A Call for the Expression of Interest: ERA Chair in Education Research, American University of Armenia (Yerevan)
Funding: EU grant of up to €2.5 million via Horizon Europe WIDERA ERA Chairs, HORIZON-WIDERA-2027-02-WIDENING-01.
Opening date: 06 April 2027 | Deadline date: 14 September 2027 | Single-stage
The College of Humanities and Social Sciences of the American University of Armenia invites expressions of interest from internationally recognised researchers in Education to collaborate on developing a proposal for the Horizon Europe 2027 ERA Chairs call. The selected candidate will be named as the prospective ERA Chair holder in AUA’s proposal. Any subsequent appointment will be subject to successful funding and agreement on contractual terms.
About AUA
AUA is an English-medium university in Yerevan, Armenia, affiliated with the University of California, accredited in both the US and Armenia. AUA already hosts a Horizon Europe ERA Chair and the newly established Center for Ethics in Public Affairs (ETICA). Founded in 1991, the American University of Armenia is committed to providing excellent education at the graduate and undergraduate levels. AUA’s mission is to bring American education to Armenia, preparing Armenian citizens and those of the region to address the needs of sustainable development in an environment that values academic excellence, free inquiry, integrity, scholarship, innovation, leadership, and service to society. AUA is accredited by the US Department of Education, through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) regional accrediting body, and it benefits from a formal affiliation with the University of California system, which has significantly influenced its academic development and offers legal and investment support.
AUA’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS) hosts an MA and a Certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL). In 2027, it will launch an MA in Education focused on K12 educational research and policy. CHSS houses the Center for Research in Applied Linguistics (CRAL), which runs an after-school English programme used for teacher practicum and classroom research. Preparation and reporting or grants are supported by the AUA’s Office of Sponsored Programs.
AUA intends to seek Horizon Europe funding for a five-year ERA Chairs project, with an expected EU contribution of €1.5–2.5 million covering the Chair, research team and project activities.
ERA Chair’s role
The ERA Chair will be instrumental in transforming AUA’s research capacity in education and in impacting the current educational reforms in Armenia. Specific tasks include:
Set up and lead the Center for Education Research (CERTA), building on CRAL.
Facilitate the development of the research agenda. Potential topics in the Armenian context include: support for a public school system in transition; pre-service and in-service teacher education for public schools; research capacity building among educators in Armenia, and AI in education.
Oversee the recruitment and enhancement of the CERTA team.
Lead applications for EU and other international funding.
Mentor early-career researchers.
Work with AUA leadership and relevant institutional offices to develop and implement agreed reforms supporting research excellence, transparent recruitment, researcher development, open science and research integrity.
Build a network of experts and scholars in education in Armenia and abroad focused on the advancement of educational practices in the region
Contribute to the MA in Education or TEFL.
The selected candidate is expected to contribute to proposal preparation during 2027.
Requirements
An established or leading researcher in education at R3/R4 level, with an outstanding publication record from any part of the world, other than Armenia.
Demonstrated research leadership and experience. Experience in international and EU-funded research projects is considered an advantage.
Experience leading research groups or centres and building institutional capacity.
Must not currently hold any contract with AUA, including visiting, adjunct or consulting roles.
Desirable experience
Experience with education systems in the South Caucasus, Eastern Partnership or post-Soviet region.
Links to Armenia or the Armenian diaspora.
Existing European research networks that AUA could join.
Experience with education ministries and policy research.
In case the grant gets approved, AUA offers:
Salary (min. equivalent to home institution salary)
Relocation support: Assistance with relocation to Yerevan, including guidance on visa and residence requirements, accommodation, and settling in.
Facilities and research resources: Access to office space, relevant research facilities, library resources, digital infrastructure, and university platforms for research and collaboration.
Administrative support: Dedicated assistance with proposal development, grant administration, financial management, procurement, HR, and institutional procedures.
Research team development: Support to establish a research team aligned with the ERA Chair’s research vision and the approved project objectives and budget.
Recruitment support: Assistance with open, transparent, merit-based recruitment of researchers and support staff, including international advertising, selection procedures, and onboarding.
Academic integration and collaboration: Opportunities to collaborate with AUA faculty, research centers, and international partners, and to mentor early-career researchers.
Institutional commitment: Support for developing a sustainable research agenda, pursuing external funding, and strengthening AUA’s research capacity and international visibility.
Commitment and terms
Candidates must be available for at least 50% FTE, including agreed on-site presence in Yerevan, until the permanent appointment of a research group leader within the first three project years. Thereafter, a minimum 20% commitment is expected for the remaining project period, with the final arrangement agreed during proposal preparation. A permanent group leader will be selected through a separate open recruitment process, to which the ERA Chair holder may apply.
Secondment, sabbatical, part-time or emeritus arrangements are welcome.
Start date: expected in 2028, depending on the EU award.
Timeline
Deadline for applications: December 15, 2026, CoB
Selection: By January 30, 2027
AUA will apply by September 14, 2027 with the selected ERA Chair named in the proposal.
How to apply
Please send to the following email: academicjobs@aua.am
A full CV with a list of publications and research leadership roles, including grants and programmes.
A cover letter of up to two pages giving a vision for CERTA, motivation and a realistic plan for being in Yerevan.
A list of up to five key publications.
A summary of the key research project idea for the duration of the grant.
The names and contacts for three referees.
Informal enquiries are welcome before the deadline (Dr. Hagop Yacoubian at hyacoubian@aua.am, Dr. Irshat Madyarov at imadyaro@aua.am).
AUA is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an active non-discrimination program within the institution