Missions

The CNRS Humanities and Social Sciences Division is launching a call for applications for a postdoctoral position linked to the Franco-Quebec Joint Research Chair on Contemporary Issues in Freedom of Expression – COLIBEX (see details below).
This postdoctoral position will focus on the analysis of contemporary forms of questioning freedom of expression in the cultural and artistic fields. The research will examine how this freedom is currently at the heart of recurring public debates and increasingly pressing societal issues, manifesting in various contexts and through different means: media statements, calls for boycotts, legal actions, event cancellations, withdrawal of funding, etc.
The project may rely on a case study, field research, or a targeted assessment, focused on a specific geographic area, artistic sector, or particular configuration.
The selected candidate will work closely with the eight co-chairs of the research chair (four in France, four in Quebec), and more specifically with Anna Arzoumanov, co-chair of Axis 4. This research axis explores the links between censorship, artistic creation, and cultural production, with a primary focus on contemporary periods, though earlier periods may also be considered.
This postdoctoral fellowship offers the selected researcher valuable experience within a CNRS Humanities and Social Sciences laboratory, providing opportunities to deepen expertise in a specific research area and develop increased autonomy in the academic field.
Candidates must hold a PhD defended within three years prior to the start date. Through this position, the fellow will gain experience as an early-career researcher within a CNRS SHS laboratory.
More Information on the COLIBEX Chair
The definition, uses, and limitations of Freedom of Expression in Western societies—and globally—have long been the subject of philosophical, legal, and political debate. In a context where Enlightenment values are increasingly challenged, it is essential to understand why, for what purposes, and under what conditions Freedom of Expression has been viewed as a cornerstone of knowledge and political principle. It is equally necessary to understand how it has been regulated by the regimes that have recognized it, in order to shed light on current normative frameworks and practices, as well as emerging challenges in areas such as science, religion, the arts, and digital communication platforms.
Organized as a transnational network, the chair—supported by CNRS and FRQ (Québec)—is structured around four main axes: 1. General issues of regulation of freedom of expression related to fundamental human rights and democracy; 2. Religion; 3. Science; 4. Arts, literature and culture (focus of this postdoc).

https://www.inshs.cnrs.fr/fr/cnrsinfo/creation-dune-chaire-collective-de-recherche-franco-quebecoise-sur-la-liberte-dexpression

https://frq.gouv.qc.ca/programme/frq-chaire-de-recherche-france-quebec-sur-les-enjeux-contemporains-de-la-liberte-dexpression-libex/#contexte

https://libexpress.hypotheses.org/

Activités

The successful candidate will be appointed for two years starting September 1, 2025, and will carry out their research within the CELLF (CNRS–Sorbonne University), under the supervision of Anna Arzoumanov.
Their responsibilities include:
- Developing a personal research project aligned with the chair's themes
- Deepening cumulative and multidimensional knowledge of the links between censorship, culture, and creation
- Disseminating findings through academic publications
- Participating in national and international academic events
- Contributing to joint publications with the chair's co-holders and/or other researchers working on contemporary issues in artistic freedom
The fellow will also support the coordination of the research chair and contribute to the design and implementation of internal and external communication initiatives, in collaboration with the CNRS Humanities and Social Sciences Communication Department and the COLIBEX website.
They will be expected to take part in the academic life of the host lab, CELLF.
At the end of the fellowship, the fellow will submit a report to CNRS Humanities and Social Sciences outlining the research conducted and results achieved.

Compétences

- PhD in the Humanities (defended within 3 years of September 1, 2025)
- Strong knowledge of the research domain
- Excellent command of French (native or near-native fluency in written and spoken French); additional languages are an asset
- Ability to read, communicate, and write scientific documents; proficiency in Excel databases
- Skills in identifying, organizing, analyzing, and critically evaluating data and sources
- Ability to draft reports and outreach documents
- Strong oral and written communication skills
- Capacity to work in a multidisciplinary team
- Self-motivation and organizational skills

Contexte de travail

The position will be based at CELLF (Centre for the Study of the French Language and Literatures, UMR 8599), located at the Faculty of Arts of Sorbonne University, 1 rue Victor Cousin, 75230 Paris Cedex 05.
CELLF is a CNRS–Sorbonne University research unit specializing in literary studies, with approximately 90 permanent staff members and 180 PhD students.

Contraintes et risques

Short-term travel to France and Quebec may be required.

Informations complémentaires

Application Deadline: June 10, 2025

Application Materials:
- Cover letter
- Detailed CV with list of publications
- Copy of PhD diploma
- PDF of PhD dissertation, plus one or two articles (or a book)
- One letter (or email) of recommendation
- Defense report (if the PhD was defended in France)
- Research proposal (max. 5 pages)
Contact: anna.arzoumanov@sorbonne-universite.fr