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ProceduresWorkBecoming a contract teacher-researcher in higher education

Becoming a contract teacher-researcher in higher education

JRS FranceProposed by JRS France Updated on il y a 11 jours

There are several types of positions in higher education:

Universities are recruiting contract staff to compensate for the lack of permanent (tenured) teachers.

These positions, whose selection process is local and not national, are more accessible than permanent positions.

However, they remain selective, especially because of the level of French required (B2 minimum).

How to do it?

You can apply as a contract teacher if:

  • You have a high level of international recognition in your field. You can then obtain a contract of varying duration. It is generally aligned with that of a research project or a specific teaching need.
  • You are a doctoral student (bac + 8), doctoral students at the end of their thesis (diploma on the application closing date), post-doctoral student, or foreign teacher-researcher with at least 2 years of experience.
    In the latter case, we are talking about an ATER (temporary teaching and research assistant) position.
A postdoctoral fellowship is not a degree, but a research experience that you perform after earning your doctorate. It's like a temporary research job.

Contract positions are published throughout the year on:

You also need to activate your network: talk with researchers, participate in projects, make your skills known: create a website, communicate on social networks, etc.

ATER offers are often published between February and July for the following year.

You must always prepare your file:

  • Valid identity document: identity card or passport, residence permit or receipt for renewal of residence permit application
  • RIB (bank identity statement)
  • Resume
  • Copy of doctoral diploma or certificate of achievement
  • Copies of ATER contracts
  • Cover letter
  • List of publications
  • Teaching and research experience
  • Recommendations received.

As each position offered is specific, the application must be well adapted to the profile of the position. Please note that your level of education must correspond to the position.

If you are a doctoral student, you must prove that you can complete your thesis in 1 to 2 years maximum.

Support (i.e reference) from a research director (from your country or from France) is often essential to support your application.

No matter what type of contract you are applying for, you will always have an interview , sometimes first with one person, then with a committee.

This interview must be well prepared, in order to convince the committee that you have the skills and dynamism expected.

This of course requires speaking French very well, but the interview can also, in certain cases, take place partially in English.

What happens next?

  • You will sign a fixed-term contract (CDD) and renewable
  • In some cases, you can have a permanent contract (CDI) after 6 years
  • The conditions (duration, salary, missions) are often negotiated with the university.

Special case: ATER

  • Doctoral students or doctors: 1-year contract, renewable once
  • Foreigners with 2 years of experience: contract up to 3 years and renewable for 1 year
Please note that full-time ATERs must provide a significant number of teaching hours, which can be difficult to manage with a thesis.
Alternatively, you can work as a temporary worker or hold an administrative or technical position in higher education.
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