One PhD position focusing on the impacts of local warm (during winter) and cold (during summer) thermal habitats use by fish on community dynamics is available at the RECOVER (RISKS, ECOSYSTEMS, VULNERABILITY, ENVIRONMENT, RESILIENCE) laboratory in the freshwater ecology (FRESHCO) team at INRAE of Aix-En- Provence (France).
The PhD will work under the supervision of Martin Daufresne (RECOVER) and Yann Voituron (Lyon1 university) and the co-supervision of Arnaud Sentis (RECOVER) and J.C. Poggiale (Aix-Marseille university).
Topic:
To date, only 3 major rules of ecological responses to climate warming have been identified: (i) the advancement of spring events, (ii) the modification of species distribution ranges, and (iii) the reduction of individual body sizes. These responses describe general phenomena often observable at broad temporal and spatial scales. However, the fine-scale mechanisms by which temperature influences the ecology of organisms remain insufficiently characterized to better understand the ecological impacts of climate change. In this context, thermal variability at finer scales must be considered, and the study of the spatio-temporal dynamics of thermal habitats is now recognized as crucial. While the concept of summer cold thermal refuges was quickly identified, particularly for cold-water stenothermal species, recent studies have highlighted the importance of winter warm refuges, especially for individual growth.
The PhD project aims to assess the evolutionary constraints on thermal micro-habitat use strategies in fish and their ecological consequences within a climate warming framework. The work will be conducted on two systems (Buèges River for winter-warm refuges, Ain River for summer-cold refuges) and will be structured around 3 interconnected axes: (i) the assessment of local thermal conditions at the study sites, (ii) the description of thermal habitat–fish relationships, and (iii) DEB modeling for the species considered. Local thermal conditions will be assessed through continuous measurements (probes), point measurements using thermal infrared imaging (drone), and modeling (in collaboration with EDF). These thermal data will be coupled with biological data collected through snorkeling visual surveys. Finally, Dynamic Energy Budget (DEB) theory will be used to better understand the potential mechanisms involved in individual responses and their consequences on the population dynamics of fish communities. In this framework, experiments may be set up to acquire metabolic and physiological parameters for the model.
Qualifications & Skills:
We are seeking highly motivated people with good organizational skills and strong interests in
empirical, modeling and global change ecology. Candidate with experience in biology, ecology, physiology or a related field are welcomed. Candidates interested in both modeling and behavioral work are particularly encouraged to apply. Previous experience with freshwater
fauna, laboratory experiments, and statistical analyses (R software) will be appreciated.
To apply, please send your CV and motivation letter (1 page maximum) to Martin Daufresne (martin.daufresne@inrae.fr) and Yann Voituron (yann.voituron@univ-lyon1.fr).
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