Job Information
- Organisation/Company: Université de Strasbourg
- Department: Direction des ressources humaines
- Research Field: Psychological sciences
- Researcher Profile: Recognised Researcher (R2)
- Positions: Postdoc Positions
- Application Deadline: 19 Nov 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Paris)
- Country: France
- Type of Contract: Temporary
- Job Status: Full-time
- Offer Starting Date: 15 Jan 2027
- Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Other EU programme
- Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No
Offer Description
Position description
Title of post: Postdoctoral Position in Social and Experimental Psychology
Type of contract: IdEx 2026 “Research Support Fund”
Contract/project period: 12 months. Expected date of employment: Expected Start Date: between January 15, 2027, and March 1, 2027 (date to be discussed with candidates)
Proportion of work: 100%, full time
Workplace: Université de Strasbourg, Faculté de Psychologie, Laboratoire de Psychologie des Cognitions (LPC-EA 4440)
Desired level of education: Doctorate degree with a thesis defended within the three years preceding the call for applications
Experience required: Less than 1 year of professional experience
Contact(s) for information on the position (identity, position, e-mail address, telephone): Valérian Boudjemadi, Associate Professor – HDR, [contact details available in the full listing]
Date of publication: 22nd October 2026
Closing date for the receipt of applications: 19th November 2026
Ageism and Virtual Reality: Study of Intergenerational Dynamics
Background. This project builds on research on ageism (stereotypes, prejudices, and discrimination against a group based on age). Against the backdrop of an aging population, the literature highlights a significant increase in tensions between younger and older adults. Although numerous studies have provided valuable insights into prejudices and stereotypes through self-report measures and computerized tasks, few have examined actual behaviors in more natural settings. Objective. We aim to study these behaviors toward people perceived as young and as older in a virtual environment. This technology allows us to study behavior in a natural context while maintaining tightly controlled conditions. In this project, we focus on simple, spontaneous behaviors, such as avoidance behaviors.
Method
Study 1: Avoidance Behaviors Among Young Adults In this first study, we will measure avoidance behaviors among young participants toward older, younger, and neutral (i.e., non-social) avatars. Two tasks will be used to assess complementary indicators of avoidance [12]. The first task measures avoidance trajectories toward the avatars, and the second indicates perceived discomfort distance relative to the avatars. Measures of ageist stereotypes and prejudices (outside the virtual environment) will also be conducted: 1) the VAAST-words (a behavioral approach task measuring reaction times); 2) the Fraboni Scale of Ageism-14, a self-report questionnaire on prejudices and stereotypes toward older adults.
Study 2: Replication with Older Participants This study involves replicating Study 1 with a sample of older participants. Only the self-report measure will differ. Here, we will use the Young Adults’ Stereotype Content Scale and an affect scale to assess stereotypes and prejudices toward older adults, respectively.
Preliminary Timeline
March 2027–September 2027: Study 1. September 2027–March 2028: Study 2.
Activities
Description of the research activities:
- Recruitment of participants and data collection for both studies. Data collection will take place at the ICube laboratory (UMR 7357). Each study is estimated to take 30 minutes.
- Statistical analysis of the data
- Dissemination (contribution to the writing of articles, presentations, etc.)
- The person recruited will be assigned a desk at the LPC.
Related activities:
- Participation in laboratory activities
Skills
Qualifications/knowledge:
- Hold a Ph.D. in experimental psychology (specializing in social and/or cognitive psychology)
- Knowledge of the literature on intergroup relations is required (knowledge of ageism would be a plus)
- Knowledge of embodied cognition and virtual reality technologies is appreciated
- Knowledge of theoretical and methodological conceptualizations of approach and avoidance behaviors is appreciated.
Operational skills/expertise:
- Have experience conducting in-person experimental studies.
- Be able to analyze quantitative data, particularly using mixed-methods models.
Environment and context of work
Presentation of the laboratory/unity: The Laboratoire de Psychologie des Cognitions (LPC – UR 4440) is a single-team Research Unit (UR) at the University of Strasbourg, established on January 1, 2009, and located within the Faculty of Psychology.
Research at the LPC focuses on the cognitive and sociocognitive processes underlying behavior, using experimental and quasi-experimental approaches. This research spans social, developmental, clinical, and cognitive psychology and is grounded in fundamental research while also addressing major societal issues.
The LPC is organized around three overarching themes that support conceptual and methodological integration toward more integrative approaches: [1] vulnerabilities and risky behaviors, [2] language and cognitive, perceptual, and social learning, and [3] social judgment and inequalities (more details at https://lpc.unistra.fr).
The AVENIR project falls primarily under the laboratory’s Research Area 3.
Hierarchical relationship: Laboratory Director: Bruno Chauvin. Professor of Social and Differential Psychology ([contact details available in the full listing]). Project Leader: Valérian Boudjemadi. Associate Professor (HDR) in Social Psychology ([contact details available in the full listing]). Other individuals involved in the project: Kévin Campos. Associate Professor of Social and Differential Psychology at the LPC. Antonio Capobianco. University Professor of Computer Science at the ICube Laboratory, a research center for engineering, computer science, and imaging. Luc Vieira. Postdoctoral researcher in social psychology at the LPC. Camille Sanrey, Associate Professor of Social Psychology at the LPC.
To apply
Please send your CV, cover letter and diploma to: Valérian Boudjemadi [contact details available in the full listing]
Where to apply
E-mail: [contact details available in the full listing]
Requirements
Research Field: Psychological sciences
Education Level: PhD or equivalent
Internal Application form(s) needed:
- Postdoctoral_Recruitment_AVENIR_Project_ENGLISH.pdf
- Recrutement_Post_Doctorants_projet_AVENIR_FR.pdf
Additional Information
Work Location(s)
Number of offers available: 1
Company/Institute: Faculté de Psychologie, Laboratoire de Psychologie des Cognitions
Country: France
Contact
City: Strasbourg
Website: https://www.unistra.fr/
Street: 4 rue Blaise Pascal
Postal Code: 67000
