Historical and bibliographic research on pesticide use in India (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 focuses on the multidisciplinary study of soil decontamination in Guadeloupe. Like Martinique, the island is currently heavily contaminated by an organochlorine compound known as chlordecone; this substance was used as a pesticide to serve the interests of those leading 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/CNRS-INRA at Paris Dauphine University) is involved—examines the various representations and approaches regarding the remediation of this type of toxic substance.
Focusing on India, this internship aims to present alternative experiences regarding the challenges and issues of decontamination in the context of the historical use of organochlorines (and other pesticides). It will thus contribute to building a comprehensive historical and political understanding of global decontamination challenges, while maintaining a dialogue with the situation in Guadeloupe.


Intern's duties:

The intern will be responsible for conducting a literature review on the uses, public policies, and regulations governing pesticides in India, specifically in the state of Kerala. The intern will also carry out a preliminary survey on contemporary pesticide usage. Additionally, the intern will participate in weekly meetings with the Paris-based research team and attend select meetings for the Remed-Chlor project.
Finally, the intern will take part in the collective analysis of pesticide-related public policies 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 Hindi and/or Malayalam.
- 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.
- Remote work will be possible.

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