Local support systems

From start to finish, INRAE employees are given personalised support to help their professional careers flourish.

Welcoming and supervising new staff

At INRAE, research unit directors are responsible for welcoming new staff under the best possible conditions. They ease the transition into the institute’s working environment, help people find their place within the team, and ensure that everyone has the necessary resources to properly carry out their jobs. Each research centre has its own HR personnel, who provide guidance and advice. They are also available to answer any questions about contracts, career trajectories, or professional, medical, or personal hurdles.

Occupational mobility

While civil servants at INRAE are permanently employed, they are not permanently tied to a specific job or work site. Indeed, the institute offers multiple options for occupational mobility throughout people’s careers, allowing for changes in status, responsibilities, and geographical location over time.

Support for contractual staff 

INRAE has several ways to ensure that contractual staff receive optimal support:

• A “work transition” course, which can be taken as soon as someone starts their job
• Help formalising skills during one’s time at INRAE
• Incentives to participate in scientific events, thus promoting the development of skills and professional networks

Career counselling

Career counselling is available to all INRAE employees, regardless of job type or responsibilities. Every INRAE research centre has career counsellors who can provide confidential and customised support tailored to specific situations and needs, including career diagnostics, professional assessments, skills assessments, coaching, and project development. 

Training opportunities

All INRAE research centres have teams whose job is to help employees access further training. The diverse possibilities include

• Training to facilitate the transition into INRAE employment
• Management classes or courses that teach scientists new approaches or technical skills
• Introduction to career development tools
• Online training & educational approaches

Every year, more than 6,000 permanent and contractual staff, including many PhD students, participate in training courses.