Missions

As part of an agroecology project, the postdoctoral researcher will be responsible for generating knowledge to determine the consequences of reduced use of fertilizers, pesticides, and tillage on biodiversity and agricultural production in cereal cropping plains, based on experimental data. Since 2013, field experiments under real farming conditions have been jointly implemented by farmers and researchers on their own plots. Several experimental treatments (alone or in combination) are tested within the same field in designated zones. These treatments involve reductions in fertilizer use, pesticide use, and/or tillage.

Biodiversity surveys (insects, weeds, spiders, etc.) and crop plant sampling (to estimate yield) have been conducted in each zone to measure the effects of these reductions. The recruited researcher will have access to data collected annually since 2013 from over 500 agricultural plots within the Zone Atelier Plaine & Val de Sèvre (an agricultural area in southern Deux-Sèvres, France). He/She will also contribute to data collection in 2026 (and 2027 if the contract is extended - which is possible up to 24 months). The results are expected to lead to publications in international peer-reviewed scientific journals.

Activités

The candidate must hold a PhD in ecology, applied statistics, or environmental economics, and have strong experience in statistical data analysis. He/She will be responsible for developing a conceptual framework to quantify the effects of input reductions (fertilizers, pesticides) on biodiversity (pollinating insects, ground beetles, weeds) and agricultural production. He/She will also participate in data verification and formatting to support the analyses, including ensuring interoperability between the different project databases.

The recruited researcher will collaborate with the researchers and engineers of the Living Lab 2.Sèvres. They will participate in outreach activities within the Living Lab network (presenting research at public meetings, science outreach events, and Living Lab days) as well as in activities of the PEPR SOLUBIOD program at the national level.

The candidate will also contribute to new data acquisition by participating in field campaigns in 2026 (and 2027). To ensure consistency with previously collected data, they will be responsible for data entry, formatting, and updating the data management plan.

Compétences

- A PhD in ecology, applied statistics, or environmental economics is required.
- Good knowledge of agroecology.
- Experience in spatial and environmental data analysis.
- Ability to build and interpret statistical models.
- Autonomy in carrying out and organizing all stages of data analysis.
- Adaptability, rigor, and attention to ethical standards in research.
- Teamwork skills and ability to reassess research objectives.
- Strong scientific writing skills.
- English language proficiency: B2–C1 (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).
- Ability to follow instructions and meet deadlines.

Contexte de travail

The Centre d'Études Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC – UMR7372) is located in the southern Deux-Sèvres, near the town of Niort ([http://www.cebc.cnrs.fr/](http://www.cebc.cnrs.fr/)). The recruited researcher will join the **Resilience** team, whose research program addresses the *Food–Agriculture–Biodiversity–Health* nexus. This program is conducted at the **Zone Atelier Plaine & Val de Sèvre** ([https://za-plaineetvaldesevre.com/](https://za-plaineetvaldesevre.com/)), a research infrastructure covering a 450 km² agricultural area with approximately 176,000 inhabitants across 33 municipalities. The CEBC offers high-quality infrastructure and equipment, as well as a multidisciplinary working environment.

The position will be hosted by CNRS within the Resilience team at CEBC. The Resilience team leads the Zone Atelier Plaine & Val de Sèvre, developing research with its partners to understand and promote agroecological and food system transitions through nature-based solutions.

You will work under the supervision of Vincent Bretagnolle, Research Director at CNRS–CEBC, in collaboration with Sabrina Gaba, Research Director at INRAE–CEBC, Anne-Lise Boixel, Research Engineer at INRAE–BIOGER, Stéphane Couture, Researcher at INRAE–MIAT, and Nicolas Benvegnu, Associate Professor at Medialab–Sciences Po. You will also work closely with Alisée Chauveau, SOLUBIOD Project Engineer in charge of the farmer network of the Living Lab 2.Sèvres, and Romain Bonnet, Research Engineer at INRAE, responsible for liaising with farmers in the Zone Atelier Plaine & Val de Sèvre. Additionally, you will collaborate with partner researchers and non-academic stakeholders, including entrepreneurs, associations, and NGOs.

Application documents must include:
* A motivation letter (maximum 10,000 characters including spaces) outlining potential hypotheses and data analyses (e.g., exploring the effects of inputs on biodiversity, relationships between biodiversity, yield, and management practices, etc.).
* A scientific CV.

This position falls under the Protection of Scientific and Technical Potential (PPST) framework and therefore requires official authorization from the competent authority of the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research (MESR).

*Contract duration: Renewable up to 24 months

Le poste se situe dans un secteur relevant de la protection du potentiel scientifique et technique (PPST), et nécessite donc, conformément à la réglementation, que votre arrivée soit autorisée par l'autorité compétente du MESR.

Contraintes et risques

- Location: Position based at the Centre d'Études Biologiques de Chizé (Deux-Sèvres, France).
- Remote work: Not available during the first 6 months; flexible arrangements may be discussed thereafter depending on project needs.
- Housing: Temporary on-site accommodation (CNRS–Chizé) available for a few days; shared housing options with other fixed-term staff can be found nearby at very reasonable rates.
- Transport: A personal vehicle is required due to the laboratory's relatively isolated location.
- Meals: On-site cafeteria available for lunch.
- Data protection: Compliance with GDPR regulations is required.