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PhD careers

Pursuing a "postdoc"

A postdoctoral job is a fixed-duration (3 years max) position that allows young doctorate holders to lead research work different from that of their thesis, to increase their number of publications, and to diversify their CV with a view to finding a position at a university, institute or in business.

Public and private universities and research centres offer postdoc positions and these offers may be found on their websites.

A postdoctoral post abroad is another interesting possibility and a widespread and highly popular career move for PhD holders around the world.

Consult postdoc offers via the European portal "Euraxess jobs"

Becoming a teacher-researcher

Teacher-researchers carry out research alongside their teaching responsibilities. To be able to teach, the PhD holder must have the status of a ‘Maître de conférence’ (equivalent to a senior lecturer or assistant professor). The French Ministry of Higher Education hires young doctorate holders as maîtres de conférences via competitive examinations.

For more information on teacher-researchers

For more information on the maitre de conférence examination and the hiring of teacher-researchers

Becoming a researcher

  • in the public sector : Research institutes (e.g. CNRS, INSERM and CEA etc.) and state agencies (e.g. AERES, ANR) local and regional governmant all recruit PhD students whether for research posts or specific missions. Such posts are advertised and open to PhD holders or those with internationally recognised equivalents.
  • In the private sector : Companies, foundations (e.g., the Institut Pasteur), private care facilities (e.g., the Centre Léon Bérard) and associations also hire PhD holders for their scientific expertise and special skills accquired during the thesis studies. The private sector offers post-graduates a wide range of Professional opportunities, allowing them to widen their horizons. Recruitment methods vary from one organization to the next, but these job offers can usually be found on the relevant company’s website.

For more information on the research professions