ERA Chair holder
Are you an outstanding researcher with a strong scientific track record and ambition to shape institutional strategy, mentor the next generation of researchers, and strengthen research excellence in a growing European research hub? Are you ready to take on a prestigious leadership role supported by the European Union’s ERA Chairs action?
At KInIT, we believe that world-class research is not limited to large countries. We are building a supportive research environment right here in Slovakia and we want talented researchers to grow with us. KInIT connects researchers, educators, and innovative companies, linking together strong research with practical industry needs in a joint mission to advance world class research.
KInIT invites outstanding researchers and innovators from around the world to join us as ERA Chair holders, a prestigious research leadership role supported by the European Union’s Horizon Europe program. This opportunity is part of our strategy to strengthen research excellence, build a world-class research group, and contribute to institutional transformation aligned with the European Research Area (ERA).
Who We Are Looking For
Internationally recognized researchers and/or innovators with a strong track record of excellence, from any country in the world.
Researchers with a vision aligned with KInIT’s strategic goals and able to significantly contribute to improving our research performance and success in obtaining external funding.
Candidates ready to take a leadership role within KInIT, including establishing and managing a new research team fully embedded in the institution, with the authority to supervise researchers, allocate resources, and apply for national and international funding.
Chair holders may relocate permanently or temporarily, with secondments, sabbaticals, or part-time arrangements possible, but minimum 50% full-time equivalent commitment is needed at KInIT.
Why choose KInIT?
1. A strong interdisciplinary expertise in AI and related fields
At KInIT, we bring together top researchers across the topics of web & user data processing, green and secure environment, natural language processing, ethics and human values in technology, which is an ideal expertise for ERC projects that push boundaries across disciplines. The institute also combines primary research in high‑impact domains with applied research carried out directly in cooperation with partners from the private and public sectors.
2. International collaboration
KInIT helps integrate the research community, industry, and the public sector into a single, interconnected research ecosystem, strengthened through long-term international partnerships and collaborative projects. As a teaming Centre of Excellence, KInIT is well connected within the European research landscape and collaborates on 15+ European projects (primarily Horizon Europe) with more than 130 international partners (e.g., DFKI Germany, ADAPT Ireland, and CERTH Greece). This way, KInIT offers future ERC grantees access to a strong international network for interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral cooperation, industry partners, applied research opportunities, and pathways for broader impact.
3. Driving positive societal change
One of our goals is to encourage responsible innovation, expand knowledge, develop talent, and improve Slovakia’s competitiveness, in cooperation with the private and public sectors. As an independent institute, KInIT tries to actively address current and emerging societal challenges, shaping a better future through ethical and green science and supports decision-making based on scientific arguments.
4. A unique model in Slovakia
We create an environment where talented researchers can build meaningful careers in Slovakia, with a strong emphasis on scientific excellence and innovation-driven knowledge transfer in AI and related fields. As an institute inspired by similar global institutions, KInIT attracts international talent and fosters collaborations that strengthen ERC proposals and long-term research trajectories and helps create a supportive environment that actively supports grant writing, project development and international networking.
More about the ERA chairs call
ERA Chairs are a Horizon Europe Widening action designed to help universities or research institutes in “widening countries” significantly boost their research excellence by attracting a top-level researcher (the ERA Chair holder) who will establish a new research team fully integrated into the hosting institution. The ERA Chair holder’s leadership should boost excellence, visibility, and integration within the ERA, improve competitiveness in research funding, promote institutional reforms aligned with ERA priorities and spread excellence more evenly across Europe.
Grants have an expected duration of up to 5 years and cover expenses related to the ERA Chair holder and several team members (e.g., their salaries, recruitment costs, administrative costs, travel and subsistence costs) and research costs up to 10% of the EU contribution.
You can find all further information about the Horizon Europe Work Program 2026-2027 Widening participation and strengthening the European Research Area here.
Current deadlines:
HORIZON-WIDERA-2027-02
Call opening: 6.4.2027
Deadline: 14.9.2027
KInIT is ready to be your host institution and your partner on this exciting journey.
Interested?