Faculty positions by competitive examination

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Every year, ENS de Lyon recruits Professors and Associate professors through a competitive examination. Positions are opened to foreign candidates.

As part of its "HR Excellence in Research" (HRS4R) labelling, ENS de Lyon has signed up to the "Open, Transparent and Merit-based Recruitment”. ENS de Lyon is committed to professional equality and the fight against discrimination and has formalised its commitments in an Action Plan for Professional Equality.

Please note:

  • French faculty positions are permanent tenured positions (more information).
  • The salary scale is national so pay does not vary from one university to another.
  • However the working conditions in the highly selective École normale supérieure de Lyon are particularly attractive: the School only welcomes postgraduate and very good students, it offers internal support for developing new research activities, and starting funds for new professors.

2025 recruitment campaign

You can apply and submit your application file in PDF format on the Galaxie/ANTEE platform from Tuesday, March 4, 10:00 am to Friday, April 4, 4:00 pm (Paris time).

No applications or additional documents can be submitted after the closing date for applications.
If you wish to apply for multiple positions, you must apply for each position separately.

The CNU qualification concerns future faculty members: to become a faculty member in France, you must be registered on a national qualification list which is a prerequisite for recruitment. Qualification is awarded by the National Council of Universities (Conseil national des universités - CNU). A qualification session is organized each year.

Exemption from the CNU qualification for candidates holding a faculty position abroad: candidates who hold (orhave held for less than 18 months) a faculty positionat a level equivalent to that of the position to be filled, in a higher education establishment in a country other than France, are exempt from registration on the CNU qualification list. The institution's scientific advisory board will decide on the qualifications and work provided by the candidate, as well as on the tasks and level of duties performed. If the Scientific Council declares the application admissible, it is forwarded to the selection committee to continue the recruitment process.

Exemption from the CNU qualification for tenured associate professor candidates: artcle 5 of French Law No. 2020-1674 of 24 December 2020 on research programming for the years 2021 to 2030, provides that for the recruitment of full professors,  the CNU qualification is not required when the candidate is a tenured associate professor. This derogation does not apply to research fellows, who must be qualified by the CNU to apply.

Duration of qualification:

  • Qualification as an Associate professor:
    • Whatever the date of obtention, the qualifications ceases to be valid at the expiration of a period of 4 years as from December 31 of the year of the inscription on the qualification list. For example, a person qualified in the year 2022 will be qualified until December 31, 2026.
  • Qualification as a Professor:
    • Qualifications obtained before February 25, 2022 will cease to be valid at the expiration of a period of 4 years from December 31 of the year of registration on the qualification list. For example, a person qualified in the year 2022 will be qualified until December 31, 2026.
    • Qualifications obtained on or after February 25, 2022, are valid indefinitely.

Read the frequently asked questions about the CNU qualification (in French)

Order of February 6, 2023, art. 8 to 9

If you are currently a lecturer at a higher education institution in France, you may apply for a “transfer”.

Documents to be attached to your file, on the Galaxie/ANTEE platform:

  • Identity document with photograph (identity card, passport).
  • Certificate issued by your head of establishment justifying that you are a lecturer, having worked in the establishment for at least 3 years as of March 29, 2024.
    • or if this 3-year term of office is not fulfilled: Agreement of the head of the institution after a favorable opinion from the Academic Council, as provided for in Article 33 of the Decree of June 6, 1984 (known as "Exeat");
  • Analytical presentation of your works, books, articles, achievements and activities related to the profile of the position concerned, mentioning those you intend to present at the interview.
  • A copy of each of the works, books, articles and achievements mentioned in the analytical presentation and that you intend to present at the interview.

It is not permitted to include any reference letters in your application file. Only the documents mentioned in the Order of February 6, 2023 are allowed.

If you would like your application to be considered as a "priority for spousal reunification", you must also attach the documents mentioned below:

  • An official document justifying your family situation (family record book, contract of registered civil partnership (known as PACS in French), birth certificate(s) of the child(ren) ...) .
  • A certificate of the spouse's professional residence and main professional activity. For independent professions, provide a certificate of registration with URSSAF (French Social Security Agency) or proof of company registration number or the trades register.

