MAIN MISSION
The candidate must hold a doctorate already obtained (or to be obtained by September 2025 at the latest) in the Humanities and Social Sciences, in one of the disciplines relevant to the CIENS research themes (political science, contemporary history, strategic studies, law, philosophy, geography, economics, science, technology and society, international relations, sociology) and whose subject will be related to nuclear and strategic issues.
The researcher will conduct research on issues relating to nuclear deterrence and strategic challenges, in line with the research themes developed by CIENS (‘Europe and nuclear deterrence’; ‘Strategic knowledge: between academia and expertise’; ‘New areas of conflict’ here in full).
WORKING ENVIRONMENT AND CONTEXT (structure hosting the post)
CIENS is a teaching and research platform devoted to nuclear defence and strategic issues in the broadest sense, with an interdisciplinary approach. It is run by a strengthened team of teacher-researchers and 1 project manager, and works in cooperation with associate researchers and experts, as well as external practitioners specialising in strategic issues.
The ambition of CIENS is to study inter-state power relations and the various forms of conflict between powers, always with a view to the possibility of a rise to extremes, in other words the nuclear confrontation that deterrence is designed to avoid. CIENS research has three main strands (available in PDF format at this link):
1. a reflection on the relationship between Europe and nuclear deterrence, against the backdrop of the question of European strategic autonomy;
2. an analysis of the status of strategic knowledge, between academia and expertise, involving a reflexive approach to what the CIENS is trying to do at the junction of these two worlds;
3. finally, work on the emergence of new areas of conflict, with a particular focus on the cyber dimension.
CIENS’ research activities are carried out in cooperation with renowned international partners.
The CIENS courses are taught as part of the ENS diploma and are structured into an International Relations and Contemporary Strategic Issues minor, which aims to offer a multidisciplinary approach to the political and strategic dimension of international relations, including both introductory and more in-depth courses, enabling students to familiarise themselves with strategic issues in the broadest sense – nuclear deterrence, cyber defence, arms control and disarmament, strategic thinking, outer space, information warfare and AI, etc. – while benefiting from the dual expertise of the ENS and CIENS. -The work of CIENS is part of a broader approach to strategic issues, which includes nuclear deterrence, cyber defence, arms control and disarmament, strategic thinking, outer space, information warfare and AI.
The work of the CIENS is part of an original partnership between the ENS and three institutional players, the Commissariat à l’Énergie Atomique et aux Énergies Alternatives (CEA), the Ministère des Armées (DGRIS), and the Agence nationale de la sécurité des systèmes d’information (ANSSI), which contribute to the funding of the CIENS’ activities, in order to contribute to the development of excellent, independent and internationally recognised scientific research in the fields of defence and security issues.
The post-doc will be housed in the CIENS offices on the 45 rue d’Ulm campus of ENS-PSL.
For a fuller presentation of CIENS: https://ciens.ens.psl.eu/
RESEARCH RESPONSIBILITIES
– In addition to the post-doctoral research project, contribute to collective research projects – colloquia, study days, workshops – within CIENS and ENS;
– Present research results regularly at CIENS seminars and study days, or at international conferences and colloquia;
– Write articles and contribute to scientific journals or collective works;
– Contribute to the drafting of applications for funding for the research activities of the CIENS team.
TEACHING SUPPORT RESPONSIBILITIES
– Assume a teaching load, within the framework of the CIENS teaching model;
– Participate in the organisation and design of CIENS teaching activities (courses, seminars, PSL-Weeks);
– Help liaise with CIENS partners for shared courses (INALCO, Paris 1 Sorbonne, Paris 2 Assas, Dauphine, etc.).
RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE ADMINISTRATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE CENTRE
Certain administrative and logistical tasks may be requested on an ad hoc basis, depending on the needs of the CIENS:
– Promoting the CIENS within the ENS (presentation during the Department’s back-to-school meetings, making contact with the other Departments, regular communication on the School’s media, participation in the School’s events, etc.);
– Liaise with the ENS departments;
– Participate in the administrative and logistical management of the Centre and its activities in conjunction with the ENS central services.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THE CANDIDATE’S PROFILE :
– proficiency in English (enabling you to teach in this language), and/or other languages, will be valued;
OTHER INFORMATION
Position to be filled on : September 2025
Place of work: 45 rue d’Ulm / ENS
Working time (50% or more) :
– Type: 12-month fixed-term contract, renewable
– Quota : 100%
– Start date: September 2025
Position open to :
– permanent civil servants
– contract staff (1-year fixed-term contract)
Salary (depending on experience): INM 594 minimum = €3012 gross per month
ENS-PSL is a disabled-friendly establishment and is committed to diversity.
HOW TO APPLY
Applications must be submitted by 30 May 2025 at the latest.
Documents to be provided:
– Research project (4 pages maximum)
– Letter of motivation
– Curriculum vitae (including a list of publications)
– Thesis defence report
Applications should be sent as a single PDF file by email to frederic.gloriant@ens.psl.eu (CIENS director) and stephanie.braquehais@ens.psl.eu (project manager). Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a face-to-face interview.
