Job offer

CNRS UBE Biogéosciences – Université Bourgogne Europe; France; Sur place; EUR 40 000 - 60 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

A leading research institution in France is offering a fully funded PhD position focusing on the evolution of ecological niches in rodents. The successful candidate will participate in interdisciplinary research, collaborate with various teams, and contribute to both academic publications and archaeological fieldwork. This role provides a unique opportunity to engage with innovative ecological research and mentoring within a dynamic environment, with a starting date between June and October 2026.

Prestations

Funding for research and training activities

Access to advanced scientific infrastructures

Flexible work-time organisation

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a relevant field required.
• Experience in research might be beneficial.
• Strong understanding of ecological or archaeological concepts.

Responsabilités

• Complete a successful PhD thesis.
• Attend workshops and training sessions.
• Publish in indexed journals.
• Present research at international conferences.
• Participate in fieldwork regarding small vertebrates.

Connaissances

Good level of English

Research skills in biological sciences

Knowledge in archaeology and earth sciences

Formation

Master Degree or equivalent

Description du poste

Organisation/Company CNRS UBE Biogéosciences – Université Bourgogne Europe Research Field Biological sciences » Zoology History » Archaeology Environmental science » Earth science Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Application Deadline 26 Feb 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Madrid) Country France Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 40 Offer Starting Date 1 Jun 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe - MSCA Reference Number IRP 4 Marie Curie Grant Agreement Number 101226472 Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Evolution of ecological niches in rodents through time

We invite applications for a fully funded, full-time, 3-year PhD positions in the context of an MSCA-DN (101226472) project titled: Proxies from Small Vertebrates in prehistoric archaeology ( PALPROX ). The students will be enrolled at École Doctorale ES n.554 Université de Bourgogne Europe and will receive a PhD degree in Paléontologie / Evolution.

Further details about the Doctoral Network

PALPROX (Proxies from Small Vertebrates in Prehistoric Archaeology) is a Doctoral School which fosters a unique interdisciplinary and collaborative research frame in which the Doctoral Candidates will work on their Individual Research Projects (IRPs) around a common program: The use of small vertebrates as a proxy in Prehistoric Archaeology.

Small vertebrates are more sensitive to environmental change than large fauna, due to their size and limited mobility, especially in Europe. Research into fossil populations of these groups provides valuable information for current conservation practice, along with knowledge of extinction processes and responses to climate.

Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) programme, the PALPROX project will assist 9 doctoral students in pursuing the use of small vertebrates as proxies within Prehistoric Archaeology. Focused on Late Pleistocene small vertebrates, the project will provide experience with taxonomic groups found at archaeological sites and contribute to biodiversity and climate change issues. The project will enhance career diversity in the European research environment, as well as provide training and mentoring.

The BIOGÉOSCIENCES research unit is a research community currently comprising more than 100 members, including full-time researchers from the CNRS (French national centre for scientific research), assistant professors and professors from the University of Bourgogne and from the EPHE (École pratique des hautes études), technical staff, post-doctoral fellows, PhD students and invited researchers. BIOGÉOSCIENCES is built around five interacting research teams whose scientific activities are deeply anchored into the fields of sedimentology, environmental sciences, climatology, palaeontology and evolutionary ecology/biology. The GISMO technology platform covers a wide range of disciplines, from isotope geochemistry to molecular ecology and population genetics (Geosciences, Environ. Sc., LS.). It is specifically focused on 3D and multispectral imaging, including mCT scanners, 3D surface scanners, photogrammetry setups, and a portable LIDAR station. The Zoological Collection of Reference houses a very large collection of current and fossil rodents (skulls and teeth), accessible to consult materials and acquire data. In addition, it houses the materials from the French archaeological sites to study for.

The candidate will enrol at the École Doctoral Nº 554 at Université Bourgogne Europe. Université Bourgogne Europe hosts some 40,000 students from some 120 nationalities. Located in the heart of the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region, UBE is a multidisciplinary public university, with a rich academic heritage dating back to 1722. With over 1,000 doctoral candidates, UBE offers an exciting and supportive environment for advanced research and academic growth. Based in Dijon – a city of art, history, and gastronomy – UBE offers an affordable, culturally rich, and student-friendly setting, with a strong commitment to sustainability and quality of life.

Individual Research Project Evolution of ecological niches in rodents through time

The objectives of the IRP Evolution of ecological niches in rodents through time are: 1) Evaluate the relevance of mechanistic or predictive niche models for integrating biotic and abiotic factors on modern species distribution. 2) Application to key rodent species (e.g. Dicrostonyx, Apodemus) and to communities. 3) Integrating fossil data and understanding the structuring of a species\' past niche within communities.