If you would like your application to be considered as "priority as a beneficiary of the obligation to employ disabled workers", the documents mentioned below must be attached:

  • Certificate of recognition of having a disabled worker status (known as RQTH in French) or any other document qualifying you as priority for the obligation to employ disabled workers.

For administrative documents and the defense report written in a foreign language, please attach a translation in French, which you can attest to on your honor.

Order of February 6, 2023, art. 10 to 11

If you are currently holding this position, and have done so, for at least 3 years on the closing date of applications, in one of the bodies mentioned in Article 40-2 of Decree No. 84-431 of June 6, 1984 your application is considered as being “under secondment”.

Documents to be attached to the file, on the Galaxie/ANTEE platform:

  • Identity document with photograph (identity card, passport).
  • Certificate issued by your head of establishment, justifying that you are currently holding this position, and have done so, in one of the bodies mentioned in Article 40-2 of Decree No. 84-431 of June 6, 1984 for at least 3 years on the date of March 29, 2024;
  • Copy of the Doctorate diploma, or Accreditation to Supervise Research (known as HDR in French), or an equivalent diploma (decree of June 6, 1984 art. 26-I-1°);
  • Copy of the defense report of your diploma.
    • Important: the defense report must be translated into French. This translation can be done using online tools such as GoogleTrad or DeepL, and added after your report. There is no need to format this translated document.
  • Analytical presentation of the works, books, articles, achievements and activities related to the profile of the position concerned, mentioning those you intend to present at the interview.
  • A copy of each of the works, books, articles and achievements mentioned in the analytical presentation and that you intend to present at the interview.

It is not permitted to include any reference letters in your application file. Only the documents mentioned in the Order of February 6, 2023 are allowed.

If you would like your application to be considered as a "priority for spousal reunification", the documents mentioned below must also be attached:

  • An official document justifying your family situation (family record book, certificate of registered civil partnership (known as PACS in French), birth certificate(s) of the child(ren) ...).
  • A certificate of the spouse's professional residence and main professional activity. For self-employed professionals, provide a certificate of registration with the URSSAF (French Social Security Agency) or proof of registration in the trade register or the trades directory.

If you would like your application to be considered as "priority for the obligation to employ disabled workers", the documents mentioned below must be attached:

  • Certificate recognizing your status as a disabled worker (RQTH in French) or any other document qualifying you as priority for the obligation to employ disabled workers.

For administrative documents and the defense report written in a foreign language, please attach a translation in French, which you can attest to on your honor.

Order of February 6, 2023 art. 7 and Decree of June 6,1984 art. 22

If you are of French or foreign nationality, and you work (or have ceased to work for less than 18 months) as a faculty member, at a level equivalent to that of a lecturer, in a higher education institution of a State other than France, your application may be considered as a foreign application.

Documents to be attached to the file, on the Galaxie/ANTEE platform:

  • Identity document with photograph (identity card, passport).
  • Certificate from the foreign employer with whom you work (or have ceased to work for less than 18 months) as a faculty member, of a level equivalent to that of lecturer.
    • The certificate must mention the dates of commencement and end of duties, the employment held, and the tasks carried out.
    • The equivalence of functions and missions will be studied by the institution's authorities, so that your application can be declared admissible or inadmissible.
  • Copy of the PhD degree, or Accreditation to Supervise Research, or an equivalent diploma (decree of June 6, 1984 art. 26-I-1°);
    • If your degree is foreign, the equivalence with a French doctorate will be studied by the institution's authorities, so that your application can be declared admissible or inadmissible.
  • Copy of the defense report of your diploma.
    • Important: the defense report must be translated into French. This translation can be done using online tools such as GoogleTrad or DeepL, and added after your report. There is no need to format this translated document.
  • Analytical presentation of the works, books, articles, achievements and activities related to the profile of the position concerned, mentioning those you intend to present at the interview.
  • A copy of each of the works, books, articles and achievements mentioned in the analytical presentation and which you intend to present at the interview.
  • If you have a CNU qualification, it is advisable to attach the qualification to the functions of lecturer established by the National Council of Universities (non-compulsory document).

