Postdoctoral position in psychology: From Traumatic to REsilient Memory (TREM)

Scientific context

The TREM project builds upon the 13-November Program and research conducted within the NIMH unit on the relationships between autobiographical memory, identity, and psychotrauma.

Findings from testimonials collected in the "1000 Study" have shown that the impact of a traumatic event cannot be fully captured solely through the persistence or reduction of post-traumatic stress symptoms. They also highlight the need to investigate how the event is progressively integrated into one's personal narrative, given meaning, and linked to individual identity.

The TREM project aims to better understand the processes underlying the transition from traumatic autobiographical memory to resilient memory, placing central emphasis on narrative characteristics of memories, autobiographical reasoning, and associated brain mechanisms.

The originality of the project lies in combining two complementary approaches:

A participatory study, designed to identify—alongside individuals directly affected by trauma and field experts—the features that describe and explain a memory that has become resilient.
An experimental and functional neuroimaging study, conducted with participants from the "1000 Study" who experienced a favorable clinical progression, to investigate the cognitive and neural mechanisms associated with this memory transformation.
Results from the participatory approach will directly contribute to designing and interpreting the experimental protocol and narrative analyses of the neuroimaging study.

Responsibilities

The postdoctoral researcher will be responsible for:

• Participating in setting up the TREM project, including regulatory and ethical submissions and drafting study documentation.
• Assisting with the organization, facilitation, and monitoring of focus groups for the participatory component.
• Managing project coordination for recruiting and following up with neuroimaging study participants.
• Assisting with participant inclusions, assessments, and experimental/narrative data collection.
• Conducting qualitative and narrative analysis of data from both participatory and neuroimaging studies.
• Managing operational and scientific project oversight, as well as coordination with external partners.
• Contributing to data analysis, interpretation, and dissemination through scientific presentations and peer-reviewed publications.

Work Environment

The candidate will complete their postdoc under the supervision of Dr. Peggy Quinette (HDR). They will join the NIMH research team located at the Pôle des Formations et de Recherche en Santé (PFRS) in Caen.

The NIMH lab is based in Caen, just 30 minutes from the D-Day landing beaches, in a region rich in history, heritage, culture, and sports opportunities. Caen offers its university community a dynamic and high-quality living environment, ranking among France's top 3 student cities in 2024.

Specialized in memory research, NIMH offers a multidisciplinary environment composed of researchers, clinicians, and PhD students working on psychotrauma through neuropsychology, textometry, and neuroimaging. This position provides an opportunity to work in a high-caliber research facility with strong clinical and scientific collaborations.

Where to apply

E-mail: peggy.quinette@unicaen.fr

Requirements

Research Field: Psychological sciences
Education Level: PhD or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

• PhD in Psychology, Cognitive Science, or Neuroscience.
• Proven skills in qualitative and narrative analysis (interviews, thematic coding, text analysis software).
• Experience in studying autobiographical memory, identity, trauma, or narrative processes.
• Knowledge in Natural Language Processing (NLP) or experience in interdisciplinary collaboration with computer science is a plus.

Languages: FRENCH — Level: Excellent
Research Field: Psychological sciences
Years of Research Experience: 1 - 4

Additional Information

Selection process

Interested candidates should send their application via email to Peggy Quinette (peggy.quinette@unicaen.fr).

The application must include:

• A cover letter
• A detailed CV (including professional experience, academic background with grades/rankings, and publications)
• A copy of the PhD defense report (rapport de soutenance)
• Contact details and reference letters from two academic referees

Application Deadline: October 30, 2026

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and shortlisted candidates will be invited for an online interview.

Website for additional job details: https://nimh.unicaen.fr/fr/actualites/

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available: 1
Company/Institute: Université de Caen Normandie - U1077 NIMH research unit
Country: France
City: Caen
Postal Code: 14032
Street: 2 rue des Rochambelles

Contact

City: Caen
Website: http://www.unicaen.fr
Street: Esplanade de la Paix 14032 CAEN CEDEX
Postal Code: CS 14032
E-Mail: peggy.quinette@unicaen.fr