Description du sujet de thèse

The study of sexual selection has become one of the most influential, but also most debated fields in evolutionary biology, largely due to ongoing discussions about the extent to which it operates in both sexes. Classic theory posits that typically males, but not females, compete for access to mates. Until today, this male-centered perspective has contributed to a substantial publication bias towards studies focusing on males, despite growing evidence that sexual selection can also act on females. This PhD project aims to foster a paradigm shift in the field by providing novel insights into how sexual selection operates in females and its evolutionary consequences. The candidate will take a multidimensional approach, combining quantitative genetics, experimental evolution, and meta-analysis, to explore the potential of sexual selection in females at both micro- and macroevolutionary scales. Using the red flour beetle as a model system, the candidate will test the hypothesis that sexual selection in females promotes the evolution of female reproductive traits. In addition, the project will take a broader comparative perspective by testing how sexual selection in females predicts the evolution of sexual traits and life histories across the animal tree of life.

The recruited PhD student will be responsible for data collection, statistical analyses, manuscript preparation, and presenting results at international conferences. Main tasks include:
- Implementing controlled breeding experiments to assess the genetic variance–covariance matrix of female reproductive traits under varying sex ratios;
- Executing an experimental evolution experiment and conducting phenotypic assays to study the real-time evolution of female reproductive traits;
- Conducting a meta-analysis on the benefits of polyandry and its relationship to the evolution of female sexual traits across the animal tree of life.

The recruited student will also co-supervise, together with Tim Janicke, Master students involved in the projects.

Contexte de travail

The PhD student will join a stimulating, collaborative team of researchers working on various aspects of reproductive biology, speciation, and local adaptation, with ample opportunities for external collaborations. The student will be associated with the 'Génétique et Ecologie Evolutive' team at the Centre d'Écologie Fonctionnelle et Évolutive (CEFE) in Montpellier, France. Montpellier offers a vibrant scientific environment for evolutionary biologists, with numerous seminars and opportunities to interact with internationally renowned scientists.

Contraintes et risques

The working language will be English, although some knowledge of French will be helpful for daily life.