Multiple Excellence Fellowships at Université Côte d’Azur, France (Postdoc and Visiting professor positions, all fields)

Université Côte d'Azur is a large public scientific, cultural, and professional institution which gathers 18 major academic players on the Côte d'Azur around its historical core university. Its fundamental missions are the higher education of students and professionals, excellence in research, and innovation for the benefit of all. Since January 1, 2020, we have strived to build a 21st century French university based on new interactions between disciplines (multidisciplinarity and transdisciplinarity) and driven by dynamic collaborations that connect Education-Research-Innovation, as well as strong local, national, and international partnerships with the public and private sectors.

Université Côte d'Azur is committed to a path of transformation and excellence, which it is achieving through the UCAJ.E.D.I. Initiative of Excellence (IdEx) awarded in 2016 and extended indefinitely in 2021, which places it among the top 9 French universities intensive in research and with a strong international influence. Home to the 3IA Côte d’Azur, one of the 4 Interdisciplinary Institutes of Artificial Intelligence recognized in 2019, Université Côte d’Azur also created the French School of AI (EFELIA Côte d'Azur) in 2022, and established Graduate Research Schools (EUR). The university aims to be a major research-intensive university that is both grounded in our region and oriented towards the international and European scene, notably through the European University "Ulysseus" of which Université Côte d’Azur is a founding member.

Université Côte d'Azur has several campuses, mainly in Nice, Sophia Antipolis and Cannes but also widely distributed between Seyne-sur-Mer and Menton. Ideally located between the sea and the mountains, it offers a pleasant environment for its staff and students. Its location in the heart of Europe combined with easy access via the Nice Côte d'Azur International Airport makes it a gateway to the academic and scientific world.

Université Côte d'Azur directly employs more than 3,000 staff and enrolls more than 30,000 students each year.

About the UCAJ.E.D.I. Excellence Fellowships

The Initiative of Excellence of Université Côte d'Azur, UCAJ.E.D.I., is launching its 5th call for both postdoctoral and advanced research positions aimed at supporting original and very high-level research projects proposed in collaboration with researchers from Université Côte d'Azur. 

Applications from all fields are accepted. Alignment of the project with one or more strategic programs of Université Côte d'Azur (list below) is a plus. 

1. Postdoctoral Program

This fellowship will enable young high-level scientists, who obtained their PhD within the last 4 years at the time of application, to join a laboratory of Université Côte d'Azur for a period of 24 months with the specific objective of:

• Preparing an application for a permanent position at one of Université Côte d’Azur’s components such as a position of Associate Professor (MCF - Maître de conférences) or Researcher (CR - Chargé de Recherche) in a French national research organization (EPST) with a Université Côte d'Azur host laboratory selected as first choice, or a Junior Professorship Chair.

OR

• Submitting or contributing to the project supervisor’s submission of an ERC (European Research Council) grant application within two years of recruitment.

2. Advanced Research Program

This fellowship is open to external active lecturers and researchers, with at least the status of Assistant/Associate Professor, researcher, or equivalent (maître de conférences or chargé de recherche in the French higher education system), as well as artists with a research project in art and creation, who are interested in joining a laboratory of Université Côte d'Azur for a moderately long period (6 to 24 months). The objective of this excellence call is:

• To invite researchers and artists of a very high level to join laboratories and groups of Université Côte d'Azur, where they will promote our site by their presence and strengthen our research and creativity potential by interacting with our teams.
• To increase the reputation and visibility of Université Côte d'Azur.
• To conduct high quality research activities that lead to high impact publications or exhibitions.
• If applicable, to prepare for a future recruitment of the chair at Université Cote d’Azur.

Compensation and benefits:

The excellence fellowship program will provide the successful candidates with excellent compensation packages and working conditions. Successful candidates will also benefit from the accommodation facilities typically offered by IdEx UCAJ.E.D.I.: Welcome Center, Faculty Club (that offers temporary housing with one month free of charge), assistance with enrolling children in international schools, etc.

Detailed information and application instructions:

Candidates for Excellence Fellowship programs (both postdoctoral and advanced research programs) should first get in touch with a research laboratory or a group from Université Cote d’Azur. Together, candidate and host will come up with an original research project and submit the application through a dedicated platform.

Detailed information about the compensation package, application process, required documents, and application deadlines can be found here:

1. Excellence Postdoctoral Fellowship Program
2. Excellence Advanced Research Program

Inquiries: 

Inquiries about the positions and potential hosts at Université Cote d’Azur should be directed to Maud.DESFACHELLE@univ-cotedazur.fr

List of Strategic Programs of Université Côte d’Azur:

• Quantum technologies
• Biocontrol
• Earth and universe sciences
• Aging and well-being
• Arts and Sciences
• Tourism
• Socio-environmental challenges
• Risks in the Mediterranean region
• Digital health
• Flavors and Perfumes
• Marine Resources
• Challenges and impacts of the new programmable 5G/6G networks
• Intelligent mobility and automated vehicles
• Innovative materials
• Signals and waves
• Economics of innovation in Artificial Intelligence
• Impacts and challenges of globalization
• Creative industries - Cultural Heritage
• Environment and health - the exposome concept
• Therapeutic innovations
• Robotics