The French School of Asian Studies (École française d’Extrême-Orient – EFEO) offers postdoctoral positions designed to support research in the humanities and social sciences focusing on the civilizations of South, Southeast, and East Asia. These positions aim to assist early-career researchers in developing and promoting research projects aligned with the EFEO’s scientific domains.
Postdoctoral positions are open to early-career scholars holding a PhD or an equivalent recognised degree obtained within the past six years. Research projects should fall within the disciplinary fields covered by the EFEO, including history, art history and religious studies, archaeology, anthropology, epigraphy, and philology. Interdisciplinary projects, as well as those conducted in collaboration with EFEO centres or researchers, are particularly encouraged. Proficiency in one or more Asian languages enabling access to primary sources is highly valued.
Postdoctoral contracts are offered for three to twelve months, full-time. The work is primarily based at the EFEO in Paris and cannot be combined with another salaried position or research fellowship. Appointees are expected to conduct a research mission, contribute to knowledge dissemination, and foster collaboration with the international scholarly community. They are also encouraged to participate in the EFEO’s academic life, including seminars and institutional events. At the end of the contract, a report on the activities undertaken must be submitted to the EFEO.
Administratively, candidates must meet the legal requirements for residence and work in France and hold a bank account capable of receiving the salary. EU citizens are eligible, as well as non-EU candidates holding the necessary authorisations.
Applications are reviewed by the EFEO admissions committee following evaluation by qualified referees. Selection is based on the scientific quality of the candidate’s record, the relevance of the proposed research project, and its alignment with the EFEO’s scientific priorities.
Research conducted under the postdoctoral contract must acknowledge the support of the EFEO in any resulting publications or scientific communications.
Calls for Applications for the 2026–2027 Academic Year
- Ms Lou Vargas, for her project: “Historical Study of the Villages in Hà Đông Province (Vietnam) in the 17th and 18th Centuries.”
- Ms Éléonore Caro, for her project: “Medicine in the Border Regions of the Han Empire: A Study of Sources from Archaeological Sites in the Commanderies of Ancient Northwestern China.”
Dernière modification : 23 février 2026