The Institute for Advanced Study in Toulouse (IAST) at Université Toulouse Capitole offers prestigious two-year postdoctoral research fellowships for early-career scholars in the social and behavioral sciences. These fully funded fellowships provide an exceptional platform for interdisciplinary research, academic development, and international collaboration.

Fellows receive a contract in France, office space, access to seminars, workshops, and optional Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship sponsorship support.

Who Should Apply

• Recent PhD graduates (PhD completed between Dec 2022 – Sep 2026)

• Early-career researchers in anthropology, economics, political science, psychology, sociology, evolutionary biology, history, philosophy, and related disciplines

• Scholars aiming for a fully funded European postdoc with interdisciplinary exposure

• Applicants interested in pursuing the Marie Curie Fellowship with IAST sponsorship

About IAST and Université Toulouse Capitole

The IAST is a world-class interdisciplinary research hub dedicated to exploring human behavior, institutions, markets, and historical processes. It fosters collaboration across diverse academic fields, encouraging economists, sociologists, psychologists, and historians to engage in joint research.

Through seminars, workshops, and an annual retreat, IAST provides an intellectually stimulating environment that supports innovation and academic growth.

Fellowship Details and Benefits

Duration & Contract

• Two-year employment contract (CDD) in France

• Focused full-time research with minimal teaching load

• Active participation in IAST seminars and workshops

Benefits

• Competitive salary under French CDD regulations

• Office space, computing facilities, and administrative support

• Access to academic seminars and annual retreats

• Opportunities for Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship sponsorship

• Social security coverage in France

Eligibility Criteria

Basic Requirements

• PhD completion: Between December 2022 and September 2026

• Career stage: Non-tenured early-career researchers

• Research area: Strong fit with IAST’s interdisciplinary mission

• Nationality: Open to all; applications from underrepresented regions are encouraged

Exceptions

Applicants who completed their PhD before December 2022 must provide a justification explaining the relevance of this fellowship to their current career stage.

Eligible Disciplines and Sample Topics

• Anthropology: Cooperation, conflict, global health, aging

• Economics: Behavioral, experimental, and development economics

• Political Science: Institutions, policy, political economy

• Psychology: Moral behavior, AI ethics, social cognition

• Sociology: Networks, inequality, mobility, polarization

• History: Quantitative and economic history

• Evolutionary Biology: Cooperation, behavioral ecology

• Philosophy/Computational Social Science: Methodological or theoretical integration

Tip: Highlight interdisciplinarity—show how your project bridges two or more areas.

Application Process

Required Documents

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV): Max 2–3 pages with education, publications, awards, and presentations

2. Cover Letter: Two pages explaining your project, research goals, and fit with IAST

3. Two Writing Samples: Published or working papers demonstrating your research strength

4. Three Referees: Provide names, positions, and contact details

Recommendation Letters

Referees receive automatic email requests. Confirm their participation early. Letters should highlight your research potential and ability to collaborate across disciplines.

Deadline for Recommendation Letters: November 30, 2025

Selection Process

Applications are evaluated by a selection committee comprising senior researchers and former fellows.

Selection Criteria

• Research quality and originality

• Strength of writing samples

• Fit with IAST’s interdisciplinary approach

• Potential for academic impact

Interviews: Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an online interview between January and February 2026.
Results: Announced in March 2026.
Start Date: September 2026

Key Dates

CV Preparation Tips

• Include contact details and ORCID ID

• List publications, working papers, and presentations

• Highlight technical skills, research experience, and awards

• Keep formatting clean and consistent

Interview Expectations

• 10–15 minute presentation: Outline your research agenda

• Q&A session: Discuss feasibility, methodology, and collaboration plans

• Be ready to articulate how your project benefits from IAST’s environment

Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship Option

Applicants interested in Marie Curie Postdoctoral Fellowships can indicate their intent in the cover letter. IAST provides institutional support and guidance for MSCA proposals, enhancing overall competitiveness for both programs.

Tips to Strengthen Your Application

• Write clear, jargon-free research objectives

• Showcase interdisciplinary relevance and real-world impact

• Demonstrate progress with publications or pilot studies

• Select referees who know your research well

• Include a realistic two-year research plan

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Vague or overly technical proposals

• Outdated or unrelated writing samples

• Weak reference letters

• Lack of alignment with IAST’s research mission

Official Source

For detailed information and application access, visit the Official IAST website.

FAQs About IAST Research Fellowships 2026–2028