Junior Postdoctoral Researcher – UFR SHA (24631) at University of Poitiers – France

Summary

The University of Poitiers is seeking a Junior Postdoctoral Researcher for a 12-month, full-time fixed-term contract starting February 11, 2026. The researcher will join the RURALITÉS laboratory located at MSHS on the Poitiers campus to work on the CERENA program in Nouvelle-Aquitaine. Responsibilities include conducting interviews with sector stakeholders, performing comprehensive analyses of actions taken by local authorities and companies, utilizing qualitative and quantitative analysis tools, and questioning conceptual frameworks related to transition and territorial dynamics. Applicants must hold a doctorate in geography, spatial planning, economics, or sociology, with less than two years of postdoctoral experience accepted. The position requires frequent travel to study sites, with travel and accommodation expenses fully covered. The application deadline is not stated.

Key Facts

Department	UFR SHA / RURALITÉS laboratory
Position Type	Postdoctoral / Junior Researcher
Discipline	Geography, spatial planning, economics, or sociology
Research Area	Reindustrialization projects, stakeholder dynamics, and transitions in territories
Degree Required	Doctorate in geography, spatial planning, economics or sociology
Experience	Beginner accepted (less than 2 years of experience)
Funding	Project selected under an international or national call for projects or defined by the institution
Contract Duration	12 months
Employer Address	Poitiers, France
Employer Contact	Marie Ferru – [email protected]

About the Project

The position is embedded within the CERENA program at the RURALITÉS laboratory. The research focuses on analyzing transition conceptual frameworks, territorial metabolism, and territorial energy operators by conducting stakeholder interviews and investigating reindustrialization projects across local authorities and companies in Nouvelle-Aquitaine.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct interviews with stakeholders to document organization, history, tensions, and development prospects
• Conduct comprehensive analysis of actions implemented by local authorities and involved companies
• Examine quantitative data on project impacts and systematize results around reindustrialization obstacles and levers
• Analyze transition frameworks including concepts of territorial intermediation, territorial energy operators, and territorial metabolism
• Participate in consortium meetings, monitoring committees, scientific communications, publications, and collective deliverables

Required Skills

• Ability to analyze terrain and understand dynamics between local stakeholders
• Proficiency in qualitative and quantitative analysis tools for stakeholder dynamics in territories
• Autonomy, rigor, and organizational skills in research
• Scientific curiosity and appetite for integrating new methodologies and analytical frameworks

Who Should Apply

Early-career researchers who hold a PhD in geography, spatial planning, economics, or sociology with under two years of experience. Applicants should possess skills in qualitative and quantitative analysis tools, an ability to analyze local stakeholder dynamics, and willingness to travel frequently to study sites.

Benefits

• Fully covered travel and accommodation expenses related to the project

About the Employer

The University of Poitiers is a multidisciplinary French institution serving 30,000 students across 14 teaching units, 37 laboratories, and 5 doctoral schools, with nearly 3,000 staff members.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the contract duration for this position?

The position is a 12-month fixed-term contract (100% full-time, 35 hours per week).

What degree is required to apply?

A Doctorate (PhD) in geography, spatial planning, economics, or sociology is required.

What level of experience is expected?

Beginners with less than 2 years of experience are accepted.

Are travel expenses covered for field research?

Yes, travel and accommodation expenses related to the project will be fully covered.

Who is the contact person for this role?

The contact person is Marie Ferru at [email protected].