Junior research scientist in sociology of the bioeconomy: bioresources innovations and agri-food system transformations

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INRAE presentation

INRAE, the French National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food, and Environment, is a public research organization bringing together 12,000 employees across 272 units in 18 centers across France. As the world’s leading institute specializing in agriculture, food, and the environment, INRAE plays a key role in supporting the necessary transitions to address global challenges.

Faced with population growth, food security challenges, climate change, resource depletion, and biodiversity loss, INRAE is committed to developing scientific solutions and supporting the evolution of agricultural, food, and environmental practices.

INRAE is recruiting researchers by open competition and offering permanent position.

Work environment, missions and activities

The bioeconomy, understood as an economy based on bioresources, is an objective of economic, technical and ecological transitions, and a key public policy priority. Within the agriculture sector, the bioeconomy is constructed via changing pathways, as different scales and at a relatively slow pace - even in the most promising economic sectors.
Your research program should focus on the understanding of how agricultural products become known or qualified as bioresources; and how value chains are constructed to link the farms with the industries that produce them. It should take seriously the knowledge and metrics, actor networks, technologies and practices, as well as public policies that foster bio-based markets and value chains. This research will enable a greater understanding of the diversity of bioeconomies that are under construction and the sustainability of agrifood systems. It should provide new insights into how emerging technologies transform the modes of agricultural production.
You will join the Interdisciplinary Laboratory for Science, Innovation and Society (LISIS — UMR CNRS, INRAE et Univ. Eiffel), an internationally renowned research unit in innovation studies and science and technology studies (STS). It is home to the CorTexT Platform, focused on computational sociology and the digital humanities, which offers a range of digital analysis tools that can be used in your work. The working environment for this position also includes INRAE's BETTER Metaprogramme (Bioeconomy for urban territories) and Gustave Eiffel University's Chair in Circular Economies and Urban Metabolisms. Beyond this, the PEPR BEST offers possibilities for interdisciplinary collaborations and funding for your projects. LISIS is known for its inter-laboratory projects in innovation studies and STS, by joining LISIS, you will have the opportunity to both contribute to and benefit from these collaborations across France, Europe and Internationally.

Training and skills

PhD in sociology, with specialisations in science and technology studies (STS), economic sociology or political sociology.
Knowledge required of mobilising mixed-methods approaches in the social sciences and a proven capacity to develop original conceptual frameworks and innovative research designs. Experience in, or an interest to develop a capacity in, using digital methods is an asset. Previous research conducted on agricultural or environmental topics is expected, but the ability to adapt your work to these empirical fields is also acceptable. An interest in, and ease of engaging in, interdisciplinary dialogue is required for the types of research carried out at LISIS and at the ACT research division A particular affinity for "engaged" research - that which is conducted in close collaboration with the actors who form the focus of your studies - will be positively evaluated.
Fluency in English is desirable, as is long-term international experience: laureates?es who have not already had such experience will be required to complete a stay abroad at the end of the internship year.

INRAE's life quality

By joining our teams, you benefit from:

- 30 days of annual leave + 15 days "Reduction of Working Time" (for a full time);
- parenting support: CESU childcare, leisure services;
- skills development systems: training, career advise;
- social support: advice and listening, social assistance and loans;
- holiday and leisure services: holiday vouchers, accommodation at preferential rates;
- sports and cultural activities;
- collective catering.

For international scientists: please visit your guide to facilitate your arrival and stay at INRAE. 

How to apply

1. I download the applicant guide Application guidelines CRCN 2025 pdf - 3.93 MB
2. I write down the profile number CR-2025-ACT-1
3. I apply GO