As part of the Biodiversa+ eWHALE project (https://ewhale.eu/), we are currently seeking a 24-month postdoctoral researcher to study porbeagle sharks' population ecology and genetics in Brittany (France), using eDNA methods. The position will be based at UMR DECOD in Rennes/France (https://www.umr-decod.fr/en) and is available from 1st October 2023.
Porbeagle sharks (Lamna nasus) aggregate in unusually high numbers in shallow water off Brittany, northwest France. The hired post-doc will develop and implement eDNA methods to :
- Clarify its spatio-temporal patterns in distribution and habitat-use by analysing water eDNA samples collected from different locations in shallow water off the Tregor/Goelo coast and at various time points.
- Perform individual-level haplotyping from water eDNA and estimate intraspecific genetic diversity and structure. We aim to better understand their genetic variatibility, relatedness and potential subgroups (comparison with existing genetic data from the Bay of Biscay). In addition, we will also attempt to develop a novel method for genotyping a panel of SNPs to fingerpinting individual from seawater eDNA (comparison with visual observations and genotypes obtained from biopsies).
- Identify associated marine megafauna (marine mammals, Atlantic bluefin tuna, other sharks) and potential preys (fish, cephalopods, crustaceans) using water eDNA metabarcoding. This will help us gain insights into the ecological interactions between porbeagles and their prey, shedding light on their trophic relationships and feeding behavior.
We are seeking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic postdoctoral researcher with a burning interest for contributing to marine conservation and the development of molecular tools. She/He will play a key role for comparing the success of different eDNA sampling approaches and optimizing the laboratory and bioinformatic processing of samples collected during the pilot study (Water eDNA vs biopsies) in 2023 (pilot study) and the main sampling phase in 2024.
All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.
Qualifications and Skills
Working place and collaborations.
The successful applicant will work directly with Erwan Quéméré in a stimulating research group (http://www.quemere.fr/) based at the Research unit DECOD « Dynamics and sustainability of ecosystems: from source to sea » in Rennes (Brittany France) (https://www.umr-decod.fr/en). The
research group offers an inspiring and creative working environment where innovative techniques such as remote sensing, genomics, spatial analysis, imaging, and modeling are utilized to study marine and
freshwater ecosystems across various biological levels, from genes to organisms, populations, and communities. The lab is well-equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for eDNA analysis, including a dedicated PCR-free laboratory for eDNA analysis, a digital PCR system (QIAcuity), and direct access to an Illumina sequencing platform, and a bioinformatic server.
The project benefits from an attractive collaborative environnement with strong partnerships involving the French Research Institute for Exploitation of the Sea (IFREMER, Verena Trenkel, Loïc Baulier),
the NGO « Des Requins et des Hommes » (Sharks and Humans, Armelle Jung), the French Office of Biodiversity, and the Sept-Îles Nationale Nature Reserve. The successful applicant will be part of a large international research team and will be required to maintain regular communication and collaborative efforts with fellow partners from Austria (Bettina Thalinger, PI), Iceland, Italy, Azores islands within the eWHALE consortium. The sharing of samples and expertise among the consortium members is at the core of the project, particularly for the intercalibration of methods across different species of interest.
Applications should include: CV with list of publications in peer-reviewed journals; a letter explaining research interests (max. 2 pages) and three academic references.
Please send your application and enquiries for further information to Erwan Quéméré, PhD (erwan.quemere@inrae.fr, subject: Postdoc application eWHALE).
Deadline
Review of applications will begin on the 20th of August 2023 and will continue until the position is filled. Please note that further information might be requested from shortlisted applicants which will
be invited to attend an interview.
Expected starting date : 1st Octobre 2023.
Duration, appointment and salary : The position is available for 2 years (24 months). The fixed term contract provides a net salary between 2,310 euros and 2,480 euros per month depending on candidate’s experience.
- A Ph.D. in a relevant field, such as marine biology, conservation genetics, or environmental science, with a focus on molecular techniques and eDNA studies.
- Strong expertise in molecular biology, DNA extraction, PCR amplification, and sequencing methodologies.
- Proficiency in bioinformatic pipelines for processing high-throughput sequencing data.
- Ability to work independently, efficiently manage research tasks, and meet project deadlines.
- Excellent communication skills and a collaborative mindset to foster effective interactions within the research team and with project partners.
- Fluency in English (both written and spoken) is required.
Working place and collaborations.
The successful applicant will work directly with Erwan Quéméré in a stimulating research group (http://www.quemere.fr/) based at the Research unit DECOD « Dynamics and sustainability of ecosystems: from source to sea » in Rennes (Brittany France) (https://www.umr-decod.fr/en). The
research group offers an inspiring and creative working environment where innovative techniques such as remote sensing, genomics, spatial analysis, imaging, and modeling are utilized to study marine and
freshwater ecosystems across various biological levels, from genes to organisms, populations, and communities. The lab is well-equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for eDNA analysis, including a dedicated PCR-free laboratory for eDNA analysis, a digital PCR system (QIAcuity), and direct access to an Illumina sequencing platform, and a bioinformatic server.
The project benefits from an attractive collaborative environnement with strong partnerships involving the French Research Institute for Exploitation of the Sea (IFREMER, Verena Trenkel, Loïc Baulier),
the NGO « Des Requins et des Hommes » (Sharks and Humans, Armelle Jung), the French Office of Biodiversity, and the Sept-Îles Nationale Nature Reserve. The successful applicant will be part of a large international research team and will be required to maintain regular communication and collaborative efforts with fellow partners from Austria (Bettina Thalinger, PI), Iceland, Italy, Azores islands within the eWHALE consortium. The sharing of samples and expertise among the consortium members is at the core of the project, particularly for the intercalibration of methods across different species of interest.
Applications should include: CV with list of publications in peer-reviewed journals; a letter explaining research interests (max. 2 pages) and three academic references.
Please send your application and enquiries for further information to Erwan Quéméré, PhD (erwan.quemere@inrae.fr, subject: Postdoc application eWHALE).
Deadline
Review of applications will begin on the 20th of August 2023 and will continue until the position is filled. Please note that further information might be requested from shortlisted applicants which will
be invited to attend an interview.
Expected starting date : 1st Octobre 2023.
Duration, appointment and salary : The position is available for 2 years (24 months). The fixed term contract provides a net salary between 2,310 euros and 2,480 euros per month depending on candidate’s experience.
