The French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) is offering a Postdoctoral position focusing on the sociology of science and technology, specifically applied to milieu-oriented design. This role is part of the interdisciplinary CH₂EESE project, which aims to transform dairy effluents into green hydrogen and other valuable molecules through innovative photo(electro)catalytic processes.
The successful candidate will analyze the integration of this new technology into various environments, including agricultural, industrial, territorial, and energy sectors, to guide its development. The position is primarily based in Nantes, France, with opportunities for collaboration and fieldwork in other regions.
Quick Facts
| Opportunity | Postdoc Position |
|---|---|
| Institution | CNRS |
| Department | Institut des matériaux de Nantes Jean Rouxel |
| Location | Nantes, France |
| Region | Europe |
| Open to | International applicants |
| Funding | Not specified |
| Duration | Not specified |
| Start date | February 1, 2027 |
| Application deadline | 20 November 2026 |
About the Position
The Postdoctoral researcher will conduct ethnographic fieldwork to identify and engage with stakeholders across the dairy and energy sectors, including farmers, industry representatives, local authorities, and energy professionals. Through interviews, observations, and documentary analysis, the role involves studying the practices, constraints, expectations, and values of these actors to ensure the innovation aligns with regional social, economic, and environmental realities. The researcher will also map the dairy processing and hydrogen ecosystems in Pays de la Loire to identify opportunities and synergies, contributing to the development of a milieu-oriented design framework that integrates social, territorial, and environmental dimensions into the technological design process.
Eligibility
- PhD in sociology of science and technology, sociology of innovation, anthropology of science and technology, history or philosophy of science and technology, or a related field.
- Proficiency in qualitative research methods (interviews, participant observation, ethnography, documentary analysis).
- Strong aptitude for interdisciplinarity and scientific curiosity in natural sciences and engineering.
- Excellent organizational skills, adaptability, and collaborative spirit.
- Excellent writing skills for reports and presentations.
- Proficiency in scientific English.
- Fluent in spoken and written French.
- Hold a Class B driver's license for travel within the Pays de la Loire region.
- Experience with quantitative or mixed methods, territorial analysis, cartography, or GIS is an asset.
- Professional or personal familiarity with rural environments, farming, or agricultural networks is a plus.
Benefits
- Opportunity to work within a leading materials science laboratory (IMN) in an interdisciplinary environment.
- Daily support from Clément Maheu (IMN) and regular collaboration with Nicolas Brault (InTerACT).
- Scientific supervision from Nicolas Simoncini (UTBM), a specialist in hydrogen and energy sociology.
- Immersion period at UniLaSalle experimental farm to gain firsthand experience in dairy farming.
- High visibility in scientific, institutional, and territorial contexts due to the project's alignment with ecological transition and circular economy priorities.
Documents Required
Not specified in the official listing – check the source page.
How to Apply
- Visit the CNRS application website provided in the 'Where to apply' section.
- Submit your application online by the deadline.
Source: EURAXESS.
Details can change – always confirm eligibility and deadline on the official listing before applying.
Featured image: Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko on Pexels
