Rechercher dans cet espaceProject Title: Multiscale Assessment and Territorial Equilibrium Simulation for Well-being (MATES for Well-being)
Location : Laboratoire AVENUES, Université de Technologie de Compiègne (UTC), Compiègne, France
About the Laboratory: The AVENUES Laboratory at Université de Technologie de Compiègne 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.
Duration: 12 or 13months
Starting date: As soon as possible
Project Context and Scientific Positioning
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 four contrasting French territories (Compiègne, Strasbourg, Lille, Grand Paris). These case studies serve both as empirical anchors and as laboratories for methodological innovation.
Given the exploratory nature of the project, the postdoctoral researcher is expected to actively contribute to shaping the scientific questions, methods, and tools, in close interaction with the hosting team and partners.
Main Missions and Scientific Contributions
The postdoctoral 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.
Main contributions may include:
· Exploring and structuring heterogeneous data sources (social, economic, environmental, spatial), with attention to scale, uncertainty, and interpretability.
· Contributing to the development of a conceptual framework linking territorial dynamics, governance, and well-being.
· Participating in the design, implementation, or adaptation of models or simulation approaches (quantitative, qualitative, hybrid, or exploratory).
· Engaging with local stakeholders (planners, institutions, practitioners) to integrate their perspectives into the research process.
· Testing and discussing scenarios on pilot territories, with a reflexive and critical approach to model assumptions and limits.
· Supervising or co-supervising interns and students involved in data processing, modeling, or fieldwork.
· Contributing 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.
Profile Sought
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.
Background and Skills (flexible)
Candidates may come from a variety of disciplinary backgrounds, including (but not limited to): 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.
Qualifications
· PhD (completed) in a relevant discipline.
· Good command of English (written and spoken).
· Ability to work in an international and interdisciplinary research environment.
Experience in stakeholder engagement, participatory approaches, or decision-support tools is appreciated but not mandatory.
Why Apply?
This postdoctoral 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.
Direct Supervisor at Host Organization
· Name: Mr. Maxime Hachette (PhD), Associate Professor
· Phone: +33 (0)3 44 23 49 11
· Email: maxime.hachette@utc.fr
Application Procedures:
Candidates are requested to first contact Mr. Hachette as soon as possible and then send their CV and cover letter before 25 February 2026. While not mandatory, an application accompanied by an example of your previous work will be highly appreciated.
Funding: Emergence, Alliance Sorbonne Université
Action supported by the ANR under the Idex SUPER program
