Postdoctoral researcher in theoretical ecology (M/F)

Job Description

Missions

The successful candidate will contribute to developing a mechanistic, stochastic framework to predict and map the restoration potential of dryland ecosystems, at the interface between ecology and applied mathematics. Within a project jointly led by an ecologist (Sonia Kéfi; ISEM, Montpellier) and a mathematician (Adeline Leclercq-Samson; LJK, Grenoble), they will take charge of the full scientific workflow — data synthesis, modelling, inference and mapping — and will actively contribute to the dissemination of results.

Activity

Main tasks:
- Design and build a georeferenced database of successful dryland restoration cases, based on a systematic literature review and the analysis of contrasting case studies (direct responsibility).
- Develop and analyse a stochastic soil–vegetation–atmosphere model (stochastic differential equations): study of dynamical regimes, bifurcation diagram and tipping points, using numerical splitting schemes (direct responsibility).
- Estimate the model parameters from data (contrast / splitting methods) and produce maps of restoration potential under climate change, with uncertainty quantification (direct responsibility).
- Write scientific articles and present the work at conferences.

Secondary tasks:
- Document and share code and data (open and reproducible science practices).
- Contribute to project meetings and exchanges with the network of collaborators.

Your Profil

Skills

- PhD in quantitative ecology, applied mathematics, or physics (required).
- Dynamical modelling (dynamical systems and/or stochastic differential equations): confirmed proficiency expected in at least one of these areas.
- Statistical inference and parameter estimation: good command; familiarity with methods for stochastic processes is an asset.
- Scientific programming (R, Julia and/or Python): operational proficiency required.
Spatial data analysis / remote sensing and machine-learning methods (e.g. Random Forest): appreciated, or ability to acquire these skills.
- Interest and aptitude for interdisciplinary work at the ecology–mathematics interface (essential).
- Written and oral scientific communication in English: good level required.
- Autonomy, rigour and ability to work between two teams located on two sites.

Your Work Environment

The position is based at the Institute of Evolutionary Sciences of Montpellier (ISEM, UMR 5554). ISEM conducts research on biodiversity, its evolution and its dynamics in the face of environmental change. The candidate will join the EEC (Ecology and Evolution of Communities) team and will work in close collaboration with the Jean Kuntzmann Laboratory (LJK, UMR 5224 — Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS), SVH team, with regular stays in Grenoble. The work takes place in a collaborative, interdisciplinary setting, supervised by the two project leaders.

Constraints and risks

None

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

From 3071€ 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