The expected results of this specific IRP are: 1) Construction of datasets of past and present occurrences 2) Understanding the evolution of niches over time in relation to climate 3) Evaluate the potential differences in niches achieved over time to explore other causes (e.g. competitions)

The planned secondment will take place at Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto with its focus on biology, ecology, and specialised in Niche Ecological Modelling will contribute to alternative ecological niches methodologies, allowing better delimitations of sensitive variables. Dr Neftalí Sillero will act as co-supervisor during a secondment spanning from 2 to 6 months. The secondment period will begin after the third month of the second year of the DC contract. The dates will be subject to changes based on the progress of the IRP.

Where to apply

E-mail [e-mail]

Requirements

Research Field Biological sciences » Zoology Education Level Master Degree or equivalent

Research Field History » Archaeology Education Level Master Degree or equivalent

Research Field Environmental science » Earth science Education Level Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

Key responsibilities

The successful candidates will be expected to:

• Complete a successful PhD thesis within the project
• Attend the training workshops, courses, seminars, meetings and conferences organized within the framework of the PALPROX Doctoral Network
• Publish in indexed journals
• Present their research at international academic conferences
• Participate in archaeological fieldwork and lab-work regarding small vertebrates

Specific Requirements

General eligibility criteria of the Doctoral Candidates (DCs)

• DCs should not be in possession of a doctoral degree at the closing date of the call.
• This call is open to DCs regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other basis protected by state or local law applicable.We specifically encourage women as well as researchers with family obligations and/or special needs, to apply.
• You need to comply with the mobility rule, no residence or main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of the recruiting institution for more than 12 months in the 36 months before the date of deadline of the application.

Country of main activity = not only where the fellow was physically based but also the country of the institution for which the main activity was performed.

Example: if a fellow did a master in Spain and another master remotely in France, the fellow needs to comply with the mobility rule in both countries.

• To have a Weighted Average Mark of 14/20 or higher for their academic transcript, including both their bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
• To have a good level of English: candidates must accredit the required level of English by submitting one of the accepted certificates (level B2 or higher) or, if the university of enrolment accepts, doing a proof of level of English in the frame of CERF ( https://www.examenglish.com/CEFR/cefr.htm ).

The selected candidates will be required to enrol at École Doctorale ES Nº 554 (Université Bourgogne Europe). There are neither specific restrictions in terms of your previous related background (archaeology, biology, geology) nor admission requirements, except to have a Master degree or equivalent. The administrative procedures are detailed and explained on the ED website https://e2s.ubfc.fr/ .

Languages ENGLISH Level Good

Research Field Environmental science » Earth scienceBiological sciences » ZoologyHistory » Archaeology

Additional Information

Terms and conditions

The selected candidates will be hired during 3 years as predoctoral researcher, employed under a full-time employment contract according to the French laws, and the contractual conditions at UMR CNRS/UBE Biogéosciences funded by an EU MSCA Doctoral Network.

Successful candidates will also have access to funding for research and training activities.

Start and duration of the work: The expected start date is between 1 June 2026 and 1 October 2026 and will be maintained for 36 months, under a complete dedication regime.

Remuneration:

The basic monthly remuneration to be awarded is 4735,81 €, calculated on the basis of the amounts financed by the European Commission for living allowance, on a full-time basis and in exclusive dedication to the project.

In addition to the monthly remuneration, in accordance with the rules of the European Commission, the following allowances will also be awarded:

• Mobility allowance: 710 €/month
  • Family allowance: 660 €/month (subject to assessment of family situation)

For the purposes of granting the allowance, ‘family’ status means being married (or in a relationship equivalent to marriage, recognised by the legislation of the country where the relationship was formalised) or having dependent children in your care.

These amounts are gross amounts, subject to social contribution and taxation in accordance with French national legislation. Consequently, the net salary/net allowances result from the deduction of all mandatory employee social security contributions, as well as direct taxes (e.g. income tax) and other applicable taxes and contributions.

Working Conditions

• Full-time contract, with exclusive dedication to the research activities and training plan established by the MSCA-DN programme.
• Access to funding for research and training activities
• Access to advanced scientific infrastructures, reference collections, and specialised laboratories at Biogéosciences and Université Bourgogne Europe.
• Flexible work-time organisation, compatible with scientific needs, training events and research-related travel.
• Shared office space with other researchers at Biogéosciences, fostering interaction, interdisciplinary exchange and integration within the team.
• Access to all institutional services, including administrative support, specialised library resources, laboratories and research facilities.
• A collaborative and ethically governed research environment, committed to equal opportunities and compliant with occupational health and safety regulations.

The submission period of the applications will remain open during 4 weeks. All the required information and documents must be complete in order to be considered.

