Missions

The main objective of this position is to develop tools aiming at characterizing the taxonomic diversity of freshwater zooplankton communities of mountain lakes and link the dynamics of these communities to some restauration actions.
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 molecular resources and develop bioinformatic tools to describe the taxonomic diversity of zooplankton communities for a series of lakes having been recently restored. Using metabarcoding approaches from eDNA samples, the post-doctorate will aim at characterizing the diversity of zooplankton communities and test whether some restoration actions (e.g., fish removal) lead to changes in community structure. Collaborations will be established with Spanish and Andorran partners involved in the project, as well as with local stakeholders.

Activities

• Bioinformatic analyses to characterize the taxonomic of eDNA 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

Skills

• Strong skills in bioinformatics and metabarcoding
• Prior knowledge in aquatic environments and/or community structure and/or environmental DNA is an asset
• More broadly, we are seeking an open-minded individual with a strong interest in ecological disciplines

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 from home is possible.

Constraints and risks

• Fieldwork in remote environments

Additional Information

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.