Work environment and research topics
The research activities of the Chair will be structured around three axes (described in more detail here).
– First axis: diversification of uses of outer space, evolution of representations of space, in particular in connection with these new uses and with developments in scientific knowledge of the solar system and beyond (discoveries of exoplanets, space exploration missions to other planets in the solar system, etc.).
– Second axis: how can we conceive of space as a “territory or common good” for humanity, and what are the resulting tensions? The Chair is particularly interested in the following double tension: tension between the ambition of a common good and the logic of commercial appropriation (of natural resources and of space as a circulation zone); tension between the ambition of a common good and the use of space as a stake and lever of sovereignty. In other words, how can we ensure that space emerges as a common good, in the economic and legal sense, in the face of, on the one hand, the multiplication of private uses of space and, on the other, the ambitions of states?
– Third axis: What contribution can space make to preserving the planet? And what sustainable uses of space?
The Chair’s activities are characterized by a broad spectrum of interdisciplinarity, reflected in the diversity of PSL University’s research communities(CERES, CIENS, CIEE, ENS Geosciences Department, ENS Chair in Geopolitics of Risk, Observatoire de Paris), which are directly involved in the Chair via its scientific steering committee.
Candidate profile
For both post-docs
Candidates must hold a PhD (or have one by October 2023 at the latest) in one of the disciplines relevant to the Chair’s research themes (economics, history, geopolitics, political science, philosophy, law, sociology, cybersecurity, geosciences, climate and environmental sciences, astronomy, etc.).
Please note: Candidates may, but need not, have already worked on research topics related to space. The Chair is also intended to encourage researchers to take space as a new field of study.
Ability to work within a multidisciplinary project is expected.
Duration: 2 years (renewable for one year) – Full time
Contract start date: September 2024 (or October 2024)
Salary: on request, depending on the candidate’s experience
For the senior post-doc: same expected disciplinary profile (see above) + ability to run a training program on the Chair’s themes for PSL University students.
Duration: 3 years – Full-time –
Contract start date: September 2024 (or October 2024)
Salary: on request, depending on candidate’s experience
The post-docs will work in Paris, at the Ecole normale supérieure. The Space Chair offices are located on the ENS rue d’Ulm campus, in the fifth arrondissement of Paris. They may also be attached to one of the ENS laboratories (or another PSL establishment), depending on their profile.
For further information, please write to stephanie.ruphy@ens.psl.eu (scientific director of the chair).
To apply – Deadline May 20, 2024
Required documents:
– a CV (with list of publications)
– a letter of motivation
– a short research project (5 to 10 pages maximum) describing how you will contribute to the work of the Chair and the suitability of your profile.
– two letters of recommendation
– a proposal for teaching modules (for the senior position only)
Shortlisted candidates will be invited by May 29, 2024 at the latest for a visio audition to be held during the week of June 3, 2024.
Applications should be sent (as a single pdf file) to stephanie.ruphy@ens.psl.eu (Scientific Director of the Chair) and stephanie.braquehais@ens.psl.eu (Project Manager).
