1-year postdoctoral research contract at the intersection of movement sciences, anthropology, and physical and rehabilitation

Organisation/Company Aix-Marseille Université Research Field Anthropology » Physical anthropology Neurosciences » Neurophysiology Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Positions Postdoc Positions Application Deadline 28 Oct 2026 - 00:00 (Europe/Paris) Country France Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 35 Offer Starting Date 1 Jan 2027 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Scientific Context

The PEPR REINVENT project investigates the integration of phantom limb phenomena (voluntary phantom movements, induced sensations) into prosthetic control to render prosthesis use more intuitive and reduce cognitive load. More than 95% of amputees experience complex phantom sensations (shape, position, voluntary movements). Although very common, these non-painful phenomena have been understudied in rehabilitation.

Current scientific and medical methods and metrics fail to adequately capture the complexity and subjective nature of phantom limb perception. The lack of a shared vocabulary and representations constitutes a major barrier to effective communication between amputees, healthcare providers, neuroscientists, and prosthetic engineers.

Postdoctoral Researcher's Missions

The researcher will be tasked with exploring new ways of representing and communicating phantom limb experiences to facilitate dialogue between amputees and non-amputees. Key activities will include:

• Organizing and facilitating focus groups bringing together amputees, engineers, and physical and rehabilitation medicine physicians.
• Translating subjective bodily experiences into forms that are understandable and actionable for prosthetic development and rehabilitation teams.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration with several partner rehabilitation centers across France.

Mobility and Logistics

The position involves travel and multi-day stays at partner rehabilitation centers across France. Travel expenses and focus group organization costs are fully covered by the project.

Requirements

Research Field Anthropology » Physical anthropology Education Level PhD or equivalent

Research Field Neurosciences » Neurophysiology Education Level PhD or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

• Qualifications:Mandatory PhD degree, preferably in Anthropology (CNU Section 20) or Integrative Neurosciences (CNU Sections 74 or 69).
• Soft Skills:Autonomy, proactivity, teamwork, analytical mindset and critical thinking, listening and observational skills, empathy, flexibility, and adaptability.

Specific Requirements

Experience:Proven participation in at least one postdoctoral research project working on sensory perception related to pathologies. Prior experience in interdisciplinary research or with creative/qualitative methods is a strong asset.

Languages FRENCH Level Excellent

Languages ENGLISH Level Excellent

Research Field Anthropology » Physical anthropologyNeurosciences » Neurophysiology Years of Research Experience 1 - 4

Additional Information

• Stimulating Interdisciplinary Environment:Direct collaborative work between neuroscientists, engineers, rehabilitation physicians, and amputee participants.
• Societal and Clinical Impact:Direct articulation between fundamental research and medical/prosthetic applications.
• Exceptional Living & Working Environment:ISM laboratory located at the heart of the Calanques National Park in Marseille.

Eligibility criteria

• PhD degree held by the effective start date.
• Prior postdoctoral research experience in the required fields.
• Proficiency in required languages (spoken French, spoken and written English).
• 1. Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV):including list of publications and project involvement.
• 2. Copy of PhD Diploma:(or official graduation certificate).
• 3. Recommendation Letter(s):At least one recommendation letter from a previous research project supervisor.
• 4. Project Intent Statement:A brief description of the candidate's proposed approach to developing new ways of representing and communicating phantom limb experiences.

Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute Institute of Movement Sciences (ISM UMR7287) Country France City Marseille Postal Code 13009 Street 163 Avenue de Luminy Geofield

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