Offer Description
The PEPR IA Research Program invites applications for up to five Attractivité Chairs, offering outstanding junior and senior researchers the opportunity to establish and lead a research programme and team in France for four years.
This opportunity is intended in priority for candidates proposing to join a French research laboratory outside CEA, CNRS and Inria, provided that the host laboratory has clear and strong synergies with the PEPR IA programme. Candidates may join an existing team or propose to create a new one.
Applicants should have an excellent research track record in machine learning and related areas, with a proposed programme aligned with at least one of the PEPR IA themes: frugal AI, embedded AI, trustworthy AI, distributed AI, or the mathematical foundations of AI. Applications are open to candidates from academic or industrial backgrounds, with a doctorate obtained in France or abroad. Candidates are expected to be based in France during the chair.
Each chair provides a four-year funding package of up to €850,000, which can support the recruitment of PhD students, postdoctoral researchers and engineers. Teaching may be possible depending on the host institution. Candidates are also expected to contribute to sustainable research activity in France, mentor researchers and students, manage scientific projects, and engage with economic stakeholders.
Candidates who obtained their doctorate in France and wish to return must demonstrate international research experience. Some host positions may be located in a restricted scientific and technical area (ZRR) and may require prior authorisation.
Requirements
- Research Field: All
- Education Level: PhD or equivalent
Additional Information
Eligibility criteria
Background: Open to candidates from both academic and industrial sectors.
Qualification: Applicants must hold a PhD or an equivalent doctoral degree.
Host laboratory: Applicants must have the support of a French host research team and laboratory, which must agree to host the proposed research programme.
Nationality: No nationality requirement. The position may be situated in a restricted area (ZRR), as defined in Decree No. 2011-1425 relating to the protection of national scientific and technical potential (PPST). Access is subject to the required authorisation. An unfavourable decision would prevent the appointment.
Commitment: Candidates are expected to be based in France for the duration of the chair.
Selection process
Applications will be reviewed in two rounds by a selection jury.
First round: Application deadline: 15 December 2026. Jury review: January-February 2027. Results expected in early March 2027.
Second round: Application deadline: 15 April 2027. Jury review: May-June 2027. Results expected in late June 2027.
Website for additional job details: https://www.pepr-ia.fr/en/projet/call-for-chairs-attractivites-2026/