Summary
Bluefin tuna is an emblematic large pelagic species that is very  important in the french fisheries. It is a highly migratory species  whose movements are key for its exploitation and conservation.  Understanding its migratory behaviour is therefore important for  management, particularly regarding the influence of the environment on  these dynamics. Since the 2000s Ifremer has been carrying out an aerial  survey above the Gulf of Lions, which provides an abundance index used  within ICCAT for the stock assessment. It has recently been demonstrated  that the environment was affecting the availability of Bluefin tuna  within the survey area and thus modified the probability of the fish to  be detected through the survey. At a more general scale, Bluefin tuna’s  spawning migrations occur between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic,  which are also likely to be affected by the environment and affect the  largest fisheries for this species, traps and purse seines. The PhD will  combine fisheries and tagging data to identify the effect of the  environnement on migrations in the Gulf of Lion and more generally for  Mediterranean/Atlantic migrations.
Required Knowledge, skills, and characteristics
- The candidate will need to demonstrate strong skills in data analysis, preferably using the R statistical language.
- The work will be carried out within an international context and the  candidate will need to demonstrate ability to work with a team.
- The candidate should be able to set-up the computing environment necessary to carry-out the work.
Specific working conditions
The main part of the work, data analysis, will take place in the lab.  However, there will be opportunities to contribute to fieldwork  (tagging, sampling).
Phd is a real opportunity to work on Ifremer’s scientific and  technological priority themes. It entitle the holder to a gross monthly  salary of 2300 euros 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 1.5 MB for each file:
In case of any problem in attaching your documents, please upload  your CV on this page (this step is mandatory for your application to be  considered) and send all the documents to the thesis supervisor : Jean.Marc.Fromentin@ifremer.fr; Tristan.Rouyer@ifremer.fr
The deadline for applications is 23rd of August, 2021. Nevertheless,  we strongly urge you to let us know as soon as possible of your  intention to apply, by contacting the subject supervisor.
Doctoral students’ contracts will start as of October 1st, 2021,  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). Reference: PV-2021-996/1
