PHD position : Comparative ecophysiology of fasting in two seabird species during egg incubation. M/F

Job Description

Thesis Subject

Procellariiformes are a monophyletic group of seabirds characterized by an exceptional capacity to endure prolonged fasting periods during egg incubation, often lasting up to two weeks. This adaptation enables one partner to remain at the nest while the other undertakes long-distance foraging trips across vast oceanic areas. Despite the ecological importance of this behaviour, the physiological mechanisms underlying fasting endurance remain poorly understood, largely due to the remoteness of breeding sites and the sensitivity of these species to human disturbance during physiological measurements.
The candidate will use physiological indicators, including heart and respiration rate, to improve our understanding of the adaptations associated with fasting during incubation and to assess how anthropogenic disturbances, particularly global warming, may affect animal welfare and breeding performance.
Specifically, the project will investigate fasting mechanisms in the blue petrel (Blue Petrel), a small sub-Antarctic species, and the Scopoli's shearwater (Scopoli's Shearwater), a Mediterranean species.
The candidate is expected to have experience in the ecophysiology of Procellariiformes and in the use of biologging devices for physiological measurements. Participation in several field missions to the Kerguelen Islands and Linosa will be required.

Your Work Environment

This PhD project is the result of a collaboration between my team at the Institute of Functional Genomics of Montpellier and the team of Francesco Bonadonna at the Centre d'Écologie Fonctionnelle et Évolutive of Montpellier. This collaborative framework will provide the candidate with complementary expertise in cardiac physiology and behavioural ecology, enabling a comprehensive investigation of the physiological and behavioural mechanisms underlying fasting in seabirds. en écologie comportementale, ce qui facilitera une étude approfondie des mécanismes physiologiques et comportementaux sous-jacents au jeûne chez les oiseaux marins.

Constraints and risks

The candidate should be capable of working autonomously in isolated and remote field conditions

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

2300 € gross monthly

Annual leave and RTT

44 jours

Remote Working practice and compensation

Pratique et indemnisation du TT

Transport

Prise en charge à 75% du coût et forfait mobilité durable jusqu’à 300€

About the offer

About the CNRS

The CNRS is a major player in fundamental research on a global scale. The CNRS is the only French organization active in all scientific fields. Its unique position as a multi-specialist allows it to bring together different disciplines to address the most important challenges of the contemporary world, in connection with the actors of change.

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