Every year, CNES awards some 100 PhD and postdoc research grants (about 75 for PhDs and 30 for postdocs).
Our mission is to:
- Dispense space training to young researchers and engineers
- Foster an environment of scientific excellence and a strong capacity for innovation
- Support space research for space transportation systems, orbital systems, space science, and human and social sciences
- Strengthen ties between young researchers, CNES and industry (through Young Researchers Days, the Paris Air Show, etc.)
Calls for research topics
Every autumn, CNES invites research laboratories to submit proposals in English via our Science calls platform for:
- PhD research topics
- Postdoc research topics in the field of space transportation system technologies (launchers, propulsion, fluids, etc.); postdoc research topics are not freely chosen but down-selected by CNES via this call
- Postdoc research topics in other fields are not down-selected via this call; candidates must apply through calls for generic proposals in each field
We remind candidates that PhDs must be co-funded by industry or institutional partners.
You will find general information, guidance on how to submit proposals and a list of contacts on this platform.
Calls for proposals
In the first quarter of the year, CNES invites candidates to submit proposals via our Recruitment website. To view PhD and postdoc openings, select the "Contract" and then "Domain" filters.
Note that only applications for posted openings will be considered; unsolicited applications will not be considered.
Your application must include the following documents:
- PhDs: CV, recent grades, recommendation letter from your master’s degree/engineering school supervisor
- Postdocs: CV, full list of publications/communications, reference letter from PhD supervisor, supporting letter from future supervisor at host laboratory, details of PhD work and research project
In the field of space transportation system technologies (launchers, propulsion, fluids, etc.); postdoc research topics are not freely chosen but down-selected by CNES via this call for proposals; candidates do not propose a research project but choose from those indicated.
Young researcher events calendar
Every year, young researchers are invited to several events co-organized by CNES.
CNES invites PhD and postdoc graduates from the class of 2023 to take part in the Young Researchers Forum on 4 and 5 June 2024 at the Toulouse Space Centre (CST). This event gives you an opportunity to discover CNES and the CST, to meet CNES correspondents and talk with other young researchers.
Learn more: cnes-jc1.fr
The Scientific Game Jam is organized in partnership with the Quai des Savoirs in Toulouse.
Learn more: Science calls platform
The International Paris Air Show at Le Bourget takes place every two years. The next one is scheduled for 2025: watch this space.
Every year, CNES issues a call for proposals from students at French universities and engineering schools for the Alpbach Summer School.
Organized by the Austrian space agency FFG with support from the European Space Agency (ESA), this yearly event is held in July in the Tyrolean Alps. The programme changes every year.
Research profiles sought are:
- PhD or final year engineering school students, with expertise in scientific (theory, data processing, etc.) or technical (ground or space instruments, mission engineering, satellite design, etc.) fields
- Or end of PhD or postdoc students, or young scientists or engineers
- Proficiency in English is mandatory
CNES will provide students selected with funding to cover travel, registration and accommodation.
The cut-off date for applications is the end of February.
Learn more: Alpbach Summer School
CNES will bring together young researchers in the second year of their PhD or first postdoc year on 16, 17 and 18 October 2024 in Toulouse. The plenary sessions and oral presentations give attendees an idea of the rich diversity of research fields, and the opportunity to share and discuss the most recent results of research supported by CNES.
Learn more: cnes-jc2.fr