It is not permitted to include any reference letters in your application file. Only the documents mentioned in the Order of February 6, 2023 are allowed.

If you are a priority candidate for the obligation to employ disabled workers, or you have a disability, the documents mentioned below must be attached:

  • Certificate of recognition of the status of being a disabled worker (known as RQTH in French) or any other document related to being eligible for the obligation of priority employment for disabled workers.

For administrative documents and the defense report written in a foreign language, please attach a translation in French, which you can attest to on your honor.

Order of February 6, 2023, art. 7

If you are not a candidate for transfer, secondment or foreign status, your application is considered for “recruitment by competitive examination”.

Documents to be attached to the file, on the Galaxie/ANTEE platform:

  • Identity document with photograph (identity card, passport).
  • Certificate of qualification as having worked as a lecturer established by the National Council of Universities.
  • Copy of the Doctorate diploma, or Accreditation to Supervise Research (known as HDR in French), or an equivalent diploma (decree of June 6, 1984 art. 26-I-1°);
  • Copy of the defense report of your diploma.
    • Important: the defense report must be translated into French. This translation can be done using online tools such as GoogleTrad or DeepL, and added after your report. There is no need to format this translated document.
  • Analytical presentation of the works, books, articles, achievements and activities related to the profile of the position concerned, mentioning those you intend to present at the interview.
  • A copy of each of the works, books, articles and achievements mentioned in the analytical presentation and that you intend to present at the interview.

It is not permitted to include any reference letters in your application file. Only the documents mentioned in the Order of February 6, 2023 are allowed.

If you are a priority candidate for the obligation to employ disabled workers, or you have a disability the documents mentioned below must also be attached:

  • Certificate recognizing your status as a disabled worker (RQTH in French) or any other document qualifying you as priority for the obligation to employ disabled workers.

For administrative documents and the defense report written in a foreign language, please attach a translation in French, which you can attest to on your honor.

Order of 6th February 2023 art.19 and Decree no. 84-431 of 6th June1984 Title III Chap. 1 - art.46,3

This competitive exam is open exclusively to candidates who are tenured associate professor governed by the Decree of 6th June 1984 and who have completed, by 1st January 2025, 10 years of service in a higher education establishment*, including 5 years as a tenured or probationary associate professor.

*French higher education establishment, or of the European Union, of a State party to the agreement on the European Economic Area or in another higher education establishment as part of a mission of cultural, scientific and technical cooperation in application of law no. 72-659 of 13 July 1972 or in a public scientific and technological establishment.

You must attach the following documents to your application in ODYSSEE :

  • Identity document with photograph (identity card, passport) ;
  • Copy of HDR diploma or equivalent diploma (decree of 6th June 1984 art. 26-I-1°);
    • If your diploma is foreign, the equivalence with a French HDR will be studied by the institution's authorities, so that your application can be declared admissible or inadmissible;
  • Copy of the diploma defence report;
    • Important: The defence report must be translated into French, otherwise your application will be declared ineligible. This translation can be done using online tools such as GoogleTrad or DeePL, and added after your report. There is no need to format this translated document.
  • A certificate issued by the head of the applicant's institution or administration stating that the applicant is a senior lecturer;
  • An analytical presentation of the works, books, articles, achievements and activities related to the profile of the position in question, mentioning those that you intend to present at the audition;
  • A copy of each of the works, books, articles and achievements mentioned in the analytical presentation that you intend to present at the audition.

If you hold a CNU qualification, you are advised to attach the certificate of qualification as a full professor issued by the Conseil national des universités (not compulsory).

Information on letters of recommendation :

  • Letters of recommendation may not be included in your application file. Only the documents mentioned in the Order of 6 February 2023 are permitted. 

