The CNRS (Centre national de la recherche scientifique) is offering an 18-month Postdoctoral Fellow position in Anthropology at the Centre for Research on Social Connections in Paris, France. The position starts on 4 January 2027 and offers a gross monthly salary of €4,350. The research post is part of the ANR Art-e-Fact programme and focuses on ethnographic research in the anthropology of the Arab worlds.
The research will focus on the case study “The (im)possibility of movement”, which will be carried out as a multi-sited ethnographic study in Arab and European countries where members of the Palestinian diaspora are located. The study will use classical ethnographic and visual methods.
The researcher will produce publications and multimodal research materials, including texts and still images, for dissemination through the programme’s digital library. The role also includes co-organising Thinking-Through-Creating Workshops with the project coordinator. Travel for the research will be planned subject to approval and the geopolitical situation.
Applicants must hold a PhD and have theoretical and practical knowledge of the anthropology of the Arab world. They should have a perfect command of Syrian-Lebanese Arabic, French and English, experience with ethnographic research methods, at least two years of postdoctoral experience abroad, and experience with visual and creative practices applied to ethnographic research.
Position Details
- Position: Postdoctoral Fellow (M/F)
- Official Reference number: UMR8070-ALISAR-002
- Source: CNRS Job Portal
- Institution: CNRS, France
- Research Unit: Centre for Research on Social Connections
- Research Discipline(s): Anthropology and Comparative Study of Contemporary Societies
- Location: Paris 06, France
- Job Type: Postdoctoral Researcher
- Contract Duration: 18 months
- Salary: €4,350 gross per month
- Required Qualification: PhD
Research Areas
The position covers the following research areas:
- Anthropology of the Arab worlds
- Ethnographic research
- Visual anthropology
- Multi-sited ethnography
- Palestinian diaspora studies
- Creative and visual practices in ethnographic research
- Anthropology and comparative study of contemporary societies
Eligibility/Qualifications
Required qualifications include:
- A PhD and a strong academic background in the anthropology of the Arab world.
- Fluency in Syrian-Lebanese Arabic, French and English.
- Experience with ethnographic research methods; previous fieldwork experience is preferred.
- At least two years of postdoctoral experience abroad.
- Experience using visual and creative methods in ethnographic research.
- The vacancy lists 5–10 years of experience as desirable.
Salary and Benefits
The position offers a gross monthly salary of €4,350, along with:
- 44 days of annual leave and RTT.
- Teleworking arrangements and compensation.
- 75% coverage of public transport costs.
- Sustainable mobility allowance of up to €300.
Key Responsibilities
The postdoctoral researcher will:
- Conduct the “The (im)possibility of movement” case study as a multi-sited ethnographic study.
- Use classical ethnographic and visual methods in the research.
- Produce publications based on the research findings.
- Prepare research materials, including texts and still images.
- Add research materials to the programme’s digital library.
- Co-organise Thinking-Through-Creating Workshops with the project coordinator.
Application Process
Candidates should apply through the official CNRS Job Portal and review the vacancy for the application procedure. Before submitting, check the official listing for the required documents and any supporting materials. Follow the instructions provided by CNRS to ensure that the application includes all requested information.
Important Dates
- Application Deadline: 7 October 2026, 11:59 PM
- Expected Start Date: 4 January 2027
Eligible candidates should consult the official CNRS application page for the full vacancy details and application procedure.
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You can also explore postdoctoral fellowships in France for more opportunities in the humanities and related research fields.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the position offered by CNRS?
It is an 18-month Postdoctoral Fellow position at the Centre for Research on Social Connections in Paris, France.
What research will the postdoctoral fellow conduct?
The researcher will develop the case study “The (im)possibility of movement” as a multi-sited ethnographic study using classical ethnographic and visual methods.
What qualification is required?
Applicants must hold a PhD.
Which languages are required?
The official vacancy requires a perfect command of Syrian-Lebanese Arabic, French and English.
What is the salary for this postdoctoral position?
The gross monthly remuneration is €4,350.
When is the application deadline?
Applications must be submitted by 7 October 2026 at 11:59 PM.
Institutional Overview
The CNRS is a major French research organisation working across all scientific disciplines. Its research covers the humanities and social sciences alongside other areas of scientific research. This position is based at the Centre for Research on Social Connections in Paris 06 and forms part of research conducted through the CERLIS Joint Research Unit. The Art-e-Fact project is coordinated by Alice Sophie Sarcinelli, Lecturer in Anthropology at the University of Paris Cité, and the postdoctoral research is supervised by Alice Sophie Sarcinelli and Natacha Collomb of CNRS and IDEAS. The project brings together ethnographic research, visual methods and creative approaches to the study of institutions.
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