Postdoctoral Researcher (M/F)

Job Description

Missions

GEODE Research Unit is recruiting a Postdoctoral Researcher (M/F) for a 15-month, 60% part-time position within the European PRIMA COSMOS project (Coordinated Optimization for Sustainable Mediterranean Agroforestry with Truffles and High-Value Species). The project brings together ten partners from six Mediterranean countries to develop innovative, sustainable and resilient agroforestry systems combining, in particular, truffle cultivation, viticulture, productive trees, aromatic and medicinal plants, pollinator-friendly species, and other high-value crops.
CNRS leads Work Package 4, which focuses on analysing the institutional, territorial and policy dimensions shaping the development of Mediterranean agroforestry systems. CNRS is also responsible for the scientific monitoring of the project's French demonstration site.
Within this framework, the successful candidate will contribute to the scientific implementation of the French component of the project, combining institutional analysis, field research, experimentation, and engagement with local and regional stakeholders.

Missions:
The successful candidate will contribute to the project's various scientific activities, both in Toulouse and at the COSMOS French demonstration site in the Aude department, working in close collaboration with the scientific lead for the project in France and with the European project partners.

Activity

The main activities will include:
Public policy analysis and territorial governance:
- Contribute to the analysis of public policies, regulatory frameworks and institutional arrangements influencing the development of agroforestry in the Mediterranean region;
- Conduct comparative analyses of national and European policy and institutional frameworks;
- Conduct interviews with public institutions, local and regional authorities, professional organisations and other stakeholders;
- Contribute to the preparation of WP4 scientific deliverables and the Policy Brief aimed at public decision-makers.

Scientific monitoring of the French demonstration site:
- Participate in the scientific monitoring of the French demonstration site;
- Contribute to field campaigns and data collection;
- Help establish links between experimentation, field observations and scientific analyses.

Participatory research and Living Labs:
- Participate in the organisation and facilitation of Living Labs;
- Conduct qualitative research with the different stakeholders;
- Contribute to action-research approaches and the co-construction of knowledge.

Scientific dissemination and valorisation:
- Contribute to the preparation of scientific publications;
- Contribute to presentations at national and international conferences;
- Participate in the dissemination of project results among project partners and local and regional stakeholders.

Your Profil

Skills

The position is open to candidates holding a PhD in geography, agroecology, agronomy, ecology, environmental sciences, spatial planning, territorial development, environmental social sciences, or a related discipline.

Candidates should demonstrate:
- Strong analytical and scientific writing skills;
- Ability to conduct qualitative and quantitative research, as well as fieldwork;
- An interest in public policy, territorial governance and agroecological transitions;
- Ability to work in an interdisciplinary and international environment;
- A strong interest in collaborative research and the co-construction of research: ability to engage in collective scientific thinking, share research questions, discuss and critically engage with different perspectives, and contribute to a research dynamic based on cooperation, co-construction and interdisciplinarity;
- Good command of scientific English.

Experience in one or more of the following areas would be an asset: agroecology; agroforestry; territorial development; environmental public policy; governance; participatory research; Living Labs.

Your Work Environment

WORKING ENVIRONMENT
The successful candidate will join a recognised interdisciplinary research team working on interactions between societies, territories and the environment.

The position combines:
- Fundamental and applied research;
- Field-based experimentation;
- Participatory research;
- European collaborations;
- Regular interaction with stakeholders involved in territorial development.
The position offers the opportunity to contribute to an ambitious European project bringing together research, innovation, public policy and the agroecological transition.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Applications should include:
- A detailed curriculum vitae;
- A cover letter;
- A scientific reflection paper (maximum 2 pages): The COSMOS project aims to understand the conditions that enable the development of innovative agroforestry systems in the Mediterranean region, by combining field experimentation, participatory research, public policy analysis and engagement with territorial stakeholders.
Drawing on your background, field experience and other experiences that have contributed to shaping your scientific thinking, provide your analysis of the main factors likely to foster or hinder the development of Mediterranean agroforestry systems.
Your reflection may address, but is not limited to, ecological, agronomic and socio-economic dimensions; the role of stakeholders and territorial dynamics; public policies and support mechanisms; and issues related to participatory research and Living Labs.
This paper is not intended to provide an exhaustive literature review. Its purpose is to assess your analytical and critical thinking skills, your ability to connect different disciplinary perspectives, and your approach to complex scientific questions.

Beyond scientific expertise, we are looking for a curious and open-minded researcher who values dialogue and collaborative work, and who is keen to engage in a research approach grounded in fieldwork and the co-construction of knowledge with researchers, project partners and territorial stakeholders.

Applications will be reviewed in accordance with CNRS recruitment procedures.

Constraints and risks

Regular travel will be required, particularly to the COSMOS project's French demonstration site in the Aude department. Occasional travel within France and abroad may also be required as part of the European project.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

€1466€ to €2119 gross per month, depending on experience

Annual leave and RTT

44 jours

Remote Working practice and compensation

Pratique et indemnisation du TT

Transport

Prise en charge à 75% du coût et forfait mobilité durable jusqu’à 300€

About the offer

About the CNRS

The CNRS is a major player in fundamental research on a global scale. The CNRS is the only French organization active in all scientific fields. Its unique position as a multi-specialist allows it to bring together different disciplines to address the most important challenges of the contemporary world, in connection with the actors of change.

CNRS

The research professions