Fully Funded IAST Research Fellowships 2026–2028 France
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The Institute for Advanced Study in Toulouse (IAST) at Université Toulouse Capitole is inviting applications for its prestigious Research Fellowships 2026–2028 in France. This fully funded postdoctoral opportunity is designed for outstanding early-career researchers in the social and behavioral sciences who wish to pursue interdisciplinary research in a world-class academic environment.
The fellowship offers a two-year research appointment, competitive salary, office space, administrative support, access to international seminars, and opportunities to collaborate with leading scholars across multiple disciplines. Fellows also have the option to receive institutional support when applying for the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship.
Researchers seeking a fully funded postdoctoral fellowship in Europe should consider this opportunity to strengthen their academic careers while working at one of France’s leading interdisciplinary research institutes.
About the Institute for Advanced Study in Toulouse
What is IAST?
The Institute for Advanced Study in Toulouse (IAST) is an internationally recognized interdisciplinary research institute based at Université Toulouse Capitole in France. The institute brings together experts from economics, sociology, anthropology, psychology, political science, history, philosophy, and evolutionary biology to study human behavior, institutions, markets, and social change.
IAST encourages collaboration across disciplines through research seminars, workshops, conferences, and annual academic retreats, creating an environment where innovative ideas and evidence-based research can flourish.
IAST Research Fellowship Benefits
Successful applicants will receive a comprehensive package that allows them to focus primarily on research throughout the fellowship period.
Fellowship Duration
- Two-year full-time employment contract (CDD) in France
- Fellowship period from 2026 to 2028
- Minimal teaching responsibilities
- Dedicated time for independent and collaborative research
Financial and Academic Benefits
- Competitive salary under French employment regulations
- Office space and modern computing facilities
- Administrative and research support
- Access to seminars, conferences, workshops, and annual retreats
- French social security coverage
- Opportunity to receive institutional support for Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship applications
- Collaboration with internationally recognized researchers
Who Should Apply?
The fellowship is ideal for researchers who want to develop interdisciplinary research projects and establish an international academic profile.
Eligible applicants include:
- Recent PhD graduates who completed their doctorate between December 2022 and September 2026
- Early-career researchers without a tenured academic position
- Scholars interested in interdisciplinary research
- Applicants planning to apply for the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship with IAST sponsorship
Applications are welcomed from researchers around the world, and candidates from underrepresented regions are encouraged to apply.
Eligibility Criteria
Academic Requirements
Applicants must:
- Hold a PhD completed between December 2022 and September 2026
- Be an early-career researcher
- Demonstrate strong research potential
- Propose a project aligned with IAST’s interdisciplinary research mission
Exception for Earlier PhD Graduates
Applicants who earned their PhD before December 2022 may still be considered if they provide a convincing explanation showing why this fellowship remains appropriate for their current stage of academic development.
Eligible Research Fields
IAST welcomes applications from a wide range of disciplines within the social and behavioral sciences.
Anthropology
Research topics may include:
- Cooperation
- Conflict
- Global health
- Aging
Economics
Relevant areas include:
- Behavioral economics
- Experimental economics
- Development economics
Political Science
Potential research themes include:
- Political institutions
- Public policy
- Political economy
Psychology
Examples include:
- Moral behavior
- Social cognition
- Artificial intelligence ethics
Sociology
Researchers may focus on:
- Social networks
- Inequality
- Social mobility
- Political polarization
Additional Eligible Disciplines
Applications are also welcomed from researchers in:
- History
- Evolutionary biology
- Philosophy
- Computational social science
- Related interdisciplinary fields
Projects that integrate multiple disciplines are particularly encouraged.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must prepare the following documents before submitting their application.
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Your CV should be limited to two or three pages and include:
- Educational background
- Research experience
- Publications
- Conference presentations
- Awards
- ORCID ID
- Technical and research skills
Cover Letter
Submit a cover letter of approximately two pages explaining:
- Your proposed research project
- Academic objectives
- Why IAST is the ideal research environment
- How your work aligns with the institute’s interdisciplinary mission
Writing Samples
Applicants must provide two writing samples that best demonstrate their research quality. These may include published articles, accepted manuscripts, or strong working papers.
Referees
Provide the names, institutional affiliations, and contact information of three academic referees who can evaluate your research abilities.
Recommendation Letters
After submission, referees will receive an automatic request to upload recommendation letters.
Strong recommendation letters should discuss:
- Research excellence
- Academic independence
- Collaboration skills
- Future research potential
Applicants are advised to contact referees well before the deadline.
Selection Process
Applications are reviewed by a committee consisting of senior researchers and former IAST fellows.
Evaluation Criteria
The committee considers:
- Originality of the proposed research
- Academic quality
- Strength of writing samples
- Interdisciplinary relevance
- Potential research impact
- Fit with IAST’s research priorities
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an online interview.
Interview Process
Selected applicants should expect:
Research Presentation
Candidates will deliver a 10 to 15-minute presentation outlining:
- Research objectives
- Methodology
- Expected contributions
- Two-year research plan
Discussion Session
The interview panel will assess:
- Project feasibility
- Interdisciplinary collaboration potential
- Long-term academic goals
- Alignment with IAST’s research environment
Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship Support
Applicants interested in the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship may indicate this in their cover letter.
IAST offers institutional guidance and proposal support, helping researchers prepare competitive MSCA applications while participating in the fellowship program.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | November 15, 2025* |
| Recommendation Letter Deadline | November 30, 2025* |
| Interviews | January–February 2026 |
| Final Results | March 2026 |
| Fellowship Starts | September 2026 |
*Applicants should verify these dates on the official IAST announcement before applying.
Tips to Submit a Strong Application
- Develop a clear and achievable research proposal.
- Demonstrate how your project connects multiple academic disciplines.
- Include your strongest publications or working papers.
- Ask referees who are familiar with your research achievements.
- Present a realistic research timeline for the full fellowship period.
- Explain how IAST’s research environment will strengthen your project.
Common Reasons Applications Are Rejected
Many otherwise competitive applications are unsuccessful because they:
- Submit vague research proposals without clear objectives.
- Fail to demonstrate interdisciplinary relevance.
- Include outdated or weak writing samples.
- Choose referees who provide generic recommendation letters.
- Do not explain how the project aligns with IAST’s research mission.
Official Application
Interested applicants should review the complete eligibility requirements and submit their application through the official Institute for Advanced Study in Toulouse (IAST) website before the application deadline.
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