General information
Offer title : Post-doctoral research in functional ecology of marine plankton: use of in situ observation data and high-frequency sensors in relation to environmental and biological variables (M/F) (H/F)
Reference : UMR9190-LAUVIC-015
Number of position : 1
Workplace : MONTPELLIER
Date of publication : 26 September 2025
Type of Contract : Researcher in FTC
Contract Period : 14 months
Expected date of employment : 1 November 2025
Proportion of work : Full Time
Remuneration : from €3,021.50 gross monthly, adjustable according to experience.
Desired level of education : Doctorate
Experience required : Indifferent
Section(s) CN : 30 - Continental surface and interfaces
Missions
A postdoctoral researcher position (M/F) at the CNRS in the MARBEC Research Unit is proposed to study planktonic functioning, its dynamics and its evolution by 1) estimating the metabolic (primary production and respiration) and trophic (phytoplankton growth and loss) variables of the Thau lagoon and the Mediterranean Sea (Station 00SETE) in an innovative way using in situ data from high-frequency automated sensors; 2) linking these variables with other environmental (light, nutrients, etc.) and biological (biomass, planktonic abundance, etc.) variables; and 3) writing scientific articles interpreting all these results. This project follows on from various in situ observation projects already carried out or in progress and the postdoctoral researcher will work in close collaboration with the MARBEC researchers participating in these projects Francesca Vidussi and Behzad Mostajir. This project will use several statistical data processing techniques to assess the health of these two study sites and the effects of global warming on the metabolic and trophic variables of planktonic networks.
Activities
The main activity will be the analysis of in situ data collected during these projects, the estimations of the above-mentioned variables by linking them with other existing data and the writing of corresponding publications. The candidate will also be encouraged to participate in other scientific activities of the proposing team, notably by collaborating with students, doctoral students, post-doctoral fellows and researchers.
Skills
The desired skills are (1) a PhD in marine ecology, (2) good experience in using high-frequency sensor data to estimate metabolic and trophic variables of the planktonic community and link them with other data from other types of sampling, and (3) good experience in writing articles. The ability to work in a team is also essential. One or more professional experiences in the field after completing the thesis are an asset.
Work Context
The recruited person will work for a period of 14 months, ideally starting in November 2025 at the MARBEC laboratory in Montpellier. The MARBEC Research Unit has four main supervisory bodies (IRD, Ifremer, University of Montpellier and CNRS) and one secondary supervisory body (INRAE). With more than 300 permanent or contract staff, MARBEC is one of the largest Joint Research Units (UMR) dedicated to the study of marine biodiversity in France. The purpose of the MARBEC UMR is to produce and disseminate knowledge, train scientists and provide expertise in the field of marine biodiversity and its uses, mainly in the Mediterranean and tropical marine ecosystems.
Constraints and risks
There are no constraints or risks associated with this work.