Junior research scientist in agency and animal welfare

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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 research unit Herbivore Research Unit, located at the Saint-Genès-Champanelle INRAE site near Clermont-Ferrand, conducts research into efficient herbivore farming systems that are both economically and environmentally sustainable, making use of forages and other resources not intended for human consumption. The successful candidate will join the CARAIBE team (Animal behaviour, robustness and integrated approach to welfare) within this unit. The team studies animal welfare through an integrated approach investigating the factors influencing the emotions, behaviour, and physiology of ruminants in farming systems.
Your research project will focus on the concept of agency—that is, the animal’s ability to make choices and act upon its environment. As this concept remains relatively new in animal welfare research, your initial work will involve the elaboration of a more precise definition, based on related notions (intention, preferences, choice, etc.), and the development of research methods (behavioural observations and tests) to identify behaviours indicative of agency. You will also investigate how different environments—more or less complex or restrictive—affect the expression of agency in animals and the related mental and physiological states.
At a later stage, you will explore the expression of agency in systems characterized by variable resources and strong animal–environment interactions (agroecological systems). You will analyze how the range of available choices, success in overcoming challenges, and behavioural flexibility contribute to animal welfare. Ultimately, your work will lead to the proposal of innovative livestock management practices that integrate agency levels as a criterion for assessing animal welfare in sheep and cattle systems.
You will benefit from a nationally and internationally recognized scientific environment, a wide range of experimental facilities (sheep and cattle units), and a strong network of collaborations (other units in the PHASE scientific division, as well as European and international partners).

Training and skills

A PhD or equivalent degree is required, and it is essential to be trained in ethology and have experience in designing and conducting behavioural tests. Skills in statistical analysis and the interpretation of experimental data will be appreciated. If the candidate does not already hold authorization to conduct animal experiments, you will be required to complete the necessary training early in the position. Proficiency in English is essential, as is significant international experience; candidates without such experience will be required to complete a stay abroad following their trial period.

Your future role explained in video

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 Guide for applicants 2026 pdf - 1.41 MB
2. I write down the profile number CR26-PHASE-4
3. I apply GO