Postdoctoral Position: Impact of Research on the Transformation of Marine Socio-Ecosystems IRD / LEMAR, Réunion Island, France

Summary

The Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD) seeks a postdoctoral researcher for an 18‑month fixed‑term contract on Réunion Island. The role, within the LEMAR laboratory’s DISCOVERY team, focuses on assessing how research influences marine socio‑ecosystem transformations in the southwest Indian Ocean, especially fisheries and conservation. The researcher will co‑develop a research‑impact assessment methodology, create an information system to track societal change pathways, identify monitoring data, define transformation indicators, facilitate workshops across six BRIDGES project sites, and coordinate follow‑up activities. Collaboration spans IRD, INRAE, CNRS and regional partners, with occasional travel in France and abroad. Candidates must hold a PhD awarded within three years, possess interdisciplinary knowledge, quantitative/qualitative skills, English C2 proficiency, and experience in fisheries or marine conservation.

Key Facts

Department	LEMAR laboratory – DISCOVERY team
Position Type	Postdoctoral researcher
Discipline	Environmental economics
Research Area	Marine socio-ecosystems, fisheries, conservation
Degree Required	PhD
Experience	Research experience in fisheries or marine conservation
Funding	Funded by the BRIDGES-IMPACT project
Contract Duration	18 months
Language	English (C2)
Deadline	2026-10-31

About the Project

The project evaluates how scientific research contributes to societal transformations in marine socio‑ecosystems of the southwest Indian Ocean. It aims to co‑develop a methodology for research‑impact assessment, build an information system to trace pathways toward change, define relevant indicators, and support stakeholder workshops across six BRIDGES‑IMPACT sites, fostering collaboration among regional and international partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify relevant monitoring information
• Define indicators of transformation and performance
• Facilitate workshops across six BRIDGES project sites
• Coordinate follow‑up with other project teams
• Support co‑development of research‑impact assessment methodology
• Contribute to an information system for tracking societal change pathways

Required Skills

• Interdisciplinary knowledge of socio‑ecosystems
• Quantitative and/or qualitative research methods
• Professional English proficiency (C2)
• Participatory work with diverse stakeholders
• Data management or information‑systems knowledge
• Familiarity with the southwest Indian Ocean
• Research‑impact assessment methods

Who Should Apply

Applicants with a PhD (awarded within the last three years) in environmental economics, marine and coastal geography, environmental management or a related discipline, who have research experience in fisheries or marine conservation, strong interdisciplinary and quantitative/qualitative skills, professional English proficiency (C2), and familiarity with the southwest Indian Ocean and impact‑assessment methods.

Benefits

• Remote work possible 1 to 3 days per week
• Occasional travel in France and internationally
• Collaboration with researchers from IRD, INRAE, CNRS and regional organizations

About the Employer

IRD (Institut de Recherche pour le Développement) is a French public research institute. The position is based in the LEMAR laboratory’s DISCOVERY team on Réunion Island, focusing on marine socio‑ecosystem research and impact assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the contract duration?

The contract is an 18‑month fixed‑term position.

What language proficiency is required?

Professional English proficiency at level C2 is required.

When is the application deadline?

The deadline is October 31, 2026.

Where is the position based?

The position is based on Réunion Island, France.

Is remote work possible?

Yes, remote work is possible for 1 to 3 days per week depending on activities.