Postdoctoral Fellowship // ‘Pastoralism in the Gobi: characteristics, developments and prospects (GOBI)’

Background and objectives of the post    

Founded in 1795, Inalco offers a range of courses in over 100 languages and humanities and social sciences specialising in non-Western regions, recognised both in France and internationally. Supported by 14 research teams (8 UMRs and 6 in-house units), research at Inalco combines area studies with disciplinary fields.

The postdoctoral research fellow position is available as part of the project ‘Pastoralism in the Gobi: Characteristics, Developments and Prospects (GOBI)’, funded by the Inalco Foundation, which aims to document the environmental, social, economic and demographic dimensions of pastoral practices in the Gobi Desert, in southern Mongolia. The Gobi Desert region provides a unique setting for analysing the dynamics that constrain or influence the way of life of herders, due to its scarce water and grazing resources, as well as its high concentration of sectors that interact directly or indirectly with pastoralism and the management of its resources: extractive industries, nature reserves, and organisations managing the organisation of certain pastoral activities, within frameworks established by the Mongolian government, NGOs or private companies. The GOBI project focuses on specific local dynamics, which may give rise to tensions over the management of pastures, access to water and livestock, but which may also be a source of job creation and economic opportunities, against a backdrop of increasing environmental change within a fragile ecosystem.

The postdoctoral researcher will contribute to the project through a study based on the collection of first-hand data in the field. The candidate should ideally have an interest in non-pastoral activities that interact with the livestock sector and their influence on the organisation of the latter, particularly in its economic, social and demographic dimensions. The candidate is expected to pay particular attention to the dynamics of power and gender relations. Given the extent of the area under study, he or she will be required to produce datasets that integrate different scales.

Academic profile    

The candidate must hold a PhD in the social sciences involving qualitative fieldwork (anthropology, sociology, geography, etc.) in Mongolia.
As the Gobi remains a relatively under-researched area in the social sciences, the postdoctoral researcher recruited must be open to an interdisciplinary approach, conducting literature reviews in disciplines related to their research topics and working collaboratively with a team of researchers from other social sciences, or even the environmental sciences.

The candidate must have previously conducted research on Mongolia and have a sufficient command of the Mongolian language to be able to carry out fieldwork independently without the assistance of a translator. He or she will be required to undertake several months of fieldwork during their postdoctoral fellowship (the costs of which will be fully covered by the project).

Duties and activities

The successful postdoctoral researcher will work closely with the project leader, Charlotte Marchina, and will focus on research whose broad outlines will have been agreed upon at the start of the contract, following a proposal by the postdoctoral researcher in their application letter and during the interview.

He or she will be required to carry out a literature review on their research questions and conduct original fieldwork.

Furthermore, he or she will actively participate in the various activities organised by the research group (workshops, working meetings), as well as in the organisation of public events planned as part of the project (conferences, study days, etc.).

Finally, the postdoctoral researcher is expected to publish a journal article and contribute to the edited volume planned as part of the project.

Required skills    

• Required: PhD in the Social Sciences and Humanities
• Skills in qualitative and quantitative research methods
• Ability and willingness to work in a multidisciplinary manner
• Excellent writing skills
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Scientific rigour, curiosity and strong motivation
• Excellent command of French and English, and a good command of Mongolian

HR information   

• Contract type: One-year post-doctoral position, renewable
• Fixed gross salary: from €2,610 gross per month, depending on experience
• Full-time: 38 hours 45 minutes per week 
• 54 days’ paid annual leave, including 2 periods of compulsory closure (3 weeks in summer and 1 week at Christmas);
• All positions at INALCO are open to people with disabilities;
• Location of the post: INALCO Research Centre, IFRAE laboratory, 2 rue de Lille, 75007 Paris
• Desired start date: 01/01/2027

The application pack must include the following documents:

• Cover letter including a description of the research project envisaged as part of the postdoctoral fellowship (maximum two pages, outlining the research question, the methods and how the project will shed light on the issues underpinning the GOBI project).
• A copy of the PhD degree certificate or proof of successful completion;
• Full CV and list of publications;

Candidates currently in their final year of doctoral study may apply, provided they are able to take up the post by 1 January 2027 at the latest. They must ensure that they include in their application a certificate confirming the date of their doctoral defence, signed by their doctoral school.

Applications must be completed and submitted by 18 November 2026 at 18:00 (GMT+1) to the following addresses: View e-mail , with a copy to View e-mail 
Applications will be reviewed during December. Auditions will be held between 20 November 2026 and 27 November 2026.

PROVISIONAL TIMETABLE

• Application deadline: 18 November 2026
• Announcement of shortlisted candidates: 19 November 2026
• Auditions (via videoconference or in person): from 20 November 2026
• Publication of results: no later than 30 November 2026