CNRS – National Centre for Scientific Research is offering a full-time Postdoctoral Researcher position in imaging and evolution of the visual system of extant and fossil amphibians. The position is based at the Institut Photonique d’Analyse Non-destructive Européen des Matériaux Anciens (IPANEMA) in Saint-Aubin, Essonne, France. The 18-month full-time position starts on 1 October 2026 and offers €3,131–€4,400 gross monthly, depending on experience.
The research will investigate visual systems in fossil and living amphibians through combined morphological and chemical approaches. The project examines evolutionary changes associated with metamorphosis, adaptation to terrestrial life, and transitions between aquatic and terrestrial modes of life.
Alongside this research focus, the successful candidate will work with fossil amphibians dating from approximately 300 million years ago and extant salamanders and frogs. The research uses laboratory and synchrotron imaging and spectroscopy to characterise preserved morphological and chemical information.
The position also involves collaborative research activities within an international and multidisciplinary environment connecting palaeontology, biology, physics and chemistry. The researcher will contribute to scientific publications, international conference presentations, mediation activities and DIM PAMIR events.
Position Details
- Position: Postdoctoral Researcher in Imaging and Evolution of the Visual System of Extant and Fossil Amphibians
- Official Reference: UAR3461-REGOPR-027
- Institution: CNRS – National Centre for Scientific Research
- Research Unit: Institut Photonique d’Analyse Non-destructive Européen des Matériaux Anciens (IPANEMA)
- Research Area: Palaeontology, amphibian evolution, imaging and biological adaptation
- Contract Type: Fixed-term research contract (CDD)
- Contract Duration: 18 months
- Employment Status: Full-time
- Working Hours: 35 hours per week
- Start Date: 1 October 2026
- Location: Saint-Aubin, Essonne, France
- Salary: €3,131–€4,400 gross per month, depending on experience
- Transport: 75% of transport costs covered, plus a sustainable mobility allowance of up to €300
- Positions Available: 1
- Education Level: PhD in Palaeontology or Natural Sciences
Research Areas
The position covers the following research areas:
- Amphibian visual system evolution
- Fossil amphibian palaeontology
- Extant amphibian biology
- Morphological characterisation
- Chemical characterisation
- Electron microscopy
- Multispectral imaging
- EDX mapping
- XRF mapping
- Synchrotron X-ray absorption spectroscopy
- Metamorphosis and biological adaptation
- Aquatic-to-terrestrial evolutionary transitions
- Neoteny and paedomorphosis
Eligibility / Qualifications
Required qualifications include:
- A PhD in Palaeontology or Natural Sciences.
- Experience with, or demonstrated interest in, using and processing 2D imaging data.
- Experience with, or demonstrated interest in, X-ray spectroscopy techniques.
- Experience handling and studying extant specimens.
- Ability to work independently.
- Ability to work effectively within a highly multidisciplinary and international research environment.
Desirable qualifications
- Good knowledge of amphibian anatomy.
- Previous experience with synchrotron techniques.
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will:
- Select and prepare fossil and extant amphibian specimens and reference materials.
- Conduct multi-scale morphological and chemical characterisation using advanced imaging and spectroscopy techniques.
- Participate actively in synchrotron measurement campaigns and contribute to beamtime applications.
- Process and integrate observations concerning visual-system transformations during amphibian development and evolution.
- Publish research findings and present results at international scientific conferences.
- Participate in scientific mediation activities and events organised by the DIM PAMIR programme.
Salary and Benefits
The postdoctoral position is funded through the DIM PAMIR programme of the Île-de-France Region under the VISTA project. The project is conducted in collaboration with Museum für Naturkunde Berlin, the PUMA beamline at SOLEIL, and the MECADEV and PhyMA units of the Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle.
The official CNRS vacancy specifies the following employment benefits:
- Salary: €3,131–€4,400 gross monthly, according to experience.
- Annual leave and RTT: 44 days.
- Transport: 75% of transport costs covered.
- Sustainable mobility allowance: Up to €300.
Application Process
Eligible candidates can apply through the official CNRS recruitment portal using reference UAR3461-REGOPR-027. Applicants should review the official vacancy carefully for details of the required application documents, supporting materials and other information needed to complete the application.
Candidates should prepare the documents requested in the official application system and ensure that all information provided is complete and accurate before submitting their application. The online application should be completed through the official CNRS recruitment portal.
Important Dates
- Application Deadline: 15 September 2026 at 23:59
- Expected Start Date: 1 October 2026
Eligible candidates should review the official CNRS vacancy through the Apply Now button below and complete their online application.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the position offered by CNRS?
CNRS is recruiting a Postdoctoral Researcher to investigate the imaging and evolution of visual systems in extant and fossil amphibians.
What qualification is required for the CNRS postdoctoral position?
Applicants must hold a PhD in Palaeontology or Natural Sciences and have relevant experience with imaging, X-ray spectroscopy and extant specimens.
What is the salary for this CNRS postdoctoral position?
The salary is €3,131–€4,400 gross per month, depending on the candidate’s experience.
What is the application deadline?
The application deadline is 15 September 2026 at 23:59, with the position scheduled to begin on 1 October 2026.
How can candidates apply for the CNRS postdoctoral position?
Eligible candidates can apply through the official CNRS recruitment portal using reference UAR3461-REGOPR-027. Applicants should review the official vacancy for the required application documents, supporting materials and application instructions.
Institutional Overview
CNRS – National Centre for Scientific Research is the recruiting organisation for this postdoctoral position in France. The official vacancy describes CNRS as a major organisation for fundamental research operating across scientific disciplines. The position is hosted by IPANEMA, an interdisciplinary research platform based at the SOLEIL synchrotron site and associated with Université Paris-Saclay. IPANEMA focuses on the study of ancient materials across archaeology, palaeontology and heritage. Its research environment brings together palaeontology, biology, physics and chemistry, while providing access to advanced imaging and analytical facilities. This interdisciplinary setting supports research into fossil and extant amphibian visual systems.
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