Post-doctoral fellow in Participatory design - 24 months contract

Who we are ?

Télécom Paris, part of the IMT (Institut Mines-Télécom) and a founding member of the Institut Polytechnique de Paris, is one of France's top 5 general engineering schools.

The mainspring of Télécom Paris is to train, imagine and undertake to design digital models, technologies and solutions for a society and economy that respect people and their environment.

We are looking for a Post-doctoral Fellow in Participatory design. You will join the multidisciplinary INTERACT team (Interaction, Technology, Activity) within the Department of Economic and Social Sciences (SES) of Télécom Paris and will also be part of the CNRS laboratory "i3" (Interdisciplinary Institute of Innovation - https://i3.cnrs.fr/). The INTERACT team conducts research aimed at supporting innovation through creative, user-centered, and co-design approaches while exploring how technologies are appropriated and used in everyday life.

SCIENTIFIC CONTEXT

The selected candidate will contribute to the European project i-MOBYL within the framework of Driving Urban Transitions (DUT), in collaboration with Eindhoven University of Technology, University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW), University of Surrey, University of Salzburg, and various local partners in Europe.

The overall objective of this project is to participate in the co-construction of “interventions” aimed at transforming the mobility practices of young adults towards gentler forms of mobility, leading to greater inclusion and better health, based on empirical, evidence-based approaches aimed at behavioural change. The project addresses several scientific and societal issues: the under-representation of young adults and the under-engagement of communities in mobility planning; the absence of co-created visions; limited empirical data on adolescent activities and travel; a lack of tailored and validated interventions based on behaviour change theories; limited implementation due to low engagement from local authorities and high resource requirements; a lack of performance indicators for interventions; and the absence of methodologies for considering mobility planning with a diverse range of stakeholders.

The European project uses mixed, interdisciplinary and participatory methods in the fields of mobility, urban planning and design, behavioural sciences, co-design and public health. The results are developed with the participation of young adults from various backgrounds in the five partner cities, as well as local businesses, authorities and societal actors. The main expected results are: multi-national empirical data on all JA mobility activities and practices in various urban environments; validated and co-designed interventions promoting soft and multimodal mobility for JAs, based on behaviour change theory; a co-created framework for evaluating interventions according to APEASE criteria; and knowledge transfer disseminated via the DUT Knowledge Hub.

Your main tasks will be to :

• To carry out research missions in the field of participatory design

• To ensure supervision and tutoring missions

• To contribute to the reputation of the School, the Institut Mines-Télécom and the Institut Polytechnique de Paris

The ideal candidate will have a PhD or equivalent in Ergonomics, Design, Architecture, Design Sciences, or any related field relevant to the project.

You demonstrate ability to lead empirical work in real-world settings and analyze it (observations, interviews, participatory workshops, data collection, etc.) through prior experience.

You are recognized for your initiative, creativity, autonomy in carrying out work and for your analytical mindset.

Why join us?
You'll be working in a fast-growing, pleasant, green and accessible environment (especially for people with disabilities) just 20 km from Paris (RER B and C suburban train lines, close to major roads, shared shuttle departing from Porte d'Orléans). You will benefit from :

• 49 days annual leave (CA + RTT)

• flexible working hours (depending on department activity)

• telecommuting 1 to 3 days/week possible

• 75% public transport pass reimbursement

• Proximity to numerous sports facilities, concierge service, underground parking, in-house catering, etc.

• Staff association at school and ministry level

• Good to know: our social security contributions are lower than in the private sector

Other information :
Application deadline: November 20, 2025
Job type : 18 months fixed-term contract
Job description here

Required documents :

•          A detailed CV, including your educational background, a complete list of publications, awards, etc.

•          A cover letter of a maximum of 2 pages describing your interests, goals, and how they align with this project.

•          A copy of your most relevant publication; preprints are welcome.

•          Three references (names, email addresses, and a note on the professional relationship you have with each of them).

Scientific contact person : Panos Mavros panos.mavros@telecom.paris.fr

Administrative contact person: Fanny Bruley : fanny.bruley@telecom-paris.fr

Our recruitment is based on skills, without distinction of origin, age, gender identity, or sexual orientation, and all our positions are open to individuals with disabilities.