French Contribution for the Extremely Large Telescope M/F

Organisation/Company CNRS Department Direction des ressources humaines Research Field Astronomy Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Application Deadline 2 Sep 2026 - 17:00 (UTC) Country France Type of Contract Other Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 35 Offer Starting Date 5 Aug 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Recruiting researchers who are deeply involved in the development, coordination and operation of long-term observation programmes of the universe and planet Earth is a major priority for the CNRS and academic research. On a planet whose habitability is now threatened by global change and human pressure, understanding the mechanisms of the formation and evolution of the Universe and planets, and the emergence of life – particularly those that determine the habitability of worlds – is a prerequisite. This understanding relies on the availability and sharing of research data, the majority of which must be acquired through continuous and long-term observation of natural and human-altered environments—a prerequisite for science-informed policy decisions. As the leading player in research and observation for research documenting the processes of the formation of the Universe and planets, as well as global change, the CNRS designs and manages numerous national and international research infrastructures (IR/IR*). These infrastructures are supported by National Observation Services (SNO) accredited by the INSU.

The CNRS Tenure Track Positions therefore represent a remarkable opportunity for the CNRS-INSU to recruit, in line with national strategic plans, senior staff for the development and management of SNOs and IR/IR* dedicated to the observation of the Universe and the Earth, in close collaboration with the universities where members of the CNAP carry out their duties via the OSUs

Each of the major partner institutions and OSUs is actively involved in the development of the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT). The result of national coordination established over 15 years and the culmination of cutting-edge Research and Development activities, CNRS's commitments to ELT instrumentation are supported by a significant human contribution, representing over 300 full-time equivalents (FTE) spread across several French laboratories. Thanks to privileged access to early observations, participation, and leadership within the scientific teams' working groups, the French community will position itself as a leader in various fields of astrophysics

The Extremely Large Telescope will explore vast domains of astrophysics, from star and planet formation to the characterization of exoplanets, including the study of high-redshift galaxies, the Galactic Center, black holes, and fundamental physics. In some areas, particularly through ultra-high-resolution and high-contrast imaging—fields in which France has internationally recognized expertise—the ELT will enable decisive advances. In others, it will provide essential complementary observations to current and future major observatories.At a critical moment for French participation, marked by the final phases of instrumental validation and the preparation of the first scientific programs ahead of commissioning in 2029, the objective of this Junior Professor Chair is to consolidate and strengthen France's position in this global project by recruiting a high-level researcher

In agreement with the partner institution or the OSU that will host the chair, the teaching post will be fully converted into a national observation service related to the ELT: Adaptive Optics – High Contrast, High-Resolution Spectroscopy, or Multi-Object Spectroscopy. This service will count as a full teaching discharge. At the end of the contractual period, the candidate will be tenured as a CNRS-INSU Research Director.

The CNRS is developing a strong policy in favor of open science. Open science consists of making research results "as accessible as possible and closed as necessary". As such, the CNRS aims to make 100% of the texts of publications resulting from the work of its laboratories accessible , in particular through deposit in HAL. The data produced must also be made available and reusable, except for specific restrictions. In addition, the guiding principles of individual evaluation have been revised in accordance with the DORA declaration, to be more qualitative and to take into account all facets of the researcher's profession.

The dissemination of the results will be done through world-class scientific productions: publications, patents, software... In addition, the results will be communicated to various targets such as scientific communities, media, decision makers, general public, schools, etc., with an adapted calendar. Specific tools may be developed such as websites, newsletters, meetings, international symposia, summer schools and conferences.

The relationship between science and society is now recognized as a full dimension of scientific activity. The project will develop this dimension in synergy with all the partners. The resulting research work will contribute to informing public decision-making. Participatory science initiatives may be initiated with actors from the project's socio-economic and cultural eco-system.

holders of a doctorate or a PhD or equivalent degree or applicants who have gained scientific. There is no restriction on the age or nationality of applicants. All CNRS positions are accessible to people with disabilities, with special arrangements for tests made necessary by the nature of the disability.