.cz (only from 27th April until 31st of May)