Postdoctoral researcher in evolutionary ecology (M/F)

Job Description

Missions

Understanding biodiversity and its dynamics is one of the most critical issues of our time, given the alarming context of its current collapse. To address this, the ECO-EVO BIODIV project aims to develop an integrative eco-evolutionary (eco-evo) approach. The project's general framework encompasses the main facets of biodiversity (levels of biodiversity, biological groups, and variability), the forces and processes that shape them, their spatiotemporal context, and their environment. ECO-EVO BIODIV is based on a wide range of conceptual frameworks, approaches, and methods from an interdisciplinary perspective. In particular, it focuses on analyzing the relative contribution of phenotypic plasticity and genetic variation to eco-evolution—including their relative rates and functional basis—in a context of environmental variability, using both conceptual and experimental approaches. Phenotypic plasticity is defined as the ability of a genotype to produce alternative phenotypes depending on environmental conditions and may, in some cases, prove to be adaptive. Long considered at the intragenerational scale, intergenerational effects on traits are regularly demonstrated and could enable rapid responses to environmental variation.

The part of the project covered by the proposed postdoctoral research focuses specifically on studying this relative contribution in two invasive freshwater gastropods in the French Antilles (Tarebia granifera and Melanoides tuberculata). These species, which are phylogenetically and ecologically closely related, reproduce clonally—the clones can be distinguished visually and are in competitive interaction with one another. The dynamics of the clones and species have been monitored in Martinique for several decades (at nearly 200 sites). They have recently been subjected to predation by a crayfish that is itself an invasive species. In this context of biotic interactions (competition and predation), the objective is to assess how traits (life history, morphology, behavior)—and consequently, selective value—are influenced by intraspecific and interspecific competition among snails, as well as by crayfish predation. These results will be incorporated into the analysis of population dynamics in Martinique and, potentially, into modeling results.

Activity

In this context, the successful candidate will be responsible for the part of the project aimed at characterizing phenotypic responses to predation (by crayfish) in the two gastropod species and their clones, as well as within clones, within and across generations (intra- and intergenerational plasticity). This work will primarily involve conducting laboratory experiments to characterize various life history and behavioral traits. Depending on the successful candidate's areas of interest, a detailed characterization of morphology (e.g., 3D analysis) may be considered. The tasks will therefore include (i) developing experimental protocols to test the hypotheses outlined in the project, (ii) conducting long-term experiments, (iii) analyzing the data using appropriate statistical methods, and (iv) interpreting and disseminating the results in the form of scientific articles. These data will be compared with data obtained elsewhere in other experimental contexts, both in the laboratory and in the field. They will also provide insights into the dynamics of snails and crayfish in the freshwater habitats of Martinique. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to participate in a field mission in Martinique and, potentially, in in situ experiments. The successful candidate will carry out this work in collaboration with other project participants (including students, postdoctoral researchers, and the engineer in charge of monitoring the ECO-EVO BIODIV project) and will be involved in the entire workflow, from design to publication.

Applicants must submit:
- A cover letter summarizing their research experience and interests as they relate to the position and the topics to be explored
- A resume (5 pages maximum)
- The names and contact information of two people with whom the applicants have worked directly—these individuals may be contacted if the applicants are selected for an interview.

Your Profil

Skills

Candidates must hold a Ph.D. in ecology or evolutionary biology and have a strong interest in experimental methods (protocol development, animal husbandry, phenotyping).

Required skills:
- Experience with experimental approaches (laboratory) using animal models, possibly including long-term monitoring or field experiments
- Data analysis (e.g., using R) and database management
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Ability to interact with both scientific and non-scientific stakeholders
- Experience in scientific writing (e.g., articles, reports)
- Excellent communication skills (written and oral) in French and English

Desirable skills:
- Experience working with aquatic organisms
- Interest in interdisciplinary work

Your Work Environment

The work will be conducted at the Laboratory of Ecology of Natural and Man-Impacted Hydrosystems (LEHNA) in Lyon (France; https://umr5023.univ-lyon1.fr/) in collaboration with the Center of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology (CEFE) in Montpellier (France; https://www.cefe.cnrs.fr), in accordance with CNRS operating procedures (e.g., work schedules, leave policies). Research at LEHNA spans a range of fields, from evolutionary sciences to environmental sciences, including evolutionary ecology and functional ecology. These themes are explored at various organizational levels, from the individual to the ecosystem. The primary subjects of study are aquatic environments and the organisms that inhabit them. The successful candidate will join LEHNA's Biodiversity and Adaptations in Hydrosystems team, which focuses on microevolutionary and ecological processes and their interactions within hydrosystems using various approaches and biological models. In particular, this team possesses strong expertise in fieldwork in aquatic environments and in conducting experiments under controlled conditions, notably using an experimental platform for the study of gastropod mollusks (other tools and equipment are available within the laboratory). CEFE is one of France's largest ecology laboratories and a particularly well-suited setting for conducting interdisciplinary research in eco-evolution.

The ECO-EVO BIODIV project is led by CEFE's Genetics and Evolutionary Ecology team. The two teams involved (LEHNA and CEFE) have been collaborating for about fifteen years on issues related to evolutionary biology and plasticity. Visits to the CEFE may be arranged.

For more information, please contact Emilien Luquet (emilien.luquet@univ-lyon1.fr), Sandrine Plénet (sandrine.plenet@univ-lyon1.fr), Axel Gayot (axel.gayot@cefe.cnrs.fr) and Philippe Jarne (philippe.jarne@cefe.cnrs.fr).

Constraints and risks

- Compliance with health and safety regulations (in the laboratory and in the field) and animal experimentation guidelines
- Fieldwork in the Caribbean
- Work in the aquatic animal facility with live specimens (including coordination with other project members, as needed)

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

starting at €3 071€ 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