Call for Applications: Postdoctoral Fellowship in Development Economics – ECOTERM Project by CERDI (With up to €2,100 monthly salary)
The Centre d’Études et de Recherches sur le Développement International (CERDI, UMR UCA-CNRS-IRD) is inviting applications for a 24-month postdoctoral fellowship in development economics. This position is part of the ECOTERM project (ECOsystem services derived from TERmite Mounds), funded by the French National Research Agency (ANR).
The fellowship is set to begin on November 1, 2025, with flexibility to postpone until January 1, 2026. The application deadline is August 31, 2025.
Project Overview
The ECOTERM project (2023–2027) investigates the ecosystem services provided by termite mounds within the rice paddies of Kampong Chhnang province, Cambodia. Coordinated by Pascal Jouquet (IRD, UMR iEES Paris), this multidisciplinary initiative involves several research institutions including CERDI, CEREGE, PharmaDev, Centre Norbert Elias, ITC, RUA, and LISODE.
The project integrates ecology, agronomy, anthropology, and economics with a participatory approach that actively involves farmers in developing sustainable agricultural practices. Its overarching goal is to promote climate-resilient agriculture and enhance biodiversity conservation in the region.
The postdoctoral fellow will contribute primarily to the economics work package (WP3), led by CERDI. This segment focuses on combining field survey data with econometric modeling to assess the economic value of ecosystem services linked to termite mounds. The WP3 team includes Martine Audibert (Emeritus CNRS Director of Research), Chanrithy Lao (PhD student), and Sébastien Marchand (Associate Professor and WP3 lead).
Key Responsibilities
The postdoctoral researcher will:
- Conduct econometric analyses to evaluate the influence of termite mounds on agricultural productivity (such as crop yields and input usage) and on household welfare indicators, including healthcare expenditures and overall well-being.
- Assist in designing, facilitating, and analyzing participatory workshops that engage local communities in co-creating conservation strategies based on project data and indigenous knowledge.
- Collaborate closely with French and Cambodian research partners, including ITC (Ratha Muon) and RUA (Kimchhin Sok), and liaise with local stakeholders.
- Disseminate research findings through academic publications and policy briefs to ensure broad visibility and impact.
- Support the development of economic indicators relevant to future termite mound management scenarios.
Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate will have:
- A Ph.D. in development economics, environmental economics, agricultural economics, health economics, or a related field.
- Advanced skills in econometric techniques such as production function modeling, impact evaluation, and stochastic frontier analysis, with strong proficiency in software like STATA or R.
- Experience analyzing survey data, particularly within developing country contexts.
- A demonstrated interest in interdisciplinary research and sustainability issues.
- Prior experience in conducting participatory workshops or community engagement, especially in rural or interdisciplinary settings, is an advantage but not mandatory.
Position Details
This is a full-time position based at CERDI in Clermont-Ferrand, France, with periodic field missions to Cambodia. The fellow will receive a net monthly salary of approximately €2,100, along with coverage under the French social security health insurance system.
CERDI provides a dynamic research environment with frequent seminars and collaboration opportunities. Clermont-Ferrand offers a safe, welcoming atmosphere with proximity to the scenic Auvergne Volcanoes Natural Park, ideal for balancing research and quality of life.
Application Procedure
Applicants must submit their documents by August 31, 2025, via email to Sébastien Marchand at [email protected]. The email subject should read: “Postdoc ECOTERM Application + Candidate’s Name.”
The application package must include:
- A detailed curriculum vitae with copies of diplomas or certificates.
- A copy of the Ph.D. dissertation manuscript (if defended).
- A motivation letter (maximum 2 pages) outlining the candidate’s interest in the ECOTERM project.
- One or two relevant academic publications.
- Two letters of recommendation or the contact information of two referees.
Interviews will be conducted in September, with shortlisted candidates possibly invited to Clermont-Ferrand for in-person interviews; travel expenses will be covered.
Additional Information
- ECOTERM Project Details: https://cerdi.uca.fr/version-francaise/recherche/projets-de-recherche/ecoterm#/
- About CERDI: https://cerdi.uca.fr/
- Explore Clermont-Ferrand and Auvergne: https://www.auvergne-destination.com/
This postdoctoral fellowship offers a unique opportunity for researchers passionate about combining economics with ecological sustainability and community engagement in a vibrant international research setting.
