Postdoctoral researcher, ‘Inclusive disaster risk governance’

Université de Strasbourg; France; Sur place; EUR 30 000 - 45 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

A prominent academic institution in France is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher focused on 'Inclusive disaster risk governance'. The role involves leading research, producing scientific outputs, and participating in governance actions. A PhD in social sciences or humanities and strong writing skills in both French and English are required. This full-time position will take place at the SAGE laboratory starting on February 1, 2026.

Qualifications

• Doctoral thesis in social sciences or humanities focused on risks and disasters.
• Interest in participatory approaches and inclusive governance.
• Knowledge of social-science research on risk and environment.

Responsabilités

• Develop and lead a citizen‑involvement research project on sustainable disaster risk reduction.
• Produce scientific outputs and host seminars.
• Participate in inclusive governance actions with municipalities and stakeholders.

Connaissances

Strong synthesis and writing skills

Fluency in French

Fluency in English

Team coordination

Formation

Doctorate (PhD) in social sciences or humanities

Description du poste

Offer Description

Position identification

• Title: Postdoctoral researcher, ‘Inclusive disaster risk governance’
• Contract type: Fixed‑term, 18 months
• Category: A (Full‑time, 100%)
• Start date: 1 February 2026
• Workplace: Social science research unit SAGE (UMR 7363)
• Education: Doctorate (PhD) in history, STS, sociology, anthropology, political science or geography (social sciences & humanities focus)
• Experience: 0–3 years post‑doctoral
• Proportional work: 100%

Contact: Nils Kessel, Lecturer (MCF), [e-mail], 03.68.85.40.96

Closing date for applications: 22 December 2025

Research Project

The successful candidate will join the PEPR Risques research team under the RISC project (Risks and Societies in the Age of Global Environmental Change: Issues, Knowledge and Policies). The project aims to address challenges posed by rising risks and disasters linked to climate change and human activities.

Activities

Under the supervision of the head of work package 4, the researcher will:

• Develop and lead a citizen‑involvement research project on sustainable disaster risk reduction.
• Produce scientific outputs: peer‑reviewed articles and/or books (collective or monographs).
• Co‑host seminars and scientific communications, and organize symposiums.
• Participate in inclusive governance actions with municipalities, businesses, associations and citizen groups.

Related Activities

• Draft summary documents for events organized with stakeholders.
• Contribute to structuring and facilitating an international network on inclusive disaster risk governance.

Qualifications & Knowledge

• Doctoral thesis in social sciences or humanities focused on risks and disasters.
• Interest in risks and disasters and participatory approaches/inclusive governance.
• Knowledge of scientific fields related to the PEPR Risques programme, especially social‑science research on risk and environment.

Operational Skills

• Strong synthesis and writing skills.
• Rigour, initiative and organisational abilities.
• Team coordination and multi‑disciplinary collaboration.
• Interaction with academic and non‑academic actors.
• Collaboration with experts outside social sciences (geosciences, health, etc.).
• Fluency in French and English (written and spoken); additional foreign languages or mediation skills appreciated.

Interpersonal Skills

• Openness to natural and medical sciences (emergency medicine, first aid, geosciences, climate sciences).
• Intellectual and cultural openness; ability to work in multidisciplinary, multi‑site, international environments.

Presentation of the Research Component

The PEPR RISQUES programme is part of France’s PIA4 2030 investment programme. The RISC project aims to develop risk observation and governance frameworks and build inclusive governance mechanisms. The research will be conducted in partnership with CNRS, BRGM and UGA within the SAGE laboratory.

Reporting Structure

The researcher will report to Nils Kessel, lecturer, researcher and head of work package 4 ‘RiskLab’ of the RISC targeted project, working within the SAGE UMR 7363 laboratory and the CERMES3 laboratory.

Special Conditions of Employment

• Travel within France required: approximately 8–12 times per year.
• No particular risks.

Application Instructions

Send CV, thesis defence report (or equivalent) and cover letter (with names of two references) to [e-mail]. Selected candidates will be invited to an online interview (likely on 9 January) to discuss their proposed research topic and its relevance to the RISC project.

Where to Apply

Email: [e-mail]

Requirements

PhD or equivalent in sociology or related field.