General areas of responsibility
The Ifremer unit integrated into the UMR MARBEC (MARine Biodiversity, Exploitation and Conservation) carries out research on marine biodiversity, its uses and its conservation, more particularly in fisheries ecology and sustainable aquaculture. The actions of the Mediterranean Fisheries Laboratory (LHM), which is one of the components of this unit, are developed in three complementary areas: (i) dynamics of populations and fleets for the main fish species exploited, (ii) halieutic ecology and trophic interactions and (iii) ecology of threatened marine species and interactions with fisheries.
Summary
In the north of the western Mediterranean, several studies highlighted a regime shift in the pelagic ecosystem of the Gulf of Lion (GoL) in the mid-2000s and marked changes in the populations of exploited small pelagic fish at the same time. Due to the lack of knowledge on the planktonic compartment, on the overall life cycles of fish species in the GoL it seems more important than ever to further study the spatial and seasonal dynamics of plankton communities (phyto-mesozoo- and ichthyoplankton) in an ecosystem context. In order to fill these gaps, this project aims to study the inter-annual, seasonal and spatial dynamics of the plankton communities of the GoL and to link them to the reproductive success of an exploited small pelagic fish: the European anchovy. To this purpose, this project will attempt to answer the following four methodological or scientific questions:1) Can we improve zooplankton image-derived taxonomic identification in the GoL, 2) what are the relationships between zooplankton community patterns and their bio-hydrological environment, 3) What is the diversity, distribution and phenology of ichthyoplankton assemblages in the GoL and their relation to their bio-hydrological environment , 4) Can the anchovy larval condition during their critical period of development be used to define and characterise areas of reproductive success.
Key words
Zooplankton, Ichtyoplankton, Gulf of Lion, assemblages, spatial distribution, seasonal dynamics
Required Knowledge, skills, and characteristics
- Postgraduate training in marine ecology, concepts in marine ecology (ecosystem approach, spatial management)
- Numerical ecology: Good command of R, statistical analysis techniques and manipulation of spatialized data using R
- Rigor and method, taste for zooplankton taxonomical identification,
- Self-organization and writing skills
- Initiative and openness, collaborative work
- Good command of English
Specific working conditions
- Full time (38h)
- Computer based
- Lab work (taxonomy and morphological observations)
- At sea research surveys opportunities
- Travels in France (Boulogne sur Mer, Arcachon) to participate to workshops
- Travel for training and conferences
Phd is a real opportunity to work on Ifremer’s scientific and technological priority themes. It entitles the holder to a gross monthly salary of 2300 euros gross for a period of 3 years, which cannot be combined with other scholarships.
How to apply for this position
Your application file must include:
- a curriculum vitae
- a covering letter
- a reference letter
- an academic transcript (Bachelor + Master 1 and first semester Master 2)
Your application must be compiled into 2 PDF files, up to 3 MB for each file.
The deadline for applications is April 15th, 2024. Nevertheless, we strongly urge you to let us know as soon as possible of your intention to apply, by contacting the subject supervisor: tarek.hattab@ifremer.fr and Sandrine.Vaz@ifremer.fr
Doctoral students’ contracts will start as of October 1st, 2024, subject to the submission of administrative documents authorizing Ifremer to recruit the doctoral student (certificate of completion of the Master 2 or engineering degree + visa for foreign doctoral students outside the EU).
The Institute and the recruiting department
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.
Founded in 1984, IFREMER is a French public organization and its budget approximates 240 million euros. It is operating under the joint authority of the French Ministry for Higher Education, Research and Innovation, the french Ministry of the Sea, the French Ministry for the Ecological and Solidary Transition, and the French Ministry of Agriculture and Food.
Deadline for applications: 15/04/2024
All applications are processed exclusively via our website. Interested candidates can apply by clicking the “Apply” button.
For more information about the opportunity click here.