Historical and bibliographic research on pesticide use in China (M/F)

Job Description

Missions

This internship is part of the "Remed-Chlor" project—funded by the ANR (French National Research Agency) and coordinated by Sarra Gaspard—which launched in 2022 and is dedicated to the multidisciplinary study of soil decontamination in Guadeloupe. Like Martinique, this island is currently heavily contaminated by an organochlorine compound known as chlordecone; this substance was used as a pesticide to serve the interests of leaders in the French West Indies' capitalist, high-output banana industry. One aspect of the project's humanities and social sciences component—in which Malcom Ferdinand, a political scientist and philosopher at IRISSO (UMR CNRS-INRA 7170-1427, Paris Dauphine University), is involved—focuses on examining the various representations and approaches regarding the remediation of this type of toxic substance. This internship, which focuses on China, aims to present alternative experiences regarding the challenges and issues of decontamination in the context of the historical use of organochlorines (and other pesticides). The internship will thus contribute to building a comprehensive historical and political understanding of the challenges involved in global decontamination efforts, while maintaining a dialogue with the specific case of Guadeloupe. The intern will be tasked with conducting a literature review covering the uses, public policies, and regulations governing pesticide application in China, particularly in the southern regions. The intern will also conduct a preliminary survey on contemporary pesticide usage. They will participate in weekly meetings with the Paris-based research team as well as selected meetings for the Remed-Chlor project. Finally, the intern will take part in the collaborative analysis of public policies regarding pesticides alongside other team members working on other regions of the world. Under the supervision of Malcom Ferdinand, the intern will receive training in remote bibliographic research and preliminary survey methods. At the end of the three months, he or she will present the results of the literature review and preliminary survey to the entire team, both in writing and orally.

Your Profil

- Master's student (1st or 2nd year) in Humanities and Social Sciences, specializing in sociology, anthropology, history, political science, or the sociology of science and technology.
- Proficiency in English.
- Proficiency in Mandarin and/or Wu.
- Ability to work independently.
- Good interpersonal skills for conducting fieldwork.
- Ability to take initiative.
- Analytical and writing skills.

Your Work Environment

Description of the employer

Malcom Ferdinand (Political scientist and philosopher), IRISSO-UMR CNRS-INRA 7170-1427)

Special conditions of exercise

- Monthly allowance of €660.
- Provision of a digital voice recorder and a computer (if needed) to the student for the duration of the internship.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

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