Missions

The postdoctoral researcher will participate in the activities of the ANR JCJC EXTRA project team "The far right at work. Work, trade unionism and relations with politics in France and Brazil".
This project is funded by the ANR for a period of four years and supported by the International Research Laboratory of the CNRS and the University of São Paulo. It is coordinated by Rémy Ponge (MCF in sociology, Aix-Marseille University, LEST) and brings together a team of 12 researchers (sociologists and political scientists) in France and Brazil. The EXTRA project aims to shed light on the effects of changes in trade unionism and labour on the logic of politicisation at work and the rise of the far right in France and Brazil.
The postdoctoral researcher will conduct an in-depth field study in the city of São Paulo, Brazil, focusing on changes in social policies and their political effects.
Since the 1990s, public services in São Paulo have undergone a process of state disengagement, austerity policies and the delegation of social policies to actors outside the state, particularly organisations close to evangelical churches. In addition, social policies have been strongly challenged (drastic spending cuts, labour law reforms, rhetoric denouncing those receiving welfare, etc.), fuelled by the rise of conservative ideas (on the family, gender roles, work, etc.). The survey will aim to examine the effects of these changes on the work of social workers, beneficiaries and trade unions, as well as their possible links with the social representations and political behaviours of these actors.

Activités

The main task of the person recruited will be to conduct semi-structured interviews with various actors (social workers, religious associations, trade union leaders, beneficiaries) and to carry out ethnographic observations (work situations, meetings, etc.). The survey will be conducted collectively, with Rémy Ponge and part of the Brazilian team from the University of São Paulo. This will require a long-term assignment in Brazil, lasting at least six months.
The mission will include:
- The development of a literature review on social policies and their contemporary developments in Brazil
- Participation in team meetings
- Presenting papers at national and international conferences, research seminars and other scientific events.
- Participation in the organisation of an international conference in 2026
- Writing and submitting articles in French and English to academic journals, with a preference for open access journals
- Participation in the promotion of research in innovative formats, such as podcasts, videos, and photo exhibitions

Beyond research activities directly related to EXTRA, the candidate may devote part of their time to developing and promoting their own research work.

Compétences

- PhD in sociology or political science
- Research experience in political behaviour and/or social policy
- Excellent command of written and spoken Portuguese (Brazil) for fieldwork, writing scientific articles and presenting at conferences.
- Good command of English
- Field experience in Brazil, ideally in the São Paulo region
- Recognised research activity (publications, conferences)
- Proficiency in qualitative data collection and analysis (interviews, case studies, field observations, monographs, etc.)
- Leadership and public speaking skills suited to a variety of audiences
- Proficiency in office software (Office Pack, Excel).
- Knowledge of the Brazilian social protection system would be an advantage, as would literature on this subject.

Contexte de travail

The candidate will be welcomed at the LEST research centre, a joint research unit (Aix-Marseille University, CNRS) offering a pleasant and dynamic research environment. The staff (approximately 100 people) includes 52 researchers/teachers, 10 engineers/technicians/administrators and 40 doctoral students.
Long-term assignment in Brazil to be planned (minimum 6 months)
During their long-term assignment in Brazil, the successful candidate will be welcomed at the International Research Laboratory (IRL) of the CNRS and the University of São Paulo, whose campus is located on the University of São Paulo site. They will have the status of associate researcher.

Contraintes et risques

Long-term assignment in Brazil to be planned (minimum 6 months)