Stanford Research Fellowship

Toulouse School of Economics / IAST and the Stanford Culture and Economy Lab within the Institute for Economic Policy and Research invite applications for up to three postdoctoral research fellowships to study economic and social integration among migrant communities in France.

The project goal is to understand migrant communities’ priorities and pathways to prestige: how families build a sense of identity, raise their children, respond to perceived risks, and navigate opportunities in France. Fellows will examine what is esteemed by families, peers, and religious institutions, and how this in turn affects young people’s aspirations, friendships, marriage markets, education, and upward mobility. The project’s goals are largely inspired by an empirical observation that, in many European countries, migrant women’s employment is lower than that of natives.

These are one-year fellowships with the possibility of renewal for another year.

•   What do we expect from the research fellow?

The fellow will be based at IAST and expected to participate in IAST’s scientific activities while resident. Additionally, the fellow is expected to undertake at least six months of ethnographic research with large migrant-origin communities in France, such as in Lyon, Marseille, Paris, or Toulouse. Fellows will be responsible for recruiting participants, organizing and conducting interviews, attending community events where appropriate, and building trust with local community organizations. Fellows will be jointly mentored by Dr. Alice Evans (Stanford) and an IAST-affiliated faculty member at TSE. Short-term research visits to Stanford are possible.

Favorable working conditions :
·       Central location in Toulouse

·       Public transport nearby

·       University restaurant for staff

·       Sports activities and social events and networking events

·       Welcoming and international working environment

·       Opportunities to meet colleagues and discover Toulouse and the surrounding region

·       Free parking for staff

Key benefits : 
·       Partial reimbursement of public transport costs and sustainable mobility allowance, subject to conditions

·       Personalized support with relocation and administrative procedures

·       French language courses for researchers and their partners

·       Dedicated newcomers’ integration program

·       Support with French tax declaration

Who is eligible?

Candidates are strongly encouraged to apply if they are fluent in French and Darja, experienced in working with migrant communities, have strong verbal and written communication skills, and eager to collaborate.

Eligible applicants must be active researchers who have completed or will complete their PhD after December 2023 and before September 2027 (if the PhD is expected to be completed between October and December of 2027, the start of the fellowship will be postponed accordingly). Motivated applications will be considered from candidates whose PhDs were completed in 2023 or earlier; if applicable, please explain your reasons in your cover letter. Researchers who are either tenure-track or tenured at their present institution should not apply for this research fellowship.

IAST supports equality, diversity, and inclusion. We encourage applications from members of under-represented groups in academia, including citizens from the Global South.

How do I apply?

To apply for this Research Fellowship, please send your application (before November 15, 2026) by clicking on the link below: 

https://www.tse-fr.eu/iast-stanford-research-fellowship

Each application should include (only in English):

-        Updated CV.

-        Cover Letter (not to exceed two single-spaced pages). This should include a statement addressing current research and future plans, including fit with this project.

-        At least two writing samples (e.g., published peer-reviewed journal articles or working papers).

-        Contact information (i.e., name, title, email) of at least three references willing to provide a letter on your behalf. Note that your references will automatically receive an email from IAST once you submit your application. Just in case, please ask your references to check their spam folders. The deadline for submitting recommendation letters is November 30, 2026.