Applications are being accepted for the 2026–2028 Postdoctoral Research Fellowships at the Institute for Advanced Study in Toulouse (IAST), which is housed in the Université Toulouse Capitole in France. Early-career researchers can participate in full-time, autonomous research within a vibrant, multidisciplinary academic environment through these extremely competitive fellowships.
The goal of the IAST Postdoctoral Research Fellowships is to foster creative, interdisciplinary research in the social and behavioral sciences by bringing together academics from a variety of disciplines, including sociology, psychology, economics, political science, anthropology, and others.
Fellows are given a two-year contract, specialized office space, and computer tools so they can focus entirely on conducting and publishing their research without having to teach.
Fellows enjoy a vibrant intellectual environment, regular lectures and workshops, and intimate contact with top academics from across the world as part of one of Europe’s premier hubs for social science research.
For up-and-coming scholars, the IAST Research Fellowships 2026–2028 offer a fantastic chance to broaden their knowledge, build global connections, and develop their academic and research careers in a high-impact, encouraging environment.
Host Country: France
University: Toulouse University Capitole
Opportunity Type: Post Doctorate
Subject: Behavioral Sciences, Social Sciences
Eligibility Country: International Students, Domestic Students
Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
Eligibility Criteria:
Timeline for Completing the PhD:Candidates must have finished their PhD or anticipate finishing it between December 2022 and September 2026.
Adaptable Start Choice:Applicants may still apply if they plan to finish their PhD between October and December 2026; the start date will be postponed accordingly.
Previous Graduates:Candidates with PhDs earned prior to December 2022 are eligible to apply as long as they include a clear explanation in their cover letter (e.g., career pauses or relevant experience).
Stage of Career:accessible to early-career researchers without tenure-track or tenured university posts at this time.
Profile of Research:Strong research accomplishments in their field and a sincere interest in interdisciplinary collaboration across the social and behavioral sciences are prerequisites for consideration.
Benefits:
- Two-Year Employment Contract: In accordance with French employment laws, fellows are granted a two-year fixed-term contract (CDD).
- Full-Time Research Role: The chance to concentrate only on independent study in a stimulating academic setting that is multidisciplinary.
- Resources and Facilities: Dedicated office space, computer facilities, and infrastructure for university research are all available.
- Academic Engagement: Attending workshops, seminars, and multidisciplinary gatherings that IAST and its affiliated institutions host.
- Opportunities for Collaboration: Fellows can work together in a variety of fields, such as political science, economics, sociology, psychology, and anthropology, which broadens the scope of their research.
- Funding Support: To increase their research opportunities, fellows may be sponsored to apply for Marie Curie Fellowships (optional).
Expectations for Fellows:
- IAST fosters a culture of intellectually stimulating and cooperative research. Fellows must:
- Participate actively in the yearly research retreat, academic events, and institutional seminars.
- Talk and interact across disciplines with classmates, researchers, and faculty.
- If asked, participate in the Summer School in Quantitative Social Sciences.
- Encourage creativity and interdisciplinary learning by working together and exchanging ideas across fields.
Deadline: 15 November 2025
