Missions

Based on statistical models, the postdoctoral researcher will first be tasked with producing maps of the spatial and temporal distribution of pesticide application pressure (agricultural use) at the scale of an agricultural area of 450 km² in the south of Deux-Sèvres, which is also a research infrastructure (Zone Atelier Plaine & Val de Sèvre). He/She will have access to data from approximately 2,500 surveys conducted with farmers since 2006 on the applied molecules, their quantities, and application dates, and will also use national data (e.g. pesticide sales database). Once the pressure map has been produced, they will carry out statistical analyses to investigate the links between pesticide pressure and the expression of different ecological functions (pollination, natural pest control, recycling of organic matter) measured in the field. He/She will use data collected every year since 2013 from more than 1,000 agricultural plots in the Zone Atelier Plaine & Val de Sèvre. He/She will also contribute to data collection in 2026 and 2027. The results obtained are expected to be disseminated in at least two publications in international scientific journals.

Activités

The candidate must hold a PhD in spatial ecology or statistics, with solid experience in data analysis.
You will be responsible for producing a pesticide use map that allows the estimation of pesticide pressure and associated risks at a given site and time. In collaboration with engineers, you will contribute to the verification and formatting of data for the analyses. This will include ensuring the interoperability of different databases and calculating pressure and risk indicators. Once this work is completed, you will investigate the relationships between pesticide pressure and the expression of regulatory functions (pollination, natural pest control, recycling of organic matter) in order to understand how pesticide use affects the functioning of agroecosystems.

The post-doctorate must be able to collaborate with scientists and engineers of the Santé des Territoires program (https://za-plaineetvaldesevre.com/recherches/ecohealth/). He/She will participate in the program's outreach activities (presenting the program and its results at events and public meetings, giving public lectures, etc.) as well as in activities of the Zone Atelier Plaine & Val de Sèvre.
He/She will also contribute to the acquisition of new data by participating in sampling campaigns in 2026 and 2027. To ensure consistency with data collected in previous years, they will be responsible for guaranteeing data quality and updating the data management plan.

Compétences

Required Qualifications
- PhD in spatial ecology or statistics.
- Proven expertise in R programming, with strong command of spatial analysis packages.
- Proficiency in Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
- Solid experience in spatial data analysis.
- Ability to work independently and manage all stages of data analysis.

Desired Skills and Competencies
- Strong adaptability, rigor, and commitment to research ethics.
- Teamwork skills and ability to reassess and refine research objectives collaboratively.
- Excellent scientific writing skills.
- English language proficiency at B2–C1 level (according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).
- Reliability in meeting deadlines and adhering to guidelines.

Contexte de travail

- A cover letter (maximum 10,000 characters including spaces) containing indications regarding the hypotheses and data analyses that could be carried out (what type of statistical models could be used to establish mapping? how to explore the effects of inputs on biodiversity? what is the relationship between biodiversity, yield, and practices? …)

– The candidate's scientific CV

Contraintes et risques

Position based at the Centre d'Études Biologiques de Chizé (Deux-Sèvres).
Remote work not possible during the first 6 months – to be discussed afterwards depending on tasks.
Temporary on-site housing available (CNRS-Chizé) for a few days, to allow time to find accommodation nearby (shared housing among different fixed-term contracts can be found at very reasonable prices in this area).
Personal vehicle required due to the relative isolation of the laboratory.
On-site lunch facilities (cafeteria).
Compliance with GDPR regulations.