RESEARCHER PROFILE: Postdoc / R2: PhD holders
RESEARCH FIELD(S)1: Biology
JOB /OFFER DESCRIPTION
This project aims to study the predation pressure exerted by the invasive blue crab Callinectes sapidus on native mollusk species in the Berre Lagoon (France), by examining feeding rates on various prey and the thermal performance of the blue crab. The aim is to map its impact at both the local and Mediterranean scales under current and future climate scenarios.
The experimental work of the project will focus on determining the respiration rate and thermal tolerance of blue crabs as indicators of metabolic constraints (data already acquired), to produce fine-scale maps of suitable habitats. Comparative Functional Response (CFR) experiments will be conducted in the laboratory to quantify the blue crab’s predation efficiency and prey handling times across different mollusk densities and temperatures, simulating natural and invasive interactions. These results will feed into thermal performance models, enabling predictions of future impacts on native mollusk assemblages. By integrating this data into a Thermal Suitable Habitat framework, the project will develop global maps of blue crab predation pressure under two 2050 climate scenarios (RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5). The results obtained from this project will provide policymakers with a risk assessment method for the blue crab, contributing to conservation planning and invasive species management. This research highlights the importance of experimental, computational, and ecological approaches in understanding and mitigating the effects of climate-driven invasions on native biodiversity.
MAIN MISSIONS AND ACTIVITIES OF THE POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER
Laboratory Experiments Under Controlled Conditions
- Functional response experiments will be conducted throughout the year under controlled thermal conditions on different prey species (clams, mussels, gastropods) and at different temperatures (10 temperature levels). This will involve counting prey before and after experiments, and analyzing videos to determine prey search time, handling time, and consumption time.
- Experiments measuring the metabolism of prey in the presence and absence of blue crab predators will be carried out to assess how different mollusk size classes respond to predator presence. These experiments are part of the metabolic theory of ecology, which aims to quantify species' metabolic behavior (in this case, the prey) in response to predation risk. This will help identify which size classes are most vulnerable to blue crab predation.
Data Analysis and Scientific Writing
- Statistical analysis of predation rate data based on crab size, sex, and environmental conditions (e.g., ANOVA, multivariate analyses).
- Analyses in R to model metabolic performance and map suitable habitats at both small and large spatial scales.
- Map creation in QGIS based on the obtained results.
Fieldwork
- Field missions at the Étang de Berre for crab captures, mollusk sampling, and collaboration with local fishermen (possible participation in outings with them).
- Secondary missions to support the monitoring of blue crab larval recruitment in the Étang de Berre (monthly).
- Secondary missions supporting monthly monitoring of populations in the Var region (Salins d’Hyères, Étang de Villepey).
- Possibility of field missions in Turkey (Mugla University, a project partner) to collaborate with local partners.
TYPE OF CONTRACT: TEMPORARY / JOB STATUS: FULL TIME / HOURS PER WEEK: 35
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 02/06/2025 & TIME 23:59
ENVISAGED STARTING DATE: 15/09/2025
ENVISAGED DURATION: 12 months
JOB NOT FUNDED THROUGH AN EU RESEARCH FRAMEWORK PROGRAMME
WORK LOCATION(S): Institut Méditerranéen d’Océanographie ( M.I.O) Campus Technologique et Scientifique de Luminy, 163 avenue de Luminy - Bâtiment Méditerranée, 13009 MARSEILLE, France
WHAT WE OFFER:
- The postdoctoral researcher will be assigned to the Marine Ecology and Biodiversity (EMBIO) team within the MIO. Various laboratory experiments will be conducted at the MIO, particularly using the "Experimental Cultures" platform, which includes temperature-controlled chambers and aquariums. The postdoctoral researcher will have an office with internet access.
- A PhD scholarship for this topic has been requested (awaiting a response), so the postdoctoral researcher will be expected to collaborate with the PhD student.
- The postdoctoral researcher will regularly go into the field to capture blue crabs with local fishermen, and contribute to monitoring blue crab populations in the region (assisting with biometric measurements, etc.).
- The postdoctoral researcher will be integrated into the team and expected to participate in work and action-research meetings with project partners (e.g., the lagoon management organization GIPREB, fishermen, etc.) and institutional partners (ministries, the Mediterranean Lagoons Resource Center, managers, etc.).
Additional information: The Euraxess Center of Aix-Marseille Université informs foreign visiting professors, researchers, postdoc and PhD candidates about the administrative steps to be undertaken prior to arrival at AMU and the various practical formalities to be completed once in France: visas and entry requirements, insurance, help finding accommodation, support in opening a bank account, etc. More information on AMU EURAXESS Portal
QUALIFICATIONS, REQUIRED RESEARCH FIELDS, REQUIRED EDUCATION LEVEL, PROFESSIONAL SKILLS, OTHER RESEARCH REQUIREMENTS
Candidate Profile:
- PhD in Ecology and/or Marine Biology is required
- Early-career researchers (PhD obtained within the last 3 years) are welcome to apply
Technical and Professional Skills:
- Experience in laboratory work with live organisms is a plus
- Demonstrated autonomy, curiosity, and initiative
- Excellent proficiency in data analysis using R is essential
- Skills in QGIS or other mapping software would be an asset
Soft skills:
- Strong organizational skills and ability to work independently
- Ability to work as an essential member of a small team and to collaborate closely with a wide range of stakeholders: scientists, managers, fishermen, and interns (Master’s and PhD students)
- Capacity to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines
- Excellent oral and written communication skills in both French and English
- Strong scientific writing skills in English
- Experience in data acquisition and processing
- A valid driving license (B) is highly recommended
- Fluency in French is essential to interact effectively with project stakeholders
- Good capacities in English (speaking and writing)
REQUESTED DOCUMENTS OF APPLICATION, ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA, SELECTION PROCESS
Applicants are invited to send the following documents with the email subject line: “Candidature_Postdoc_AMIDEX_LASTNAME”:
- A detailed CV
- A cover letter describing their motivation, digital and laboratory skills, and relevant experience
- A list of publications and links to publications
- One letter of recommendation (optional but strongly encouraged)
HOW TO APPLY: [email protected]
