General areas of responsibility
By combining in-situ and experimental observations with theoretical models, the lab develops and uses complementary approaches to (1) describe and understand biodiversity patterns and functioning, and (2) observe and model benthic habitat distribution.
Within the LEBCO, the post-doc will work closely with Antoine Carlier, Amelia Curd and Gabin Droual.
In the face of increasing ocean sprawl, natural habitats are regressing. In view of the low capacity of artificial structures to replace the functioning of natural habitats, eco-engineering solutions are being proposed in an attempt to improve the ecological status of urbanised coasts (Firth et al., 2016).
Scientific knowledge of coastal defence eco-engineering solutions is piecemeal and sorely lacking long-term, multidisciplinary monitoring (Firth et al., 2020). While most studies have shown that eco-designed structures generally provide conditions conducive to the development of diversified fixed communities, the time required for artificial reef assemblages to reach a “climax” state of ecological equilibrium is often long, ranging from 5 to 20 years (Susperregui et al., 2009; Sedano et al., 2019; Taormina et al., 2020). In addition, port infrastructures are also known to harbour and disseminate non-native species (Ulman et al., 2017), some of which can thrive and become invasive (Molnar et al., 2018). However, the settlement dynamics of these invasive species depend on the ecological context of the host site, and once settled, their abundance may decrease over time to the benefit of native species through ecological succession (Taormina et al., 2020). All this points to a lack of knowledge and theory on restoration and compensation activities in coastal marine environments.
As part of the construction of the new polder in the port of Brest, designed for assembling and shipping offshore wind farm components, the region of Brittany committed to integrating eco-design features into its infrastructure (Setec In Vivo, 2016), with the aim of increasing the dike’s biodiversity. Concrete intertidal pools (hereafter referred to as ecoblocks) were designed and installed in spring 2019. A total of 100 ecoblocks are distributed across the 900 m-long granite boulder dike, at three different heights in the tidal zone (-2m, -5m and -8m).
Within this context, the LEBCO is involved in the European CLIMAREST project (https://climarest.eu/ 2022-2025), which aims to develop and test ecological restoration tools in various Atlantic sites (including the Bay of Brest). The project aims to promote sustainable restoration initiatives, by building bridges between academic research and the private sector involved in marine environment restoration. The LEBCO has therefore developed a protocol for monitoring the benthic biodiversity of the ecoblocks on the dike of the Brest Marine Renewable Energy polder, in order to assess the “ecological added value” of these structures. After a period of protocol optimisation, the team began long-term monitoring in 2021, with a frequency of two data acquisition campaigns per year.
General areas of responsibility
We are looking to recruit an enthusiastic and motivated postdoctoral researcher, who is keen to work with the supervisory team, and meet the following objectives:
- Characterise ecoblock benthic biodiversity (fixed flora and fauna), and determine their spatial and temporal variations (2021-2024);
- Determine the relative influence of environmental factors (swell exposure, bathymetric level, temperature, light) on these biodiversity changes;
- Characterise the colonisation dynamics of the benthic non-indigenous species (NIS) the ecoblocks host;
- In order to follow the first settlement phases on the ecoblocks, which could not be carried out immediately after their installation in spring 2019, we propose an experiment involving the stripping down of a limited number of ecoblocks on two bathymetric levels (high, medium), followed by a high-frequency survey (monthly, then bi-monthly) of early biofouling.
Principal activities
- Organise and participate in the ecoblock cleaning experiment, and set up the monthly “high-frequency” monitoring program (spring-summer 2025);
- Organise and participate in the in situ data acquisition campaign (September 2025);
- Analyse data from Rapid Assessment Surveys (RAS) carried out since autumn 2021;
- Analyse temperature and light data acquired in-situ since autumn 2021;
Collaborative work environment
You will work as part of the LEBCO team, with several numerical and invasion benthic ecologists and taxonomists. Within Ifremer, you will have discussions with the Littoral unit (LER-PAC) and DYNECO.
Externally, you will benefit from exchanges with the CLIMAREST project partners, notably SeaBoost, the coordinator of the French demonstration site for this project.
The LEBCO also benefits from external collaborations with leading laboratories specialising in benthic communities specific to port areas, both nationally (e.g. Station Biologique de Roscoff, ISEM Montpellier) and internationally (e.g. Louise Firth, UCC).
Required Knowledge, skills, and characteristics
- Post-doctorate. Applicants must have defended their PhD in the last 3 years.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
- Good knowledge of coastal benthic community ecology will be an asset;
- Knowledge of marine invertebrate taxonomy;
- Data analysis and community/time series skills, in R or other related software program;
- Near-fluency in English, with good writing skills;
- Fluency in French will be advantageous.
Human qualities
- Good people skills and an ability to work within a diverse research team;
- Aptitude and taste for fieldwork (including on hard-to-reach rocky revetments);
- Dynamism and autonomy;
- Organisation and traceability.
Specific working conditions
- The post is full time: 12 months contract at Ifremer Brest;
All applications are processed exclusively via our website. Informal enquiries may be made to Dr. Antoine Carlier (antoine.carlier@ifremer.fr) & Dr. Amelia Curd (amelia.curd@ifremer.fr). When applying please include your CV, contact details for two scientific advisors and a motivation letter for why you are suited to this position.
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: 23/04/2024
All applications are processed exclusively via their website. Interested candidates can apply by clicking the “Apply” button.
For more information about the opportunity click here.