Postdoctoral fixed-term contract (M/F) – Eco-evolutionary dynamics of metacommunities of invasive freshwater gastropods

Job Description

Missions

CONTEXT:
Understanding biodiversity and its dynamics is one of the most crucial issues of our time, against the worrying backdrop of biodiversity collapse. To contribute to this, the ECO-EVO BIODIV project aims to develop an integrative eco-evolutionary approach. The project's overall framework encompasses the key facets of biodiversity (levels of biodiversity, biological groups and variability), the forces and processes that shape them, their spatio-temporal context and their environment. ECO-EVO BIODIV draws on a wide range of conceptual frameworks, approaches and methods from an interdisciplinary perspective.
Within the framework of ECO-EVO BIODIV, the work proposed for this postdoctoral position aims to understand how intraspecific and interspecific interactions combine to shape the dynamics of metacommunities and ecosystems, via the processes of competition and predation. This work is based on a case study: the metacommunities of freshwater gastropods in Martinique, which have been monitored for several decades at nearly 200 sites. These metacommunities are dominated by two invasive species of Thiaridae, which compete with one another, partly over food resources (biofilm on rocks). Phylogenetically and ecologically closely related, these species reproduce clonally (the clones can be distinguished visually). The dynamics of the species and clones are very rapid, in terms of both density and the number of sites occupied. These species have recently come under predation from a crayfish that is itself an invasive species. Against this backdrop of biotic interactions (competition and predation), the aim is to characterise population trends and quantify intraspecific and interspecific interactions, taking into account environmental, spatial and temporal variation.

TASKS:
The work is based on data analysis and modelling approaches. An initial phase will involve familiarising oneself with the study system and the available data. The next step will be to develop dynamic models to estimate the interaction forces between species and clones of Thiaridae based on observed dynamics, and to link these processes to evolutionary dynamics. To this end, we plan to adapt multivariate autoregressive models for density-class data, whilst paying particular attention to linking the estimates to interpretations in terms of coexistence and rapid evolution. This approach will be compared with existing estimates of the relative selective value of snail species and clones, by taking advantage of the temporal transitions of species and clones within sites. Another aspect of this work will involve incorporating potential flows between different sites into spatialised models, whilst respecting the specific spatial structure induced by river networks.

Activity

- Cleaning, structuring and analysing historical long-term monitoring data (approx. 200 sites).
- Adaptation and implementation of multivariate autoregressive models tailored to density-class data to quantify the effect of interactions on species and clone dynamics.
- Development of spatialised models incorporating spatial connectivity and potential flows of individuals along the network structure of watercourses.
- Comparison of model estimates with existing data on the relative selective value of clones/species, in order to assess the mechanisms of coexistence.
- Writing of scientific articles, presentations at conferences, participation in fieldwork missions in Martinique and exchanges with academic partners and local stakeholders.

Your Profil

Skills

The successful candidate must hold a PhD in the fields of ecology or evolutionary biology, or biostatistics/biomathematics.

Required skills:
- Data analysis using R and database management
- Statistical modelling for ecology and evolution (occupancy models, multi-species population dynamics, autoregressive models, etc.)
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- An interest in ecological and evolutionary theory
- Experience in scientific writing (articles, reports)
- Very good communication skills (written and oral) in French and English

Useful skills:
- Knowledge of biological invasions
- Experience in modelling aquatic systems
- Fieldwork experience
- Ability to interact with non-scientific stakeholders

Your Work Environment

The work will be carried out at the Cefe in Montpellier (France; https://www.cefe.cnrs.fr), in close collaboration with the IMB in Bordeaux (France; https://www.math.u-bordeaux.fr/; regular visits to Bordeaux will be required), in accordance with the operating rules (e.g. working hours, leave) of the CNRS and the University of Bordeaux. CEFE is one of France's largest ecology laboratories and a particularly suitable venue for conducting interdisciplinary research in eco-evolution. The ECO-EVO BIODIV project is based within the Genetics and Evolutionary Ecology (GEE) team at CEEFE (https://www.cefe.cnrs.fr/fr/recherche/ee/gee).

Full-time position (100%). The successful candidate will have the opportunity to take part in fieldwork in Martinique. They will carry out this work under the supervision of Philippe Jarne (Montpellier) and Frédéric Barraquand (Bordeaux). They will collaborate with other researchers directly involved in the study of the Martinican system, based in Montpellier, Poitiers and Lyon, as well as with members of the host team in Montpellier. They will be involved in the entire research process, from design to publication.

Constraints and risks

Regular travels in France (Bordeaux). Fieldwork in Martinique. Compliance with operational procedures (health and safety, etc.) whilst in the field.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

€3,072 gross

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

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