Contract researcher in multiscale territorial dynamics and well-being

Université de Technologie de Compiègne is recruiting a contract researcher in multiscale territorial dynamics and well-being at the AVENUES Laboratory, Urban Engineering Department (GU).

This recruitment is part of the MATES for well-being research project and is funded by the Sorbonne University Alliance (ASU).

Mission

The researcher will play a key role in the intellectual and methodological development of the project. Rather than executing a fixed work plan, they will be encouraged to take initiative, propose research directions, and experiment with new approaches.

Mains activities

·      Explore and structure heterogeneous data sources (social, economic, environmental, spatial), with attention to scale, uncertainty, and interpretability.

·      Contribute to the development of a conceptual framework linking territorial dynamics, governance, and well-being.

·      Participate in the design, implementation, or adaptation of models or simulation approaches (quantitative, qualitative, hybrid, or exploratory).

·      Engage with local stakeholders (planners, institutions, practitioners) to integrate their perspectives into the research process.

·      Test and discuss scenarios on pilot territories, with a reflexive and critical approach to model assumptions and limits.

·      Supervise or co-supervise interns and students involved in data processing, modeling, or fieldwork.

·      Contribute to scientific dissemination (articles, reports, presentations) and to the broader visibility of the project.

The exact balance between data work, modelling, conceptual development, and stakeholder interaction will be adapted to the profile and strengths of the recruited researcher.

Scientific background

The MATES for Well-being project is an emergent, exploratory research initiative aiming to open new research directions in the analysis of territorial dynamics and well-being. Rather than applying a predefined model, the project seeks to co-construct innovative conceptual and computational approaches to understand how social, economic, environmental, and institutional dimensions interact across scales to shape territorial equilibria.

Territorial balance is approached not as a fixed or optimal state, but as a dynamic, evolving process, influenced by infrastructure, governance, economic activities, environmental resources, and societal choices. The project aims to explore how these interactions can be represented, simulated, and discussed with stakeholders in order to support more informed, inclusive, and adaptive territorial decision-making.

A central ambition of the project is to develop experimental simulation and decision-support frameworks, tested across the territory of l’Agglomération de la Région de Compiègne  (ARC). These case studies serve both as empirical anchors and as laboratories for methodological innovation.

Given the exploratory nature of the project, the researcher is expected to actively contribute to shaping the scientific questions, methods, and tools, in close interaction with the hosting team and partners.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Application dates

From 28 january 2026 to 27 february 2026

Type of contract and expected recruitment dates

Fixed-term contract – expected duration of 13 months – end date of contract no later than 08/31/2027

Gross monthly salary

Around €2800, depending on funding

Hours

1,607 hours/year

Working environment and context

The position is based in the urban engineering Department. The AVENUES Laboratory develops interdisciplinary research on urban and territorial systems, understood as complex socio-technical and environmental assemblages. Research at AVENUES combines perspectives from geography, geomatics, urban planning, hydrology, civil and mechanical engineering, and systems analysis, with a strong focus on experimentation, modelling, and decision-support for public action.

Why apply?

This position offers:

·      A high degree of scientific freedom and intellectual initiative.

·      The opportunity to help shape an emerging research theme at the intersection of territorial studies, modelling, and well-being.

·      A supportive interdisciplinary environment encouraging experimentation and learning.

·      Close interaction with real-world territorial actors and concrete case studies.

We are looking for a curious, autonomous, and reflective researcher, motivated by interdisciplinary exploration and the development of new research questions. The ideal candidate does not need to master all methods or tools at the outset, but should demonstrate a strong capacity to learn, connect disciplines, and think critically about complex systems.

Candidates may come from a variety of disciplinary backgrounds.

Skills

C1-C2 level written French (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages)

C1-C2 level written English (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) essential.

Ability to work in an international and interdisciplinary research environment.

Qualifications, training and accreditation

Qualification: Doctorate or PhD

Field of study: geography, urban planning, sociology, environmental sciences, systems science, computer science, or related fields.

Relevant experience or interest in one or several of the following areas is expected:

·      Spatial analysis, GIS, or territorial data.

·      Quantitative or qualitative data analysis.

·      Modelling, simulation, or exploratory computational approaches.

·      Programming or scripting (any language), or a demonstrated willingness to develop such skills.

·      Urban, regional, or territorial studies.

·      Interdisciplinary or applied research involving public actors.

Experience in stakeholder engagement, participatory approaches, or decision-support tools is appreciated.