Fully-Funded PhD in Sociology/Anthropology – CNRS

About the Program

The CNRS, in collaboration with the University of Toulouse Jean Jaurès, invites applications for a fully-funded 36-month PhD position in sociology and anthropology focused on food studies. The doctoral student will join the CERTOP UMR CNRS 5044 laboratory (future CET – Center for the Study of Transitions) under the co-supervision of Prof. A. Dupuy and Prof. J.-P. Poulain, alongside Dr. Elise Mognard from Taylor’s University, Malaysia. The project is part of the PAPALIM program, investigating biological and societal impacts of dietary transitions in Papua New Guinea. Candidates will contribute to developing a biocultural food barometer, combining fieldwork in rural and urban PNG, ethnographic surveys, socio-anthropological analyses, and integration of dietary and biological data. This interdisciplinary research connects sociology, anthropology, and nutritional sciences, offering opportunities to collaborate internationally and publish peer-reviewed findings while enhancing public health understanding.

Program Details

Position: Fully-funded PhD Position / Doctoral Researcher
Institution: CNRS / University of Toulouse Jean Jaurès
Department/Faculty: CERTOP UMR CNRS 5044
Supervisor: Prof. A. Dupuy & Prof. J.-P. Poulain (co-supervisors), Elise Mognard (co-supervisor)
Location: Toulouse, France
Start Date (Anticipated): January 2026
Duration: 36 months
Funding: Full funding, including stipend and research support
Working Hours: 35 hrs/week
Required Degree/Diploma: Master’s degree in sociology, anthropology, or related social sciences

Research Focus/Area

Sociology of food systems
Cultural anthropology of dietary transitions
Public health and nutritional anthropology
Biocultural approaches in global South contexts

Eligibility & Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

Master’s degree in sociology, anthropology, or social sciences
Strong interest in interdisciplinary research
Fluency in French and English (written and oral)
Strong qualitative and quantitative research skills

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with statistical analysis and lexicometry
Fieldwork experience in sociocultural research
Ability to work collaboratively in interdisciplinary projects

Key Features of the Program

International and interdisciplinary research environment
Extensive fieldwork in Papua New Guinea
Conference and publication opportunities
Collaboration with global research networks and partner universities
Structured doctoral support, including workshops, mentoring, and ethics guidance