Postdoctoral Researcher in Humanities and Social Sciences in Le Mans Université – France

Summary

Le Mans Université is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher in Humanities and Social Sciences for a 22-month full-time temporary contract, starting November 1, 2026. The position is part of the national PIA4 PEPR Recycling project, focusing on the Household Waste axis, specifically addressing environmental inequalities and textile waste. The successful candidate will develop a research protocol using a human and social sciences approach, involving field observations, semi-structured interviews, and archive analysis. The role requires a PhD in Management Sciences, Sociology, Geography, or Anthropology, with expertise in rudology and social science research methodologies. The gross monthly salary is €3030. Applications, including a CV, cover letter, doctoral degree, and a research paper example, must be submitted by October 11, 2026, to Christine GONZALEZ.

Key Facts

Department	ARGUMans – Atelier de recherche en gestion de l'Université du Mans – Laboratoire de gestion
Position Type	Postdoctoral Researcher
Discipline	Humanities and Social Sciences
Research Area	Geography, Management Sciences, Rudology, Environmental Inequalities, Textile Waste Recycling, Household Waste
Degree Required	PhD or equivalent
Salary	€3030 gross monthly
Funding	PIA4 PEPR Priority Exploratory Research Program Recycling project Household Waste axis
Contract Duration	22 months
Language	French (for application documents, translation required if not in French)
Deadline	2026-10-11
Required Documents	Detailed curriculum vitae, Cover letter, Doctoral degree, Example of a research paper, article or conference paper, Translation of application documents if not in French
Employer Address	Université du Mans, Avenue Olivier Messiaen, 72085 LE MANS CEDEX 9, France
Employer Contact	Christine GONZALEZ, [email protected]

About the Project

The research project is part of the national PIA4 PEPR Recycling program, specifically within the Household Waste axis, which aims to identify obstacles to recycling development in France. The focus is on sorting processes, the relationship with waste, and environmental inequalities related to household waste, particularly textile waste. The recruited postdoctoral fellow will work with ARGUMANS researchers involved in the DETEXMEN project, adopting a systemic approach to understand sorting behavior for recycling. The objective is to diagnose how macro, meso, and micro environments influence sorting decisions and the use of digital tools for improving sorting.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop a research protocol to address justice and environmental inequalities in relation to household waste, especially textile waste
• Utilize a human and social sciences approach for research
• Conduct field observations and semi-structured interviews
• Analyze external archives
• Map interrelationships between actors at different levels
• Identify barriers to sorting for recycling
• Participate regularly in national and international conferences and seminars
• Participate in the scientific and partnership activities of the Rudology totem site
• Potentially take part in university courses in rudology and/or geography

Required Skills

• PhD in Management Sciences, Sociology, Geography, or Anthropology
• Expertise in the field of rudology
• Expertise in research methodologies in the social sciences and marketing

Who Should Apply

This position is suitable for a recognized researcher (R2) holding a PhD in Management Sciences, Sociology, Geography, or Anthropology, with expertise in rudology and social science research methodologies. Candidates should be interested in environmental inequalities, household waste, and textile recycling, and be prepared for field work in Le Mans and other locations, as well as participation in national and international conferences.

Benefits

• 22-month temporary contract
• Gross monthly salary of €3030

About the Employer

Le Mans Université is the employment establishment for this postdoctoral position. The research will be conducted within the ARGUMans (Atelier de recherche en gestion de l'Université du Mans – Laboratoire de gestion) laboratory, and is part of the national PIA4 PEPR Priority Exploratory Research Program Recycling project, which involves 120 research laboratories.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of the contract?

The contract is for a term of 22 months.

What is the gross monthly salary for this position?

The gross monthly salary is €3030.

What is the application deadline?

The application deadline is October 11, 2026.

What academic degree is required for this position?

A PhD or equivalent in Management Sciences, Sociology, Geography, or Anthropology is required.

What documents are required for the application?

Applicants must submit a detailed curriculum vitae, a cover letter, a doctoral degree, and an example of a research paper, article, or conference paper. A translation of these documents must be attached if they are not in French.

When does the position start?

The offer starting date is November 1, 2026.