About the Program
School of Advanced Studies in Social Sciences (EHESS) in Paris is offering a fully funded Doctoral Contract in Anthropology under the prestigious ERC Advanced Grant project “MOVING – Moving Bodies and Memories of African Slavery in South America.” This research investigates embodied memories of African slavery and contemporary Afro-descendant practices, with the PhD candidate focusing on fieldwork in Chile. The program blends academic, artistic, and action-based methodologies. Year 1 will be spent in Paris for training and preparation, followed by 12+ months of ethnographic fieldwork in Chile. Supervised by Dr Véronique Beneï and integrated into a multinational research team, the candidate will contribute to collaborative citizen science initiatives and artistic exchanges while developing a monograph grounded in political anthropology, memory, and embodiment.
Program Details
- Position: Fully funded Doctoral Researcher (PhD Contract)
- Institution: EHESS (École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales) /School of Advanced Studies in Social Sciences
- Department/Faculty: Laboratory of Political Anthropology (LAP)
- Supervisor: Dr Véronique Beneï (ERC PI)
- Location: Paris, France (Year 1); Fieldwork in Chile (Year 2+)
- Start Date (Anticipated): 1 November 2025
- Duration: 3 years (with possible 6–12 month extension)
- Funding: €2,200/month gross (minimum), ERC Advanced Grant
- Working Hours: Full-time (38 hrs/week)
- Required Degree/Diploma: Master’s degree in Anthropology or related field
Research Focus/Area
- Anthropology of Dance
- Political Anthropology
- Memory and Embodiment
- Afro-descendant Cultural Practices
- Ethnographic and Participatory Research
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Anthropology, preferably with focus on political anthropology, embodiment, or dance
Experience in South America (especially Chile)
Fluency in Spanish or Portuguese
Working knowledge of English
Ability to participate in French-language training in Year 1
Understanding of slavery history in South America
Preferred Qualifications:
- Artistic experience in dance, theatre, or performance
- Knowledge of somatic practices or Dance Movement Psychotherapy
- Strong academic writing and ethnographic skills
- Commitment to collaborative and action-based research
- Experience with multilingual and interdisciplinary work environments
Key Features of the Program
- Training year in Paris at EHESS
- Minimum 12 months fieldwork in Chile
- Annual Summer Schools and two international conferences
- Active role in citizen science labs and collaborations with local artists
- Multilingual academic setting (French, Spanish, Portuguese, English)
- Access to EHESS workspace, seminars, and research infrastructure
- Dedicated supervision and interdisciplinary mentoring
Application Process
How to Apply:
Apply via CNRS portal and email all documents to moving@ehess.fr
Required Documents:
- CV
- Cover letter
- 2 letters of reference
- Research proposal (max 30,000 characters including bibliography)
- Copy of MA thesis and/or writing sample
- Master’s diploma and academic transcripts (M1 and M2)
Important Dates
- Applications Open: Now
- Deadline: 13 September 2025, 23:59 (Paris time)
- Online Interviews: 19 September 2025
- In-person Interviews in Paris: 1–3 October 2025
- Proposal in local language deadline: 26 September 2025
- Results Announced: 6 October 2025
- Start Date: 1 November 2025
Where to Apply
- University Website: Ph.D. – Social Anthropology and Ethnology | EHESS
- Project Info: Job offer – Doctoral contract in Anthropology – Chile (H/F)
- Application Portal: CNRS – Recruitment job portal
