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Humanities and social sciences

The humanities and social sciences encompass all the disciplines that study humans and human society (e.g., human activities, behaviours, life styles, and societal shifts). INRAE researchers in the humanities and social sciences primarily focus on geography, economics, history, and sociology. More specifically, they explore how agricultural systems and food systems function and examine the economic and social changes in these systems over time; the goal is to use this knowledge to inform public discussions and decision-making. Another objective is to facilitate transitions towards more sustainable agricultural systems and food systems and to institute new ways of managing interactions between agricultural systems and regional identity.

Updated on 02 January 2020

illustration Humanities and social sciences
© INRAE-Bertrand NICOLAS

With a PhD or an engineering degree from a Grande École

Example I Researcher in international and spatial economics

Economie-vignette

INRAE researchers in international and spatial economics develop models, come up with predictions, and study economic patterns via the use of statistics, probability, econometrics, and mathematics. Their work occurs at both the regional scale and the international scale. International trade plays a key role in many concerns related to agriculture and the environment (e.g., food security, climate change, soil use). Using models to decipher the mechanisms that explain economic patterns, researchers can come up with measures that will improve production systems in general and that will inform decisions regarding which production systems should be used where.

In general, researchers must demonstrate the value of their scientific results. Value may be expressed in different forms depending on the field. Most commonly, researchers describe their discoveries in scientific publications, an important medium of communication within the scientific community. They often share their scientific expertise with national or international policy makers and/or the national or international scientific community. Researchers also train and teach students. Additionally, they may be responsible for managing technical, financial, and human resources.

Degree requirement(s) Portraits Job offer
PhD (or equivalent)​​​​​​​ Check out the portraits of our researchers (coming soon) See our job postings ​​​​​​​

xample I Research engineer in data production, processing, and analysis

Enquete-vignette

INRAE research engineers in data production, processing, and analysis work with institutional research teams in the humanities and social sciences or with outside parties requesting assistance. They guide the use of research tools. Their main tasks are proposing approaches that are suited to research objectives; guiding studies; ensuring the proper development of databases and/or corpora during projects; developing query and interface tools; implementing methods or protocols for collecting data; and analysing data and interpreting the results.

Research engineers have a variety of responsibilities. For example, they must produce generic or operational knowledge, develop scientific tools for researchers to use, build socioeconomic and institutional partnerships, and provide expertise. Additionally, they may be responsible for managing technical, financial, and human resources.

Degree requirement(s)​​​​​​​ Related fields Portraits Offres d'emploi
PhD or engineering degree from a grande école (or equivalent)​​​​​​​ Any field in the humanities and social sciences that uses quantitative data analysis​​​​​​​ Check out the portraits of our researchers (coming soon) See our job postings ​​​​​​​

 

With 3–5 years of higher education​​​​​​​

Example I Engineer in data and survey production, processing, and analysis

Champs-vignette

INRAE engineers in data and survey production, processing, and analysis are responsible for designing and implementing full protocols or partial protocols for collecting and processing data and/or corpora. They carry out this work as part of research projects and studies. Their main tasks are coordinating efforts to produce and collect information (e.g., laboratory data, field data, corpora) using a suitable approach; carrying out data assessments; coordinating data processing; helping analyse the results; designing and structuring databases; and writing methodological reports.

They help improve the experimental systems and protocols that they employ. They ensure that research methods and objectives are a good fit; they also analyse and communicate research results. Additionally, they may be responsible for managing technical, financial, and human resources.​​​​​​​

Degree requirement(s)​​​​​​​ Related fields Portraits Offres d'emploi
Undergraduate degree, master's degree (or equivalent) Any field in the humanities and social sciences that uses quantitative data analysis​​​​​​​ Check out the portraits of our researchers (coming soon) See our job postings ​​​​​​​

Learn more

A good work-life balance

To favour a positive work-life balance (private, professional and community activities, etc.), INRAE can offer arrangements and services to facilitate the organisation of your work, support your family events and provide access to holidays and leisure and sports activities.

02 January 2020

A quality workplace

When you join INRAE, you will benefit from excellent working conditions thanks to the Institute’s outstanding premises and facilities and its cutting-edge technological equipment.

02 January 2020

Do your PhD at INRAE

Each year, nearly 500 PhD students join INRAE. Welcomed within its various research units and closely associated with the scientific production of the institute, doctoral students are one of the driving forces.

02 January 2020