Key Skills

Job Description

The offer at a glance Job description: Postdoctoral Researcher: ‘Values and investment in renewable electricity in the Île-de-France region’ (M/F) Location: Techniques, Territories and Societies Laboratory, Champs-sur-Marne Start date: 1 February 2027 Job Description Tasks This postdoctoral research forms part of the I.JET.IDF Chair: Investment Dynamics and Energy Justice in Île-de-France (funded by the Île-de-France Region). It examines the forms (contractual arrangements, stakeholders, flows, practices) of investment in renewable electricity generation and grid infrastructure in Île-de-France, and their effects on regional access to energy. The postdoctoral researcher will be required to undertake an innovative research programme involving interdisciplinary work on value creation in relation to localised renewable electricity. The Activity The successful candidate will be responsible for the following research tasks Activity 1: Investigating value creation in relation to renewable electricity in Île-de-France – Understanding and objectively analysing the diversity of value components associated with the development of renewable electricity in Île-de-France (economic, ideological, ethical, etc.) – Gain a detailed understanding of the differences in valuation between stakeholders in public-private projects and the role of local value creation in public tenders- Conduct semi-structured interviews with project developers and local decision-makers – Investigate the possible emergence of speculative practices relating to renewable energy (land, grid access rights, etc.) Activity 2: Help lay the groundwork for an observatory on land use for electricity generation in the Île-de-France region – Investigate the mechanisms governing access to land for renewable electricity generation in the Île-de-France region – Compile an initial overview of the rents proposed by developers and those actually charged, assess the discrepancies and the regulatory challenges involved (particularly in light of public service considerations) – Identify the technical and discursive mechanisms used by stakeholders to construct and allocate land value; and examine the consequences of these value-creation practices on the electricity landscape of the Île-de-France region Activity 3: Scientific dissemination and impact – Authoring and co-authoring scientific publications on the project (at least two, one of which must be in English) – Drafting a post-doctoral summary report suitable for sharing with public decision-makers – Presenting the results at a national or international scientific conference Activity 4: Participation in the IJET Chair’s collaborative work – Assisting with IJET Chair events – Co-supervising a student intern – Co-leading an action-research project team with the IJET Chair’s public and private partners as listed Your Profile Skills Applicants must hold a PhD in geography, economic sociology or political science, have a keen interest in energy law, and have developed a sound understanding of energy policy and the green transition. Knowledge and expertise: Sociology of markets and value; Sustainable investment; Electricity markets and electricity law (valuation methods, contracts, regulatory bodies and their remit); Public electricity services; Sociology of organisations Expertise: Qualitative research; Interdisciplinary work; Language skills (reading, writing and speaking English); Support for public decision-making; Writing skills: the ability to formulate a scientific project, and to publish and promote one’s research Interpersonal skills: Ability to work as part of a team / collaboratively / on interdisciplinary projects; Research ethics and methodological rigour; Independence, organisational skills and the ability to report on work Your Working Environment The research forms part of the I.JET.IDF project, coordinated by Emmanuelle Santoire (CNRS Research Fellow, UMR 8134 LATTS, CNRS, ENPC-IPP, UGE) and funded by the Île-de-France Region. The postdoctoral researcher will be based at LATTS (Bienvenüe site in Champs-sur-Marne) and will be required to undertake fieldwork in the Île-de-France region (site visits, interviews) as well as co-organising meetings at the offices of the project’s public and private partners. The research findings will be disseminated through presentations and articles in French and English, and through a contribution to the final research report. Travel within France is to be expected; research trips to the Île-de-France region for fieldwork will be possible Remuneration and benefits Salary: From €3,132 gross per month, depending on experience Annual leave and RTT: 44 days Car use and compensation: Car use and compensation Transport: 75% of costs covered and a sustainable mobility allowance of up to €300 About The Offer Job reference: UMR8134-ASSCOU-006 CN section(s) / Research area: Spaces, territories, societies Desired experience: 1 to 4 years About The CNRS The CNRS is a major player in fundamental research on a global scale. The CNRS is the only French organisation active across all scientific fields. Its unique position as a multi-disciplinary organisation enables it to bring together different disciplines to tackle the most significant challenges of the modern world, in collaboration with those driving change. Link to apply

Core Responsibilities

Research how investment in renewable electricity and grid infrastructure shapes value creation, land access, and regional energy access in Île-de-France, using qualitative and interdisciplinary methods. Publish and present findings, contribute to a report for public decision-makers, and support the IJET Chair’s events, student supervision, and collaborative projects.

Requirements

Applicants must hold a PhD in geography, economic sociology, or political science and have a strong interest in energy law, energy policy, and the green transition. They should bring expertise in qualitative and interdisciplinary research, electricity markets and regulation, scientific writing, English, collaboration, research ethics, and independent project organisation.

Benefits

• 44 Days of Annual Leave and RTT
• Car Use and Compensation
• 75% of Transport Costs Covered
• Sustainable Mobility Allowance of up to €300