Applications must include the following documents (in English):

The application form, following the template that can be download from the PALPROX webpage.

• Document(s) that certificate or proof the mobility rule: not have resided or carried out their main activity in the country of Doctoral enrolment for more than 12 months in the last 36 months (at the application deadline): Provide a copy and an English translation of the certificates of enrolment in presential courses at academic institutions. Be carefully with the remote courses If the applicant has finish his/her predoctoral studies more than one year before, provide in addition the Certificate of Census Registration or similar.

The academic record 1: Copy of the academic degrees.

• The academic record 2: If you have a master’s degree from the Bologna Process you can provide your documentation just translated in English. If your previous studies do not belong to Bologna Process you must provide your academic mark transcript, including a description of the university\'s grading system, indicating the maximum and minimum grades, as well as the minimum passing grade. Documentation that verifies this system must be attached.

A narrative Curriculum Vitae following the template that can be download from the PALPROX webpage.

• A letter of motivation: Write a maximum of 5000 characters, including spaces, in Arial or Times New Roman size 12.
• If is of application, justified documentary evidence of potential career breaks (e.g. maternity leave, paternity leave, national service, elderly care), as well other special personal circumstances (e.g. disability, sickness, refugees’ status) that should be consider in the assessment.

Selection process

The recruitment and selection of researchers is based on the OMT-R (Open, Transparent and Merit-based Recruitment) defined by the European Union, which represents the main pillar of the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for their recruitment, under which the candidates will be hire.

The mandatory selection method is the evaluation of scientific and curricular background. The selection methods are applied in stages (Check at www.palprox.eu/applicants at the Guide-applicants file):

• Stage 2: Eligibility check (mobility rule, weighted average marks, requirements of the specific Doctoral Program)
• Stage 3:
  • Score 1: Evaluation of Weighted Average Mark (40%) + CV (35%) + Motivation Letter (25%). The threshold for being included to the final short-list for the next step will be set at 70 points (maximum of three candidates per IRP)
• Score 2: Evaluation of interviews (online): Short presentation of the training background and motivations (40%) + Competency-based interview (60%)
• Final Score = (Score1 + Score2) / 2

Fellowships will be awarded according to the final ranking. The list of awardees and reserve candidates per each Individual Research Project will be communicated to the candidates by the Scientific Coordinator and also will made public through the Doctoral Network webpage .

Commitment to Transparency and Feedback

In accordance with OTM-R principles and the HR Excellence in Research standards, IPHES-CERCA and the PALPROX Doctoral Network commit to ensuring that all applicants will receive formal communication regarding the outcome of their application, whether selected or not.

Complaint Procedure

Applicants who consider that the selection process has not been fair, transparent or compliant with the principles outlined in this call may submit a formal complaint within 10 working days of receiving the notification of results.

Complaints must be sent by email to [e-mail], with the subject line “Complaint – PALPROX Call”.

Appeals will be evaluated and assessed by an external and independent panel from the Recruiting Committee. If there is a justified cause for appeal, the panel will convene a special joint session with the Recruiting Committee and the External Advisory Group, to review the evaluations and ranking. Providing that the conclusion confirms that the candidate should have been shortlisted for concession, the provisional results can be modified to configure the final ranking.

All complainants will receive a response within 5 working days after the appeal submission.

Additional comments

Information

For practical information about the doctoral network, position and the application process, please contact [e-mail]

Data processing activity

During the selection process of the PALPROX Doctoral School, personal data will be collected and digitally sealed from all the applicants. The details provided will be included in a file managed by IPHES-CERCA, only for the purpose of managing the grant application, and in the final award process. Therefore, in accordance with the provisions of the Article 13 of the General Data Protection Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (GDPR) on data protection:

• Applicants consent that their data will be collected and processed by the IPHES-CERCA, in order to be a candidate of the selection process. Applicants may also be sent communications about the activities and services of IPHES-CERCA that may be of their interest. Applicants data will not be transferred unless legal obligation.
• Applicants can exercise their rights to access, rectify and/or suppress their data, according to the General Regulations of Data Protection, using the contact details provided at the time they submit the information.

Data Protection Statement

3) Purpose and legal basis of data processing: The personal data is saved and processed solely for the application and recruitment processes of the Predoctoral PALPROX Doctoral School call.

4) Data recipients and categories of data recipients: PALPROX administrative officers, the Recruitment Committee, and the corresponding supervisors and co-supervisors of the Individual research Projects have access to the data.

5) Duration of data storage: Data will be stored until the end of the recruitment process

6) Rights of people concerned: You may access the personal data provided, request their rectification or deletion, oppose or limit their processing by contacting: [e-mail] .