Job Opportunity: Post-Doctoral Contract / Project Assistant on the Theme “Art, History, and Heritage of Afghanistan and Its Wider Region”

Job Opportunity: Post-Doctoral Contract / Project Assistant on the Theme “Art, History, and Heritage of Afghanistan and Its Wider Region”

Duration: 18 months
Type of Contract: Post-doctoral contract (Decree no. 2021-1450 of November 4, 2021, on public law post-doctoral contracts)
Number of Positions Available: 2

Context & Objective of the Position

The National Institute for Oriental Languages and Civilizations (Inalco) is a unique public institution located in the heart of the New Latin Quarter of Paris. Established in 1795, it is the only higher education and research institution worldwide to offer such a broad and internationally recognized curriculum in languages and humanities, with over 100 languages and civilizations taught. Inalco has approximately 9,000 students (Bachelor, Master, and PhD) and more than 500 staff members.

This recruitment is part of the Chair in the Arts and Heritage of Afghanistan, for which Inalco has been awarded funding.

Geographically, “Afghanistan and its region” refers to an area that extends beyond Afghanistan’s modern borders for historical studies prior to the 18th century. Since the various regions that now constitute Afghanistan were part of much larger political entities, some research will closely connect with other areas and academic fields focused on Iran, Central Asia, and North India/Pakistan. Projects that incorporate digital tools applied to the humanities and social sciences to support research on Afghanistan and its region, particularly those involving Afghan participation, will be particularly welcomed.

Proposed Research Domains

Project 1:

• Arts and Archaeology (Art History, Architectural History, Epigraphy, etc.)
• Organization of a museum exhibition

Project 2:

• History (Ancient, Medieval, Modern, and Contemporary)
• Languages and Literatures (Persian, Pashto, languages of the Pamir, and others)
• Social Sciences, Anthropology, and Ethnography (Economics, Political Science, Development, International Relations, etc.)
• Arts and Archaeology (Art History, Music, Architectural History, Epigraphy, etc.)

Responsibilities & Tasks

The postdoctoral researcher will join the Centre de Recherche sur le Monde Iranien (CeRMI – UMR 8041, CNRS/Sorbonne Nouvelle/INALCO/EPHE).

Main responsibilities include:

1. Supporting and complementing the research activities of the Chair in the Arts and Heritage of Afghanistan.
2. Developing a personal research project related to one of the three main axes of the Chair:
   • History, archives, and texts
   • Linguistic heritage
   • Archaeological and artistic heritage

Research activities include:

• Participation and collaboration in the scientific activities of the Chair in the Arts and Heritage of Afghanistan.
• Organization of a scientific event (study day, workshop, conference) related to the research project.
• Publication of one or two articles in peer-reviewed journals.
• Participation in the scientific activities of CeRMI.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• PhD in Humanities and Social Sciences obtained after 2022.
• Knowledge and application of qualitative and quantitative research methods.
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary manner.
• Excellent writing skills.
• Ability to work both independently and in a team.
• Scientific rigor, curiosity, and strong motivation.
• Excellent command of English and one primary source language relevant to the study of Afghanistan and its region (contemporary or historical).

HR Matters & Application File

• Type of Contract: 18-month post-doctoral position
• Gross Salary: €2,271 monthly
• Full-Time: 38 hours and 45 minutes weekly
• Paid Annual Leave: 54 days, including 2 compulsory closed periods (3 weeks in summer and 1 week at Christmas)
• Telework: Regular or occasional teleworking days, depending on service requirements
• Position Location: CeRMI Campus Paris-Villejuif, 7, rue Guy Môquet 94800 Villejuif
• Desired Starting Date: From June 1, 2025

Application File for PhD Holders:

• Copy of PhD diploma or certificate of completion
• Complete CV and list of publications
• Letters of recommendation
• Thesis defense report
• Summary of research project in line with one of the two projects mentioned in the job description (maximum two pages)

Application File for Final Year PhD Students:

• Complete CV and list of publications
• Letters of recommendation
• Attestation from the Doctoral School of the doctorate followed
• Summary of the doctorate followed
• Summary of the research project falling within one of the two projects mentioned in the job description (maximum two pages)

Application Deadline: April 15, 2025

How to Apply

Please submit your application electronically by April 15, 2025, to the following addresses:

• Mrs. Arezou Azad (Junior Professorship Laureate): arezou.azad@inalco.fr and sandra.aubemorain@cnrs.fr
• CC to: drh-recrutement@inalco.fr