About the position
The second National Action Plan for the endemic Amsterdam albatross Diomedea amsterdamensis for the period 2018-2027 was approved by the French Ministry for Ecological Transition. The main objective of this plan (https://taaf.fr/missions-et-activites/protection-de-lenvironnement/actions-de-terrain-et-programmes-menes/plan-national-dactions-en-faveur-de-lalbatros-damsterdam/) is to improve the conservation status of the Amsterdam albatross and ensure its long-term survival. It is based on 17 actions. The post-doc will work on 2 of these actions, with the aim of modelling the demographic parameters, their sensitivity to environmental variations and the population dynamics.
Project details
Demographic monitoring of the unique Amsterdam albatross population has been carried out since 1984 by the CEBC-CNRS. All breeding pairs are counted each year and all chicks are individually ringed before fledging. Annual ring checks on breeding adults enable the population to be monitored demographically. The latest estimates of population size and demographic parameters date back to 2007 (Rivalan et al. 2010, Barbraud et al. 2011).
The first objective of the post-doc will be to estimate the demographic parameters of the population, their temporal variability and their links with environmental variables using capture-mark-recapture models over the entire monitoring period.
A second objective will be to model population dynamics using matrix models, to carry out retrospective and prospective analyses, and to establish demographic projections according to climatic scenarios or the impact of human activities.
The aim of these two objectives will be to provide a decision-making tool for the decision-making bodies and managers of the Réserve Naturelle Nationale des Terres Australes Françaises for the implementation of management actions.
The post-doc will:
– Use 39 years of capture-recapture and abundance data to estimate demographic parameters (survival, reproductive probability, reproductive success, recruitment, age of first reproduction) and their temporal variation.
– Evaluate the effects of oceanographic and climatic variables (sea temperature, winds, climatic indices, etc.) and longline fishing activities on demography and population dynamics.
– Carry out predictive models to forecast population trends by integrating climate scenarios or management actions.
Références:
Barbraud, C., Rivalan, P., Inchausti, P., Nevoux, M., Rolland, V. & Weimerskirch, H. 2011. Contrasted demographic responses facing future climate change in Southern Ocean seabirds. Journal of Animal Ecology 80: 89-100.
Rivalan, P., Barbraud, C., Inchausti, P. & Weimerskirch, H. 2010. Combined impact of longline fisheries and climate on the persistence of the Amsterdam Albatross. Ibis 152: 6-18.
Job description
The position lasts for 8 months from the starting date (November 2024). The main tasks are to carry out the research project and write scientific articles.
Candidate profile
We are searching for a candidate with ecological expertise (PhD degree in ecology or a related field), excellent skills in population modelling (capture-recapture models, matrix models, integrated population models, etc…) and in climate change biology. Proficient experience and skills in R programming and demographic quantitative methods (mathematics, Bayesian statistics) would be appreciated. Conversational skills in French are desirable.
We offer
• A friendly and stimulating working environment in Villiers-en-Bois (western France: https://www.cebc.cnrs.fr/).
• Salary: gross monthly income ca. 4400€/month, net ca. 2900€/month.
How to apply?
Please use the following website for applications: https://emploi.cnrs.fr/Offres/CDD/UMR7372-CHRBAR-005/Default.aspx?lang=EN
Institutional context
The post-doc will be physically based at the Centre d’Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (https://www.cebc.cnrs.fr/). The academic supervisor of this project is Christophe Barbraud.
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