CIRAD Research Scientist – Remote Sensing for Agricultural Transitions (Global South)
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CIRAD – permanent Research Scientist position in remote sensing, Earth observation, and agricultural transitions in the Global South
Complete guide to job responsibilities, qualifications, salary, and application process
Quick Highlights
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | CIRAD (French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development) |
| Job Title | Research Scientist – Remote Sensing |
| Location | Montpellier, France |
| Contract Type | Permanent |
| Start Date | 1 September 2026 |
| Salary | Starting from ~€37,000/year |
| Focus | Agricultural transitions in the Global South |
| Eligibility | PhD in remote sensing, 4+ years post-PhD experience |
| Skills | QGIS, OTB, R, Python, satellite imagery, Earth observation |
| Deadline | 16 August 2026 |
| Official Website |
Opportunity Overview
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Host Organisation | CIRAD |
| Opportunity Category | Full-time Permanent Job |
| Location | Montpellier, France |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Language | English / French |
About CIRAD
CIRAD is the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development, working with international partners to generate and share scientific knowledge that supports agricultural development and innovation, particularly in tropical and Mediterranean regions.
The organisation focuses on sustainable agricultural development, food systems, and climate-resilient farming practices in the Global South.
Why You Should Apply
Permanent Position: Job security with a leading research institution.
Impactful Research: Contribute to agricultural transitions in the Global South.
Cutting-Edge Technology: Work with satellite imagery, AI, and open-source tools.
International Collaboration: Join a global research network.
Location: Based in Montpellier, France.
Key Responsibilities
| Responsibility | Details |
|---|---|
| Indicator Development | Develop and extract spatial, temporal, and landscape indicators from satellite imagery |
| System Analysis | Analyse changes in agricultural systems and identify climatic, environmental, and socioeconomic factors |
| Data Integration | Select and adapt combinations of remote sensing data, field observations, surveys, and analytical methods |
| Multi-Indicator Approaches | Create composite indicators and evidence-based assessments for farming practices |
| Validation | Assess the accuracy, geographic relevance, and thematic validity of developed indicators |
| Emerging Technologies | Explore opportunities in satellite imagery, open-source technologies, AI applications, and advanced data processing |
Who Can Apply?
| Criterion | Details |
|---|---|
| Education | PhD in space-based remote sensing applied to socio-agroecosystems |
| Expertise | Agronomy, rural economics, geography, or related fields connected to agricultural development in the Global South |
| Technical Skills | Experience processing and analysing satellite image time series |
| Software | QGIS, OTB, R, Python, and relevant data science libraries |
| Open Source | Familiarity with Git repositories, STAC, Cloud Optimized GeoTIFF, and cloud-native formats |
| Experience | At least 4 years of professional experience after completing PhD |
| Research Projects | Experience coordinating or contributing to research projects |
| Language | Strong scientific English communication skills |
| Teamwork | Experience working in interdisciplinary teams and international research networks |
| Field Experience | GEOGLAM experience considered valuable |
Preferred Skills
| Skill | Details |
|---|---|
| Earth Observation | Multisensor data analysis |
| Machine Learning | AI applications in remote sensing |
| Open Source | Cloud-native geospatial formats |
| Interdisciplinary | Agronomy, geography, economics |
| International Collaboration | Global South research networks |
Position Details
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Job Title | Remote Sensing Researcher for Monitoring Agricultural Transitions |
| Organisation | CIRAD |
| Contract Type | Permanent |
| Start Date | 1 September 2026 |
| Location | Montpellier, France |
| Category | Managerial Position |
| Salary | Starting from ~€37,000 annually |
| Travel | Frequent travel within France and internationally, field activities in tropical/humid/subtropical environments |
Application Process
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Visit CIRAD recruitment portal |
| 2 | Review job description and requirements |
| 3 | Prepare application documents |
| 4 | Include contact details for previous supervisors/managers |
| 5 | Submit application before 16 August 2026 |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | 16 August 2026 |
| Start Date | 1 September 2026 |
Important Links
| Description | Official URL |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | |
| Official Website |
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Q1. What is the position? | Research Scientist in Remote Sensing at CIRAD. |
| Q2. Where is the job located? | Montpellier, France. |
| Q3. What is the contract type? | Permanent position. |
| Q4. What is the salary? | Starting from ~€37,000/year. |
| Q5. What qualifications are required? | PhD in remote sensing, 4+ years post-PhD experience. |
| Q6. What technical skills are needed? | QGIS, OTB, R, Python, satellite imagery, Earth observation. |
| Q7. What is the deadline? | 16 August 2026. |
| Q8. When does the position start? | 1 September 2026. |
CareerFlora Expert Insight
The CIRAD Research Scientist position offers a unique opportunity for remote sensing experts to contribute to sustainable agricultural development in the Global South. The permanent contract provides job security, while the focus on cutting-edge Earth observation technologies and AI applications ensures engaging research work.
The role's emphasis on open-source tools and international collaboration makes it ideal for researchers passionate about using technology to address global food security and climate resilience challenges.
Best Opportunity For
| Category | Suitable |
|---|---|
| Remote Sensing Experts | Yes |
| Earth Observation Scientists | Yes |
| GIS Specialists | Yes |
| Agronomy Researchers | Yes |
| Data Scientists | Yes |
| International Applicants | Yes |
| Early Career Researchers | Yes (with PhD) |
| Entry-Level Professionals | No (PhD + 4 years required) |
Competition Level
| Category | Level |
|---|---|
| Overall Competition | High |
| Selection Difficulty | Difficult |
| Application Complexity | High |
CareerFlora Recommendation
| Recommendation Area | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary & Benefits | Good |
| Career Growth | Very High |
| Application Difficulty | High |
| Apply Early | Strongly Recommended |
Final Call-to-Action
Apply for CIRAD Research Scientist – Remote Sensing before 16 August 2026.
Visit the official CIRAD recruitment portal.
Review job requirements.
Submit your application.
Follow CareerFlora for the latest updates.
