Post-doctoral researcher specializing in the ecology of early life stages in fish  – Deadline 30 August 2024

The principal challenges of the Channel and North Sea Fisheries  Research Unit (HMMN) are to analyse and predict the dynamics of  fisheries, marine ecosystems and their biodiversity under pressure from  fishing, global change and emerging uses, and to evaluate management  strategies to assure their sustainability and conservation.

The  HMMN Unit is structured around three major research themes: (1)  Individuals, populations and ecological niches, (2) Communities, trophic  networks and biodiversity and (3) Fleets, fisheries and management  scenarios, sharing observation tools – Observations on land and at sea,  Sclerochronology National Centre, the Zooplankton Taxonomy and Ecology  Centre, the Trophic Networks Platform, and the CREDO cell.

Under  the authority of the head of the HMMN Unit, within the fisheries  laboratory of Boulogne-sur-Mer, he / she is in charge of research  carried out in marine resource and ichthyoplankton ecology within the  framework of the State-Region CPER_IDEAL Planning Contract (Integrated  approach to marine and littoral challenges). This research is part of  Theme 1 (Individuals, Populations and Ecological Niches) and Theme 2  (Communities, Trophic Networks and Biodiversity) of the HMMN Unit, in  close relation with the work carried out within the Sclerochronology  National Centre, the Trophic Ecology Platform, and the Zooplankton  Taxonomy and Ecology Centre.

General areas of responsibility

A  number of hypotheses and complex processes can be studied with in-situ  observations. Due to the complexity of the natural marine environment,  surveys at sea and field studies do not always make it possible to  precisely identify and isolate the causes of change observed in wild  populations. Sclerochronological analyses of growth and microchemistry  of captured fish otoliths, in combination with measures of individual  fish condition and temporally explicit environmental and ecological  data, however, allow the reconstruction of the responses to temperatures  experienced, along with relationships to the relevant periods for  environmental and ecological indices, such as productivity. These  temporally explicit analyses offer the possibility of identifying and  assessing the effects of environmental change on the production of  larval herring, with implications for stock-recruitment and for  ecosystem models.

The principal goals of this  post-doctorate are to investigate issues of fishery and ichthyoplankton  ecology; in particular, through the understanding of the response  mechanisms of individuals and populations of exploited wild fish to  global change, in interaction with different components of the  ecosystem.

This study aims to improve knowledge of the early life  stages of ecologically and economically structural fish species in the  Eastern Channel, and will be based on results from wild-caught larval  fish (herring, Clupea harengus) over the several years. By  investigating the responses of larval fish to temporally explicit  environmental conditions over time, this study aims to, (1) investigate  metabolic, growth and production responses to experienced temperatures  and productivity, (2) illustrate the ranges of these responses and  plasticity of herring larvae to variable climatic conditions.

The objective for the obtained results will be at least one publication, and should be presented at international conferences.

Principal activities

Many  potential research avenues are envisaged for this post-doctorate; the  candidate’s inclination towards each will depend on their experience and  creativity:

  • Study the effects of global change on larval growth  via analyses of daily growth increments of otoliths within and between  years (sclerochronology);
  • Study the effects of global change on  the metabolic rate of larval fish within and between years in relation  to the experienced temperatures (stable isotope analyses);
  • Relate the measures of growth, metabolic rate, larval fish condition,  and experienced temperatures, along with indices of ecosystem  productivity to predict the consequences for larval herring production.

Collaborative work environment

  • Externally: Researchers from LOG (Univ. Lille, CNRS, Univ. Littoral Côte d´Opale)

Profile

  • Doctoral degree in marine ecology (obtained 3 years ago maximum)

Required knowledge, skills and characteristics

Knowledge, skills and abilities

  • Knowledge of the ecology and development of ichthyoplankton
  • Physiology of fish larvae
  • Strong numerical and statistical skillsAnalysis of multivariate and statistical data
  • Understanding of uses of stable isotope ecology
  • Excellent laboratory competence
  • Permit/Category B driving licence essential
  • Ability to participate in scientific research surveys at sea

Personal qualities

  • Personal initiative and great organisation skills
  • Ability to work in a team
  • Professional rigour and autonomy

Specific working conditions

  • Activity rate: 100% – possibility to participate in at-sea research surveys.
  • Temporary contract of 18 months

The Institute

A pioneer in ocean science,  IFREMER’s cutting-edge research is grounded in sustainable development  and open science. Our vision is to advance science, expertise and  innovation to:

  • Protect and restore the ocean
  • Sustainably use marine resources to benefit society
  • Create and share ocean data, information & knowledge.

With  more than 1,500 personnel spread along the French coastline in more  than 20 sites, the Institute explores the 3 great oceans : the Indian,  Atlantic and Pacific oceans. A leader in ocean science, IFREMER is  managing the French Oceanographic Fleet and its dedicated scientists  create ground-breaking technology to push the boundaries of ocean  exploration and knowledge, from the abyss to the atmosphere-ocean  interface.

Well-established in the international scientific  community, our scientists, engineers and technicians are committed to  advance knowledge about our planet’s last unexplored frontiers. They  provide the science we need for informed decision-making and public  policy and they transfer this knowledge and technology to businesses to  fulfill public and private needs. Core to our mission is also to  strengthen public awareness about the importance of understanding the  ocean and its resources, and empowering future generations of leaders  through education and outreach national campaigns.

For further information about this opportunity click here.

via  IFREMER
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