IAST Postdoctoral Fellowship 2025–26 | Apply Now

About the Fellowship

The IAST Postdoctoral Research Fellowship offers exceptional early-career researchers the opportunity to pursue independent and collaborative research at the Institute for Advanced Study in Toulouse (IAST), France. This prestigious two-year programme supports innovative scholars in the social and behavioural sciences who are eager to engage in interdisciplinary research on human behaviour and organisation. Fellows benefit from world-class academic resources, intellectual exchange, and mentorship within a vibrant international research community. The fellowship promotes academic excellence and cross-disciplinary collaboration, aligning with global research goals that advance understanding of human society, cooperation, and development.

Fellowship / Details

Position Title: IAST Postdoctoral Research Fellowship
Host Institution: Institute for Advanced Study in Toulouse (IAST), Toulouse School of Economics, France
Administering Body / Funding Agency: Institute for Advanced Study in Toulouse (IAST)
Location: Toulouse, France
Research Field(s): Social and Behavioural Sciences (Anthropology, Economics, Evolutionary Biology, History, Mathematics, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology)
Fellowship Type: Postdoctoral Fellowship (Full-time)
Level: Early-career Researcher
Fellowship Duration: Two years (Fixed-term contract, CDD)
Expected Start Date: Autumn 2026 (Flexible for late PhD completions)
Working Hours: Full-time, as per institutional norms
Funding/Compensation: Competitive salary with research support and access to institutional facilities
Required Degree/Diploma: PhD in a relevant discipline (completed between December 2022 and September 2026)

Supported Research Fields / Areas

Main Subjects

Human behaviour
Cooperation and conflict
Social organisation
Political systems
Economic systems
Interdisciplinary social science research

Interdisciplinary Fields or Specialisations Eligible

Anthropology
Evolutionary Biology
Political Science
Psychology
Sociology
History
Economics
Mathematics
Related social and behavioural science disciplines

Eligibility & Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

PhD completed between December 2022 and September 2026 (later completions may adjust start date)
Active researcher with a strong disciplinary background and openness to interdisciplinary collaboration
Fluency in English for academic communication

Preferred Qualifications:

Demonstrated publication record or working papers
Evidence of interdisciplinary engagement and collaborative research experience
International research exposure or cross-disciplinary initiatives

Not Eligible:

Researchers currently in tenure-track or tenured academic positions

Fellowship / Job Benefits

Competitive monthly salary for two years
Health insurance coverage
Research and travel allowance for conferences or fieldwork
Office space, computer facilities, and institutional resources
Visa sponsorship and relocation support
Opportunities for professional development and participation in IAST summer schools

Key Responsibilities

Conduct original, high-quality research in a relevant discipline
Collaborate with researchers across different social science fields
Present findings at IAST seminars and interdisciplinary events
Contribute to workshops, retreats, and academic discussions
Engage with the IAST community and support the institute’s interdisciplinary mission

Application Process

How to Apply:

Submit your complete application through the IAST online portal before the deadline
Applications must be submitted in English

Required Documents:

CV
Cover Letter (maximum two pages, detailing current research and future plans)
At least two writing samples (published papers, working papers, or book chapters)
Contact information for three referees (IAST will request letters directly)