OPEN COMPETITIONS CR-2025-MATHNUM-1
Junior research scientist in complex systems modelling
63170 AUBIERE
Back to campaign's jobs listing
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 LISC unit (Laboratory of Engineering for Complex Systems) includes 8 permanent staff and 5 to 10 non-permanent staff. It develops research on i) the modeling of dynamical systems in transition and ii) the development of policies and management strategies based on the analysis of these models.You will contribute to the first research axis of the laboratory. The research carried out there aims to study and understand the dynamics of complex systems and the resulting emergent properties. A major challenge of this approach is to develop approaches, such as the so called "dual modeling"method, which consists of developing an agent-based model and its aggregated model in order to compare their dynamics and thus better understand the emergence of behaviours of these systems. For many years, the LISC has thus carried out theoretical work to establish key concepts associated with this concept of dual modeling. You will strengthen this research theme by developing methods that involve "dual modelling" approaches to analyse the emergence of transitions for complex systems.
In this context, you will develop generic methods for dual modelling as well as for the analysis of the emergence of transitions in complex systems, and you will apply them to concrete case studies. Initially, you will use stylized case studies to develop operational methods. You will lead a research project that will contribute to this scientific dynamic, developing methods for improving knowledge of the emergence of behaviours in complex systems. We can cite in particular, the development of quantitative approaches for the analysis of agent-based models, of mean-field approximation methods, of dynamical models based on systems of ordinary differential equations or partial derivatives, of methods for analyzing transient trajectories. You will draw on application cases within the socio-ecological systems studied within INRAE.
You will be able to rely on the laboratory's numerous collaborations and the scientific networks in which it participates, such as the Mexico network or the "Complex System Society". The local academic context is also favorable with the existence of collaborations with several laboratories of the I-Site of Clermont-Ferrand (Cap 2025), one of the four scientific challenges of which is focused on sustainable agroecosystems, and which provides funding opportunities. Finally, the LISC is currently the leader or partner of several ANR and H2020 projects on this theme in which you will be able to actively participate.
Training and skills
You have proven research skills in modelling complex systems.
Experience in the use and development of methods for complex systems analysis would be highly appreciated. Ability to develop and conduct research projects and, if possible, experience in supervising students would be a plus.
You enjoy teamwork and have good interpersonal skills. You appreciate multidisciplinary. You show initiative, autonomy and dynamism.
Proficiency in English is desired, as well as a long-term international experience: the successful candidates who have not yet had one will be encouraged to undertake a stay abroad, co-built with the host team, at the end of the probationary 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
- I download the applicant guide Application guidelines CRCN 2025 pdf - 3.93 MB
- I write down the profile number CR-2025-MATHNUM-1
- I apply GO
All persons employed by or hosted at INRAE, a public research establishment, are subject to the Civil Service Code, particularly with regard to the obligation of neutrality and respect for the principle of secularism. In carrying out their functions, whether or not they are in contact with the public, they must not express their religious, philosophical or political convictions through their behaviour or by what they wear. > Find out more: fonction publique.gouv.fr website (in French)