About the Program
This fully funded PhD position is part of the MITI-80PRIME ALEA project at CNRS, focusing on innovative possibilistic ecosystem modelling to investigate human evolution. Based at the Centre de Recherche et d’Enseignement des Géosciences de l’Environnement (CEREGE), the program offers interdisciplinary collaboration across archaeology, palaeontology, and environmental sciences. The project explores alternative evolutionary scenarios of the genus Homo using advanced modelling techniques, ideal for candidates passionate about cutting-edge, cross-disciplinary research in paleoecology and human history.
Program Details
- Position: Fully-funded PhD Position / Doctoral Researcher
- Institution: CNRS
- Department/Faculty: Centre de Recherche et d’Enseignement des Géosciences de l’Environnement (CEREGE)
- Supervisor: To be confirmed
- Location: Aix-en-Provence, France
- Start Date (Anticipated): October 2025
- Duration: 3 years (fixed-term contract)
- Funding: Full funding provided by CNRS MITI program
- Working Hours: 35 hours per week
- Required Degree/Diploma: Master’s degree or equivalent
Research Focus/Area
- Possibilistic ecosystem modelling
- Human evolution between 4 and 1 million years ago
- Interdisciplinary integration of palaeoecology, archaeology, and climatology
- Use of EDEN (Ecological Discrete Event Network) formalism
- Analysis of fossil records and environmental impacts on hominin evolution
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- Master’s degree (or equivalent) in History, Anthropology, Environmental Science, or related discipline
- Basic proficiency in French
Preferred Qualifications:
- Research experience in ecosystem modelling or related fields
- Strong academic record
- Familiarity with computational platforms such as Jupyter
- Ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary research teams
Key Features of the Program
- Interdisciplinary research environment with access to expert teams in archaeology, palaeontology, and climatology
- Opportunity to engage with the ALEA project and the GDR RIFT research network
- Access to state-of-the-art modelling tools and data resources
- Conference and travel funding support for research dissemination
- Structured doctoral supervision including an annual thesis committee
Application Process
How to Apply:
Applications must be submitted online through the CNRS job portal.
Required Documents:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Cover letter
- Academic transcripts
- Relevant certificates
Important Dates
- Applications Open: Immediate
- Deadline: 24 June 2025, 23:59 (UTC)
- Interviews (if applicable): To be announced
Where to Apply
- University Website: Centre national de la recherche scientifique (CNRS)
- CEREGE Website: CEREGE
- Official Notification: CNRS Job Posting
- Application Portal: Apply Here
