Missions

For a long time, one of the classic approaches to studying populations has been to analyse through a geographical analysis. Beyond mere description, mapping populations in space can also help to reveal the factors that explain their spatial patterns and dynamics, as well as their behaviour. This approach allows different social theories to be linked to identify the most effective explanations for major contemporary demographic trends. It is particularly relevant when conducted as part of a spatio-temporal study, which combine spatial and temporal dimensions. Thus, the geographical approach provides a complementary perspective to that of other population sciences, contributing to a better overall understanding of population phenomena. However, while this approach is widely used for certain topics, such as migration, it is much less so for others. Traditional topics, such as demographic dynamics and its components, fertility, population structures, marriage patterns, and family, are surprisingly understudied using this approach. This is particularly noticeable in France at present, which is paradoxical given the availability of rich, high-quality data with which to study the geographies of French populations.
This position aims to address this gap. The person recruited will produce geographical analyses of population dynamics in France and promote them to the scientific community.
This mission aligns with the group of researchers involved in drafting the Atlas of the French Population (to be published by CNRS Éditions before the end of 2025). The project has opened avenues for further research on topics such as age structure, fertility, migration, family structures, and employment dynamics.
A strong background in quantitative and statistical methods, as well as a good level of English, are required. A basic knowledge of French (level B1) is required.

Activités

- Review the literature on the geography of French demographic dynamics, including: Settlement, Population growth/decline, The natural and migratory components of population change, Age and gender structures, Demographic ageing, Fertility and migration
- Conduct an international review of the spatial dimension of demographic dynamics to identify the specific nature of French trends.
- Create a spatio-temporal database to analyse French demographic dynamics at various geographical levels and over different time periods.
- Describe and explain France's demographic dynamics through quantitative spatial analysis.
- Publish the results of the analyses in French and international scientific journals.
- Present the results at national and international conferences.
- Co-lead a research group on the geography of demographic dynamics in France, collaborating with several research centers (Géographie-Cités, ESO, IDEES, LADYSS, PRODIG and SAGE).

Compétences

Attainment
The candidate should have a PhD in quantitative geography, (spatial) demography or other relevant quantitative social science with a spatial analysis component.
The position is open to recent graduates.

Essential skills
- A high proficiency in English is mandatory.
- A basic knowledge of French (level B1) is required.
- Extensive knowledge of the data sources is required to analyse the geography of population dynamics
- Knowledge of the mechanisms of demographic dynamics
- Working knowledge of thematic mapping
- Working knowledge of Excel and statistical software (such as R, STATA, SPSS)
- Working knowledge of statistical data analysis methods such as regression, Hierarchical Clustering and Principal Component Analysis
- Ability to work individually and as part of a team
- Ability to clearly present research results to an academic audience
- Excellent interpersonal communication skills

Desirable skills
- Knowledge of demography and demographic analysis.
- Experience of spatial analysis methods and spatial modelling (spatial autocorrelations, spatial regression models, GWR…)

Contexte de travail

Research center presentation
The UMR IDEES is a research center of the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS). It is based in 3 towns in Normandy : Rouen, Le Havre and Caen. It bring together more than 120 researchers and academics from different disciplines, particularly in the field of quantitative geography and socio-territorial changes. The post holder will be based at the UMR IDEES (Rouen site).
This postdoctoral position forms part of the research contracts funded by the CNRS Sciences Humaines et Sociales department, in line with its scientific policy and methodological priorities, particularly with regard to quantification and support for the field of population sciences.

Working environment
- Place of work: University of Rouen / campus of Mont-Saint-Aignan
- Entitlement to 44 days of annual leave
- Work-life balance : enjoy flexible working hours, possibility of remote working (to be defined at a later stage)
- Internal further training & Coaching : Opportunity to deepen your skills on an ongoing basis (free of charge)
- Good public transport connections: Your workplace in the center is easily accessible by public transport
- Equal opportunities for everyone