Aurélien Colson

ESSEC Business School is inviting applications for a 2-year postdoctoral researcher position in Geopolitics and Business at the Cergy campus (Paris, France), starting in September 2026 . The position is hosted by the Institute for Geopolitics & Business and is affiliated with the Law, Political Science & Society Department , with strong links to the Economics Department. The project is led by Prof. Aurélien Colson (Political Science) and Prof. Radu Vranceanu (Economics). This is a transdisciplinary research role at the intersection of political science , international relations , economics , and business . The research agenda includes: analysis of the geopolitics/business cluster in management literature; survey-based and information-treatment analysis on geopolitical framings in French society; and an extension of work on the resilience of defense alliances, including alliance formation, credibility, burden-sharing, and defection. Responsibilities include literature review and thematic coding, contribution to experiment design and analysis, theoretical and empirical development of research on defense alliances, data collection and documentation, drafting conference papers/policy briefs/articles, and participation in co-authored publications. Applicants should hold a PhD/Doctorate in a relevant field, especially political science/IR or economics . A strong record in quantitative research is expected, with skills in econometrics , statistics , or game theory . Strong English writing skills are essential; French is an advantage. The post offers a competitive financial package , a research-supportive environment, conference travel support, access to internal research funding calls, subsidized catering, partial public transport reimbursement, professional equipment, and standard social security benefits. Mobility support may be available for short stays, including at ESSEC Singapore. Deadline: June 20, 2026. Applicants should email a cover letter and CV, including contacts for at least three academic referees, to [email protected] . Shortlisted candidates will be informed before June 30.

Postdoctoral Researcher in Geopolitics and Business at ESSEC Business School ESSEC Institute for Geopolitics & Business is recruiting a 24-month postdoctoral researcher starting September 2026 at the Cergy Campus (Greater Paris) . The position sits at the intersection of geopolitics, business, management, political science, international relations, and economics , and is part of a transdisciplinary research project on how new geopolitical dynamics reshape management knowledge, business perceptions, and strategic alignments. The project is led by Prof. Aurélien Colson and Prof. Radu Vranceanu . The successful candidate will contribute to research activities across the Institute, including literature review and thematic coding, experiment design and analysis, data collection and documentation, and co-drafting conference papers, policy briefs, and academic articles. The role is structured around a 40/40/20 time allocation: 40% for the fellow’s own research agenda and publications, 40% for the core project, and 20% for the intellectual life of the Institute. Eligibility highlights: applicants should hold a PhD in Political Science, International Relations, or Economics ; have strong quantitative research skills (especially econometrics/statistics or game theory ); and demonstrate excellent English writing skills. French is a significant asset. The post is based on regular on-site presence at Cergy campus, with mobility support for short stays at ESSEC Campus in Singapore for research purposes. Funding and benefits: the position offers a competitive package, conference travel budget, eligibility for internal research funding calls, subsidized catering, partial public transport reimbursement, professional equipment, standard social security benefits, and potential research stays at the ESSEC Asia-Pacific campus. Application deadline: 20 June 2026 . Candidates should send an application letter and CV including contacts of at least three academic referees to [email protected] . Shortlisted candidates will be informed before 30 June 2026.

ESSEC Business School is inviting applications for a 2-year postdoctoral position in democratic resilience , with a focus on influence, interference, and intimidation . The researcher will join the project R-S3i (Resilience to Strategies of Influence, Interference & Intimidation) , which studies how European democratic societies can better resist strategic influence operations and related threats. The project is interdisciplinary and combines political science , international relations , social psychology , economics , and information studies . It bridges macro-level analysis of geopolitical strategy with micro-level mechanisms such as perception, persuasion, polarisation, belief formation, public opinion, and information ecosystems. The research also covers topics such as electoral interference, disinformation, digital politics, hybrid threats, and democratic resilience. The postdoctoral researcher will contribute to the project’s analytical and conceptual work packages, conduct qualitative and comparative research, support survey-based and experimental studies, help with data collection and analysis, and contribute to publications, reports, and dissemination activities. The role is based at ESSEC Business School in Cergy, France , within a research-oriented and internationally connected environment. Eligibility highlights: a PhD in Political Science or a closely related field is expected, though candidates from Social Psychology, Management, or Economics may also be considered if they have a strong and relevant research profile. Strong qualitative and/or quantitative methods skills are required, along with excellent English proficiency; French is an asset. Experience with large-scale datasets, surveys, experiments, or information-treatment designs is desirable. Funding and conditions: the position is a fixed-term contract for 24 months and includes a competitive salary package, conference travel support, subsidized catering, partial public transport reimbursement, professional equipment, social security benefits, and professional development support. Application deadline: 2026-06-26. How to apply: submit a CV, a cover letter explaining your fit for the project, and a copy of your PhD diploma or graduation certificate/defense notification. Applications should be sent to the contact indicated in the post.