Missions

A Postdoctoral position in Genomics, Community Structure, and Metabarcoding is currently open for applications within the LINKING team at the SETE-CNRS station (https://sete-moulis-cnrs.fr). The main objective of this position is to characterize the taxonomic and genomic diversity of freshwater zooplankton communities and to understand the processes shaping these communities using innovative "community genomics" approaches.

Missions
The selected candidate will play a central role in a POCTEFA-funded project (https://pyrisentinel.eu/home-fr/) aimed at characterizing the biodiversity of Pyrenean lakes using new molecular technologies. Within this project, the recruited researcher will use recently developed molecular resources to assess the taxonomic and genomic diversity of zooplankton communities in these lakes. They will also apply various statistical approaches to identify the processes that structure these communities.
Traditionally, biodiversity is measured either by quantifying the number of species in a community (interspecific diversity) or by estimating the genetic/genomic diversity within a species (intraspecific diversity). Both facets are components of biodiversity, but they are generally assessed separately due to the lack of a universal unit encompassing both interspecific and intraspecific diversity.
This separation significantly limits our understanding of (i) the mechanisms underlying biodiversity patterns across space and time, (ii) the consequences of biodiversity loss on ecosystem functioning, and (iii) the potential reciprocal influences between biodiversity and the environment (eco-evolutionary feedbacks). Recently, we introduced a pioneering framework in which genomic diversity measured at the level of conserved functional candidate genes across the tree of life—referred to as Phylogenetically Conserved Candidate Genes (PCCGs)—could help bridge this gap. This framework allows for a comprehensive estimation of biodiversity, referred to as inclusive biodiversity, at the community level (Blanchet et al., Mol Ecol, 2023).
We have recently identified PCCGs in two major zooplankton groups and developed a genomic resource enabling the sequencing of these genes. The selected candidate will compare the PCCG-based approach with more traditional methods (such as taxonomic metabarcoding) using zooplankton community samples collected from 48 lakes. A key challenge will be to identify a suitable statistical and conceptual framework to analyze and interpret these inclusive biodiversity data. Collaborations will be established with Spanish and Andorran partners involved in the project.

Activities

• Bioinformatic analyses to characterize the taxonomic and genomic diversity of communities
• Synthesis of environmental data from sampled lakes
• Statistical analysis of biodiversity and environmental data
• Participation in fieldwork
• Writing scientific articles and contributing to research dissemination
• Supervision of interns

Skills

• Strong skills in bioinformatics, both in population genomics (e.g., SNP identification) and metabarcoding
• Prior knowledge in aquatic environments and/or community structure and/or population genomics and/or eco-evolutionary theory and/or environmental DNA is an asset
• More broadly, we are seeking an open-minded individual with a strong interest in ecological and evolutionary theory

Work Context

The recruited researcher will be based at the Station of Theoretical and Experimental Ecology (SETE-CNRS) in Moulis, Ariège, France (https://sete-moulis-cnrs.fr/en/). The Station hosts around sixty people and conducts research in ecology and evolution on a wide range of organisms, using field, experimental, and theoretical approaches. The researcher will join the LINKING team (https://sete-moulis-cnrs.fr/en/research/linking), whose work focuses on understanding the links and feedbacks between biodiversity change, species interactions, ecosystem functioning, and human activities.
The Station is located in a small village at the foot of the Pyrenees, just a few kilometers from a town offering all necessary services and amenities. It is an idyllic and peaceful setting, particularly attractive for those who enjoy outdoor activities. Remote work is possible.

Constraints and risks

• Fieldwork in remote environments

Requirements and Conditions
Applicants must hold a PhD in bioinformatics and/or evolutionary ecology. The selected candidate will interact and collaborate closely with all members involved in the project.
The position is for 16 months (depending on prior experience) and is expected to begin ideally in September 2025. The gross monthly salary will range between €2,900 and €3,300 depending on experience.
Interested candidates should submit their application (CV and cover letter) via the CNRS Job Portal: https://emploi.cnrs.fr

Contact: Simon Blanchet — simon.blanchet@sete.cnrs.fr