Postdoctoral Position in Social and Experimental Psychology

Université de Strasbourg; France; On-site; EUR 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Université de Strasbourg, Faculté de Psychologie, Laboratoire de Psychologie des Cognitions (LPC) invites applications for a 12-month postdoctoral position in social and experimental psychology. The project focuses on ageism, intergenerational dynamics, and virtual reality to study avoidance behaviors.

The successful candidate will recruit participants, conduct in-person experiments, perform statistical analyses (mixed methods), and contribute to articles and presentations.

Qualifications

• Hold a Ph.D. in experimental psychology (specializing in social and/or cognitive psychology).
• Knowledge of the literature on intergroup relations is required (knowledge of ageism would be a plus).
• Knowledge of embodied cognition and virtual reality technologies is appreciated.
• Knowledge of theoretical and methodological conceptualizations of approach and avoidance behaviors is appreciated.

Responsibilities

• Recruitment of participants and data collection for both studies. Data collection will take place at the ICube laboratory (UMR 7357).
• Statistical analysis of the data
• Dissemination (contribution to the writing of articles, presentations, etc.)
• The person recruited will be assigned a desk at the LPC.
• Participation in laboratory activities

Skills

PhD in experimental psychology

Intergroup relations knowledge

Embodied cognition & VR knowledge

Approach/avoidance concepts

Experimental study experience

Quantitative data analysis (mixed‑meth

Education

PhD in experimental psychology (social/cognitive)

Job description

Organisation/Company Université de Strasbourg Department Direction des ressources humaines Research Field Psychological sciences Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Positions Postdoc Positions Application Deadline 19 Nov 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Paris) Country France Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Offer Starting Date 15 Jan 2027 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Other EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Position description

Position identification

Research project or operation

Title of post :

Postdoctoral Position in Social and Experimental Psychology

Type of contract : IdEx 2026 “Research Support Fund”

Contract/project period

12 months. Expected date of employment : between January 15, 2027, and March 1, 2027 (date to be discussed with candidates)

Proportion of work :

100%, full time

Workplace :

Université de Strasbourg, Faculté de Psychologie, Laboratoire de Psychologie des Cognitions (LPC-EA 4440)

Desired level of education :

Doctorate degree with a thesis defended within the three years preceding the callfor applications

Experience required :

Less than 1 year of professional experience

Contact(s) for information on the position (identity, position, e‑mail address, telephone) :

ValérianBoudjemadi, Associate Professor – HDR, [e-mail]

Date of publication : 22nd october 2026

Closing date for the receipt of applications : 19th november 2026

Ageism and Virtual Reality: Study of Intergenerational Dynamics

Background. This project builds on research on ageism (stereotypes, prejudices, and discrimination against a group based on age). Against the backdrop of an aging population, the literature highlights a significant increase in tensions between younger and older adults. Although numerous studies have provided valuable insights into prejudices and stereotypes through self‑report measures and computerized tasks, few have examined actual behaviors in more natural settings. Objective. We aim to study these behaviors toward people perceived as young and as older in a virtual environment. This technology allows us to study behavior in a natural context while maintaining tightly controlled conditions. In this project, we focus on simple, spontaneous behaviors, such as avoidance behaviors.

Method

Study 1: Avoidance Behaviors Among Young Adults In this first study, we will measure avoidance behaviors among young participants toward older, younger, and neutral (i.e., non‑social) avatars. Two tasks will be used to assess complementary indicators of avoidance [12]. The first task measures avoidance trajectories toward the avatars, and the second indicates perceived discomfort distance relative to the avatars. Measures of ageist stereotypes and prejudices (outside the virtual environment) will also be conducted: 1) the VAAST-words (a behavioral approach task measuring reaction times); 2) the Fraboni Scale of Ageism‑14, a self‑report questionnaire on prejudices and stereotypes toward older adults. Study 2: Replication with Older Participants This study involves replicating Study 1 with a sample of older participants. Only the self‑report measure will differ. Here, we will use the Young Adults’ Stereotype Content Scale and an affect scale to assess stereotypes and prejudices toward older adults, respectively.

Preliminary Timeline

Activities

Description of the research activities :

- Recruitment of participants and data collection for both studies. Data collection will take place at the ICube laboratory (UMR 7357). Each study is estimated to take 30 minutes.

- Statistical analysis of the data

- Dissemination (contribution to the writing of articles, presentations, etc.)

- The person recruited will be assigned a desk at the LPC.

Related activities :

- Participation in laboratory activities

Skills

Qualifications/knowledge :

- Hold a Ph.D. in experimental psychology (specializing in social and/or cognitive psychology)

- Knowledge of the literature on intergroup relations is required (knowledge of ageism would be a plus)

- Knowledge of embodied cognition and virtual reality technologies is appreciated

- Knowledge of theoretical and methodological conceptualizations of approach and avoidance behaviors is appreciated.

Operational skills/expertise :

- Have experience conducting in‑person experimental studies.

- Be able to analyze quantitative data, particularly using mixed‑methods models.

Environment and context of work

Presentation of the laboratory/unity :

The Laboratoire de Psychologie des Cognitions (LPC – UR 4440) is a single‑team Research Unit (UR) at the University of Strasbourg, established on January 1, 2009, and located within the Faculty of Psychology. Research at the LPC focuses on the cognitive and sociocognitive processes underlying behavior, using experimental and quasi‑experimental approaches. This research spans social, developmental, clinical, and cognitive psychology and is grounded in fundamental research while also addressing major societal issues.

The LPC is organized around three overarching themes that support conceptual and methodological integration toward more integrative approaches: [1] vulnerabilities and risky behaviors, [2] language and cognitive, perceptual, and social learning, and [3] social judgment and inequalities (more details at https://lpc.unistra.fr ).

The AVENIR project falls primarily under the laboratory’s Research Area 3.

Hierarchical relationship :

Laboratory Director: Bruno Chauvin. Professor of Social and Differential Psychology ([e-mail]).

Project Leader: Valérian Boudjemadi. Associate Professor (HDR) in Social Psychology ([e-mail])

Other individuals involved in the project: Kévin Campos. Associate Professor of Social and Differential Psychology at the LPC. Antonio Capobianco. University Professor of Computer Science at the ICube Laboratory, a research center for engineering, computer science, and imaging. Luc Vieira. Postdoctoral researcher in social psychology at the LPC. Camille Sanrey, Associate Professor of Social Psychology at the LPC.

Postdoctoral_Recruitment_AVENIR_Project_ENGLISH.pdf