PhD (M/F) PEPR TRANSFORM Analysis and Strengthening of Citizen-Led Initiatives in Building Resilience and Habitability in Territories Facing Global Environmental Risks

Job Description

Thesis Subject

The objective of this proposed doctoral thesis is to analyze and strengthen local dynamics and non-institutional mechanisms to build the resilience and habitability of territories in the face of the increasing frequency, interconnection, and unpredictability of various risks. It is based on the finding that, in the face of increasing frequency and intensity of risks—exacerbated by climate change—the ways in which citizens engage to address these risks and continue living in affected areas is a crucial issue for both research and public policy.
The involvement of citizens and volunteers in situations of risk and disaster—whether spontaneous or organized through associations and NGOs—is notable in various contexts. This doctoral research will examine citizen-led initiatives and actions in territories marked by multiple risks.
The doctoral thesis should:
1. analyze, based on an empirical study, the driving forces and forms of citizen initiatives in response to the degradation of habitability conditions in certain territories;
2. characterize their innovative nature by examining how they align with or diverge from existing institutional frameworks and action;
3. Propose new approaches to strengthen these initiatives and facilitate the disseminationof their contributions from one region to another.
The doctoral candidate is expected to develop innovative methods to help address major challenges, to develop inclusive approaches to sustainably reduce disaster risks, and to en-hance the habitability of territories in the face of climate change.
Main missions are:
- Conducting a state-of-the-art review of research on citizen-led initiatives in response to the proliferation and interplay of risks leading to a deterioration in living conditions;
- Conducting an empirical study in territories marked by social, economic, and environmental inequalities that are facing an overlap of risks;
- Participating in the design and facilitation of consultation workshops;
- Participating in the organization of scientific, cultural and artistic activities;
- Participating in events organized with stakeholders, particularly nonprofit organizations and citizen groups;
- Writing and publishing research articles in peer-reviewed journals or books.
Knowledge:
- The candidate must hold a master's degree (or equivalent) in the humanities and social sciences;
- Knowledge of ecological and climate issues, as well as global environmental risks;
- Knowledge of the sociology of civic engagement and social movements, as well as citizen and inclusive science.
Skills:
- Skills in conducting empirical research, as well as in synthesizing and writing;
- Ethnographic observations, conducting interviews, and knowledge of qualitative and quantitative data analysis methods;
- Experience facilitating workshops or organizing and leading consultation sessions, cultural and artistic events, etc.;
- Skills in artistic approaches and the digital humanities are a valued asset.
Soft Skills:
- Rigour, teamwork, proactivity and autonomy;
- Ability to interact with people in the field, outside of an academic context.

Your Work Environment

The TRANSFORM research program aims to explore the conditions leading to the loss of Earth's habitability, as well as actions to address this issue. It will help generate transformative knowledge through collaboration among researchers from various disciplines, artists, and relevant stakeholders, thereby contributing to the creation of desirable futures by strengthening capacity for action and public policy. The objective of PC2 is to identify the conditions under which “Earth Labs” emerge from local, non-institutional dynamics. These future Earth Labs will be designed to facilitate experimentation with new ways of addressing needs expressed at the local level.
The hired person will join the Priority Exploratory Research Program and Equipment (PEPR) “For a Habitable Earth” (TRANSFORM) to conduct doctoral research as part of the focus project “Conditions for the Emergence of Terrestrial Laboratories (PC2).”
She/He will be hosted at CERMES3 as part of a collaboration with the PEPR Risques team (IRiMa).

Constraints and risks

The position is under the protection of scientific and technical potential (PPST), and requires the authorisation of the the Ministry for Higher education and Research authorities.
Travel throughout France may be required (4 times a year).
No specific risks.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

2300 € gross monthly

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