Post-doctoral contract/ Project assistant on the theme "Art, history and heritage of Afghanistan and its wider region".

Context & objective of the position

Inalco is a unique public institution at the heart of the New Latin Quarter of Paris. Established in 1795, it is the only higher education and research institution in the world 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.

The 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. Any project covering one of these areas will be considered.

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.

The postdoctoral researcher will work on a research project related to Afghanistan and its region within one of the following two domains:
Project 1:

• Arts and Archaeology (Art History, Architectural History, Epigraphy, etc.), and
• 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.)

The recruited researcher will work in close collaboration with the holder of the Chair and Professorship in "Arts and Heritage of Afghanistan" and their team.

Responsibilities & tasks

The researcher will join the Centre de Recherche sur le Monde Iranien (CERMI-UMR 8041, CNRS/Sorbonne Nouvelle/INALCO/EPHE) (CeRmi website: https://cermi.cnrs.fr/).

The postdoctoral researcher will have two main responsibilities:
1.    Support and complement the research activities of the Chair and Junior Professorship Arts and Heritage of Afghanistan.
2.    Develop a personal research project related to one or two of the three axes of the Chair:
          o    History, archives, and texts
          o    Linguistic heritage
          o    Archaeological and artistic heritage

The research activities of the postdoctoral researcher will include:

• Participation, support, and collaboration in the 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.
• Participation in and organization of scientific events within the framework of the Chair’s activities.
• Regular participation in the scientific activities of the CeRmi.
• Publication of one or two articles in peer-reviewed journals.

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 rigour, 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

• Contract type: 18-month post-doctoral position
• Gross salary: 2,271€ monthly
• Full-time: 38h45 weekly
• 54 days of paid annual leave including 2 compulsory closed periods (3 weeks in summer and 1 week at Christmas);
• All positions at Inalco are open to people with disabilities;
• Telework : Regular or occasional teleworking days, depending on service requirements, with no seniority requirement;
• Position location: CeRmi Campus Paris-Villejuif, 7, rue Guy Môquet 94800 Villejuif;
• Desired starting date: from June 1, 2025.

The application file consisting of:

• 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 (two pages maximum)

Applicants currently in their final year of doctoral studies may apply with assumption of position envisaged in October 2025. The application file consists of:

• 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 (two pages maximum)

The application file must be returned in electronic form by April 15, 2025 at the latest to the following addresses:
Mrs Arezou Azad, Junior Professorship Laureate: arezou.azad@inalco.fr and sandra.aubemorain@cnrs.fr, copy to drh-recrutement@inalco.fr