An important constraint for the success of biocontrol using natural enemies is that it relies on deep ecological knowledge of species interactions, particularly because pests are usually attacked by multiple enemies. This project aims at disentangling the main mechanisms driving the interactions between multiple natural enemies in order to find the best natural enemy combinations to control pests by minimising antagonistic interactions between enemies.
We are looking for an enthusiastic postdoc to model and parameterize ecological interactions between pest populations and their enemies based on microcosm experiments. We are interested in candidates who can develop mechanistic community models but are also able to use nonparametric statistical models (eg Empirical Dynamical Modelling) to investigate fundamental ecological questions on species interactions in a quantitative and predictive way. The intended work lies at the interface of ecological modelling and experiment entomology. The position is linked to the collaborative project ENEMYCOCKTAIL funded by the French National Research Agency (ANR-PRCE) that involves interactions between modelers (ISEM), entomologists (CBGP, Centre for Biology and Management of Populations , PI Enric FRAGO) and an industrial stakeholder (Biobest). As such the candidate will benefit from the interdisciplinary nature of the project but will also be expected to strongly interact with the other partners to analyse and understand fundamental community ecology mechanisms but also design and suggest solutions and metrics of interest for biocontrol application.
The candidate should have:
• A PhD in ecology/environmental sciences/entomology and/or mathematics/statistics/physics/AI applied to ecological questions.
• A good track-record of publications.
• Proficiency in R and/or Python
• A good experience in modeling (ODEs in particular), analyzing empirical data and using statistical models (Empirical Dynamical Modelling in particular)
• Good writing and communication skills.
• Experience with working at the interface of theoretical models and empirical data will be appreciated
The position is for 24 months (potentially extendable by another 12 months) with a salary around 38-46k€/year (including health insurance, retirement and unemployment contributions) depending on the experience. The working language in the lab is English and applicants from all countries are eligible. Early-career candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Starting dates are between September-December 2024. No deadline for application, the position will remain open until filled.The Institut des Sciences de l’Evolution de Montpellier (ISEM, https://isem-evolution.fr/en/ ) is part of the University of Montpellier and is a research institution of a more than 200 scientists focusing on biodiversity origins, dynamics and the associated evolutionary mechanisms and processes. It is located close to the centre of the vibrant city of Montpellier in the south of France, only few kilometers from the Mediterranean Sea.
To apply please send one document comprising a motivation letter, a CV, contact details for two references using the following link:
https://emploi.cnrs.fr/Gestion/Offre/Default.aspx?Ref=UMR5554-VASDAK-003
For informal inquiries, please contact:
Vasilis Dakos (vasilis.dakos@umontpellier.fr)
Tel: +33 4 67 14 40 81 www.vasilisdakos.info
Institut des Sciences de l’Evolution de Montpellier (ISEM)
Université de Montpellier
34095 Montpellier Cedex 05, France
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