Description du sujet de thèse

Project short description: Evolutionary and ecological processes can affect one another. For example, evolutionary adaptation within species can affect population dynamics or species interactions in communities. This PhD is part of a larger research project funded by the European Research Council (Consolidator Grant to P. Nosil) and a TULIP Senior Package to investigate the community and ecosystem-level consequences of evolution within a stick-insect species (Timema cristinae). In particular, it is known that bird predators affect natural selection on stick-insect appearance (e.g., based on crypsis), with community-level consequences. Although the stick-insect and associated arthropod communities have been well-studied, little is known about the details of avian predation. The project will specifically test how foraging behavior of avian predators affect feedback loops between ecological and evolutionary processes. Fieldwork in California will be conducted each year in conjunction with targeted experiments in California and/or France. Key publications pertaining to the project are Farkas et al. 2013 Current Biology and Nosil et al. 2018 Science.

Requirements: The applicant should hold a Master's degree or equivalent in ecology or evolutionary biology. We are looking for a highly motivated student with a solid conceptual and formal background in evolutionary biology, behavioral ecology, or (ideally) both. The position is highly ecological such that candidates with experience with fieldwork and birds, are preferred. Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal skills, a strong work ethic, and the ability to think creatively are desired. Key responsibilities will be identification and observation of birds and their foraging behavior, training and working with birds in aviaries, and placing the evolutionary work in the context of theory in behavioral ecology. This work will be integrated with genomic analyses led by other team members. The doctoral contract will be with the CNRS, with a monthly gross salary set by the CNRS.

Contexte de travail

The student will be co-supervised by P. Nosil (DR CNRS, Moulis) and A. Chaine (CR CNRS, Moulis) where their complementary expertise on insects and birds constitute the core of this project. The student will be based in Moulis with the possibility of doing fieldwork in California in the spring. The exact questions and experiments are to be determined between the advisors and the student within the constraints of the main topic focusing on the role of avian predation in the selection on stick insect morphology. The PhD is funded by a LabEx/EUR TULIP Senior Package awarded to P. Nosil. Start date to be negotiated but ideally late fall 2023 or early winter 2024.

Contraintes et risques

Risks linked to field work in California and Ariege. Work with live birds in nature and in captivity.