CNRS France is inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Position in Isotope Geochemistry and Archaeology at Géosciences Environnement Toulouse (GET), a multidisciplinary research unit in Toulouse, France. This is a full-time, fixed-term research opportunity for 12 months. The postdoctoral researcher will work within the GET-OMP research environment, collaborating with biologists, physicists, chemists and geologists.
The research examines how the arrival of agriculture in Europe affected the diets of prehistoric dogs. It uses amino acid isotope analysis and zinc isotope ratios in dental enamel, based on archaeological samples from France and Romania. The work is part of the ANR CROC project and will be carried out within GET’s Stable Isotope Geochemistry research team.
The postdoctoral researcher will be responsible for sample collection and laboratory preparation, including tooth sampling, collagen extraction, column chromatography and amino acid derivatisation. The work will also involve isotope analysis using MC-ICP-MS and GC-IRMS, followed by data processing and interpretation. The researcher will present the findings at national and international conferences and contribute to publications in peer-reviewed journals.
Applicants should have a PhD and a university degree in geosciences, archaeology or stable isotopes, along with relevant research experience. The position requires experience with mass spectrometry, collagen extraction, amino acid derivatisation and column chromatography. Applicants with knowledge of dental development and zooarchaeology will have an advantage.
Position Details
- Position: Postdoctoral Researcher
- Official Reference number: UMR5563-KLEJAO-008
- Recruiting Organisation: CNRS, France
- Research Unit: Géosciences Environnement Toulouse (GET)
- Research Discipline(s): Isotope Geochemistry, Archaeology, Zooarchaeology, Human–Animal Interactions
- Location: Toulouse, France
- Contract Duration: 12 months
- Relevant Experience: 1–4 years
- Start Date: 4 January 2027
- Salary: €3,041–€4,217 gross per month
- Required Qualification: PhD and university degree in geosciences, archaeology or stable isotopes
Research Areas
The position covers several connected areas of research, including:
- Isotope geochemistry
- Archaeological science
- Zooarchaeology
- Prehistoric dog diets
- Amino acid isotope analysis
- Zinc isotope analysis
- Paleogenetics and morphometrics
- Human–animal interactions
Candidate Requirements
Applicants should meet the following requirements:
- A PhD and a university degree in geosciences, archaeology or stable isotopes, with relevant research experience.
- Experience with mass spectrometry, particularly MC-ICP-MS and GC-IRMS, as well as collagen extraction, amino acid derivatisation and column chromatography.
- Knowledge of dental development, zooarchaeology and clean laboratory work.
- Fluency in English, along with the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary research team and manage research activities with rigour and autonomy.
- Knowledge of French and/or Romanian would be an additional advantage.
Salary and Benefits
The salary is €3,041 to €4,217 gross per month, depending on experience.
The position also includes:
- 44 days of annual leave and RTT
- 75% coverage of transport costs
- Sustainable mobility allowance of up to €300
The work involves chemical hazards associated with solvents and acids and may require work in overpressurised rooms.
Key Responsibilities
The postdoctoral researcher will be responsible for:
- Collecting and preparing prehistoric tooth samples
- Carrying out collagen extraction, column chromatography and amino acid derivatisation
- Performing Zn isotope analysis using MC-ICP-MS
- Conducting amino acid isotope analysis using GC-IRMS
- Processing and interpreting isotope data alongside morphometric and paleogenetic results
- Presenting research findings at conferences and contributing to peer-reviewed publications
Application Process
Applicants should submit their application through the official CNRS recruitment portal and use the offer reference number UMR5563-KLEJAO-008 to identify the position. The official vacancy does not list any separate application documents. For information about the application requirements, documents and other official details, candidates should refer to the CNRS application portal.
Important Dates
- Deadline: 9 October 2026, 23:59
- Expected Start Date: 4 January 2027
View the official CNRS vacancy and apply
Related Academic Opportunities
- Archaeology research positions
- Geoscience research positions
- Postdoctoral research positions
- Research opportunities in France
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the position?
A 12-month postdoctoral position in isotope geochemistry and archaeology at GET, France.
Is it fully funded?
The official vacancy lists a salary of €3,041–€4,217 gross per month but does not describe the position as fully funded.
What qualification is required?
Applicants need a PhD and a university degree in geosciences, archaeology or stable isotopes.
What techniques are involved?
The research uses GC-IRMS, MC-ICP-MS, collagen extraction, column chromatography and amino acid derivatisation.
What is the deadline?
Applications must be submitted by 9 October 2026 at 23:59.
About Géosciences Environnement Toulouse (GET)
Géosciences Environnement Toulouse (GET) is a multidisciplinary research unit based in Toulouse, France, within the Observatoire Midi-Pyrénées. Its research covers Earth and environmental sciences, including geology, geochemistry, geophysics, hydrology, soil science and geodesy. GET brings together researchers from different scientific fields to study Earth evolution, past and present environments, climates, and interactions between societies and their environments. The unit includes several research teams, including RT6 – Stable Isotopes’ Geochemistry, which supports isotope-based research. GET is jointly associated with CNRS, IRD, Université de Toulouse and CNES, providing a multidisciplinary environment for collaborative research.
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