About the Position
The Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), known in English as France’s Institute for Research on Sustainable Development, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Position in Environmental Sciences. Based in Toulouse, France, this role focuses on hydrological modelling and participatory processes within the DinBuam Project, which addresses sustainable water and land management in upland tropical regions. Working within the Géosciences Environment Toulouse (GET) laboratory, the postdoctoral researcher will collaborate with experts in Earth and Environmental Sciences to develop innovative, stakeholder-based strategies for preserving headwater wetlands and improving ecosystem resilience. This position offers an exciting opportunity to engage in interdisciplinary research that combines hydrology, environmental science, and social participation to address critical challenges in sustainable development.
Position Details
- Position: Postdoctoral Researcher
- Institution: Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD)
- Department: Direction des Ressources Humaines / Géosciences Environment Toulouse (GET)
- Research Field: Environmental and Earth Sciences (Hydrology, Sustainability, Participatory Research)
- Location: Toulouse, France
- Number of Posts: 1
- Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
- Start Date (Anticipated): Early 2026
- Working Hours: Full-time
- Salary Range: Competitive, per institutional guidelines
- Required Degree/Diploma: PhD
Research Area
- Hydrological modelling and watershed management
- Environmental and social sustainability in upland regions
- Participatory resource management processes
- Sustainable agricultural and water management practices
- Interdisciplinary research combining natural and social sciences
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- PhD in Environmental Sciences, Water Resources, or a related field (awarded or to be defended by end of 2025).
- Strong background in hydrological modelling (preferably SWAT).
- Experience in data collection, analysis, and scientific writing in English (C1 level).
- Interest in environmental sustainability and social-environmental systems.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with participatory research and land use planning.
- Familiarity with natural resource management, hydrosocial systems, and ecosystem services.
- Operational knowledge of Laotian or prior field experience in Southeast Asia is an advantage.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct hydrological modelling and scenario simulations using the SWAT model.
- Identify actor–resource–territory systems relevant to headwater management.
- Lead participatory research (ARDI process) with local and international stakeholders.
- Contribute to designing sustainable land and water management strategies.
- Produce scientific publications and policy-relevant recommendations.
- Participate in annual field missions in Northern Laos (approx. one month per year).
Application Process
How to Apply:
Applicants should submit their materials via the IRD career portal.
Follow the application link below for submission instructions and full details.
Required Documents:
- Detailed CV
- Cover letter describing research experience and motivation
- Copies of academic degrees
- Contact information for two referees
- List of publications
Important Dates
- Application Opens: 3 November 2025
- Deadline: 29 November 2025 – 17:00 (Europe/Paris)
- Interview Date: To be announced
Useful Links
- Institution Website: Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD)
- Official Notification Link: Click here to view full details
- Apply Now: IRD Careers Portal
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