If you are a beneficiary of the employment obligation or are disabled, you must also attach the documents listed below:

  • Attestation de la reconnaissance de la qualité de travailleur handicapé (RQTH) or any other document relating to the employment obligation.

Order of 6th February 2023 art.19 and Decree no. 84-431 of 6th June1984 Title III Chap. 1 - art.46,3

This competitive exam is open exclusively to candidates in one of the following categories:

  • Associate professor, members of the Institut Universitaire de France (IUF) ;
  • Persons with at least 6 years of actual professional activity in the preceding 9 years as of 1st January 2025 (are not taken into account: teaching activities, research activities in public scientific and technological establishments, activities related to the production of scientific, literary or artistic works, expert opinions or consultations, or the exercise of a liberal profession on a secondary basis);
  • Full-time adjunct professors in position on 1st January 2025 or who have ceased to be in position for less than a year on 1st January 2025.
  • Senior scholars who have taught for at least two years as of 1st January of the year of the competitive exam in any type of higher education institution (public or private, French or foreign).
     
  • It is also necessary to hold an HDR (a degree necessary in order to supervise a PhD research). The state PhD is accepted as equivalent to the HDR. Holders of equivalent qualifications may be exempted from the HDR requirement by the institution's authorities.
  • For the last 3 categories, it is necessary to be registered on the list of qualifications for full professors established by the CNU.

You must attach the following documents to your application in ODYSSEE :

  • Identity document with photograph (identity card, passport) ;
  • Copy of HDR diploma or equivalent diploma (decree of 6th June 1984 art. 26-I-1°);
    • If your diploma is foreign, the equivalence with a French HDR will be studied by the institution's authorities, so that your application can be declared admissible or inadmissible;
  • Copy of the diploma defence report;
    • Important: The defence report must be translated into French, otherwise your application will be declared ineligible. This translation can be done using online tools such as GoogleTrad or DeePL, and added after your report. There is no need to format this translated document.
  • Certificate of qualification as a full professor issued by the Conseil national des universités ;
    • or for associate professors: a certificate issued by your head of establishment showing that you are a tenured associate professor or a decree granting you tenure as an associate professor if you are a tenured associate professor and wish to benefit from the exemption from CNU qualification for the duties of university professor. 

  • Documents proving that the candidate belongs to one of the above-mentioned categories and meets the required qualifications:
    • the decree appointing the candidate as a lecturer, member of the Institut Universitaire de France (IUF) ;
    • an employer's certificate or proof of professional activity for people who, on 1 January 2025, have worked for at least six of the preceding nine years (are not taken into account: teaching activities, research activities in public scientific and technological establishments, activities related to the production of scientific, literary or artistic works, expert opinions or consultancy, and the exercise of a liberal profession on a secondary basis);
    • an employer's certificate for full-time adjunct professors in position on 1st January 2025 or who had ceased to be in position less than a year before 1st January 2025;
    • an employer's certificate for senior scholars who have been teaching for at least two years as of 1st January 2025 in a higher education establishment of any type (public or private, French or foreign).
  • An analytical presentation of the works, books, articles, achievements and activities related to the profile of the position in question, mentioning those that you intend to present at the audition;
  • A copy of each of the works, books, articles and achievements mentioned in the analytical presentation that you intend to present at the audition.

Information on letters of recommendation :

  • Letters of recommendation may not be included in your application file. Only the documents mentioned in the Order of 6 February 2023 are permitted. 

If you are a beneficiary of the employment obligation or are disabled, you must also attach the documents listed below:

  • Attestation de la reconnaissance de la qualité de travailleur handicapé (RQTH) or any other document relating to the employment obligation.

Positions to be filled as of September 1st, 2025.

  • Associate professor in Political and religious thought in modern and contemporary Islam (M/F)
    MCF en Pensée politique et religieuse de l’Islam moderne et contemporain (H/F)
  • Full Professor in Science education (M/F)
    PU en Didactique des sciences (H/F)
  • Full Professor in Computer Science (M/F)
     PU en Informatique (H/F)
  • Full Professor in Physics (M/F)
     PU en Physique (H/F)
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