Postdoc position on Eco-evolutionary theory of host-microbiome systems M/F)

Job Description

Missions

The Theoretical and Experimental Ecology Station, from the CNRS, is seeking a postdoc in Eco-evolutionary theory of host-microbiome systems. Host-associated microbiomes often display host specificity and heritability, yet the evolutionary processes under which such structured communities first emerge are still unclear. Also, how the current and past environmental characteristics affect host-associated microbiomes is unclear. The idea of this postdoc is to expand a framework we have developed recently (Araujo et al. 2025 Trends in Microbiology 33:96, Araujo et al. 2026 biorxiv 2026.02. 10.705025) to account for the relative importance of ecological and evolutionary processes that explain observed patterns of specificity, diversity, phylosymbiosis and coevolution in empirical host-associated microbiomes.

This position is part of the Horizon Europe project “BIOcean5D: Marine Biodiversity and ecosystem functioning across spatial, temporal, and human scales”. The overall aim of the project is to acquire knowledge of the principles governing the structure, dynamics, resilience and evolution of marine life to develop solid theories and predictive models of the relationships between marine biodiversity and ecosystem functions, which will in turn lead to improved economic valuation and protection of marine life. The successful applicants will be part of this unique, ambitious and exciting project comprising over 30 partners in 11 countries. For more information on the project, visit https://www.biocean5d.org/. The applicants will work on close collaboration with Jose M. Montoya, from CNRS.

Activity

- Developing analytical theory and/or simulation models on the relative importance of different ecological and evolutionary processes shaping complex host-microbiome systems.
- Comparing theoretical predictions with data from host-microbiome systems, in particular from marine environments

Your Profil

Skills

A strong theoretical background is required, with expertise in ecological and evolutionary theory, mathematics, computational ecology or physics. Also, it is required previous experience with data analysis and model-data fitting.
We seek highly motivated and creative individuals with a good command of the English language and with expertise in the areas mentioned.

Your Work Environment

The SETE (Theoretical and Experimental Ecology Station) is a Research Unit of the National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS). It is located in the foothills of the central Pyrenees in Ariège, in Moulis, about 100km south from Toulouse. It currently hosts a team of 70 researchers, technicians, administrative staff and PhD students. The station focuses its research on exciting new developments in theoretical and experimental ecology, in particular on biodiversity, ecosystems and the interactions between human societies with a view to contributing to their long-term sustainability.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

Between €3,041.58 and €4,216.70 gross per month, depending on experience

Annual leave and RTT

44 jours

Remote Working practice and compensation

Pratique et indemnisation du TT

Transport

Prise en charge à 75% du coût et forfait mobilité durable jusqu’à 300€

About the offer

About the CNRS

The CNRS is a major player in fundamental research on a global scale. The CNRS is the only French organization active in all scientific fields. Its unique position as a multi-specialist allows it to bring together different disciplines to address the most important challenges of the contemporary world, in connection with the actors of change.

CNRS

The research professions