PhD : Role of zooplankton in the trophic transfer of essential fatty acids in marine ecosystems (M/F)
Ifremer - French Research Institute for Exploitation of the Sea
State University (France), Browse similar opportunities
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State University (France), Browse similar opportunities
Reference: PV-2021-900/1
Department/Office:
Duration of contract:3 ans
Start date:
Deadline for applications:02/05/2021
The Institute and the recruiting departement
A pioneer in ocean science, IFREMER’s cutting-edge research is grounded in sustainable development and open science. Our vision is to advance science, expertise and innovation to:
- Protect and restore the ocean
- Sustainably use marine resources to benefit society
- Create and share ocean data, information & knowledge.
With more than 1,500 personnel spread along the French coastline in more than 20 sites, the Institute explores the 3 great oceans: the Indian, Atlantic and Pacific oceans. A leader in ocean science, IFREMER is managing the French Oceanographic Fleet and its dedicated scientists create ground-breaking technology to push the boundaries of ocean exploration and knowledge, from the abyss to the atmosphere-ocean interface.
Well-established in the international scientific community, our scientists, engineers and technicians are committed to advance knowledge about our planet’s last unexplored frontiers. They provide the science we need for informed decision-making and public policy and they transfer this knowledge and technology to businesses to fulfill public and private needs. Core to our mission is also to strengthen public awareness about the importance of understanding the ocean and its resources, and empowering future generations of leaders through education and outreach national campaigns.
Founded in 1984, IFREMER is a French public organization and its budget approximates 240 million euros. It is operating under the joint authority of the French Ministry for Higher Education, Research and Innovation, the French Ministry for the Ecological and Solidary Transition, and the French Ministry of Agriculture and Food.
General areas of responsibility
The Channel & North Sea Fisheries Research Unit (Unité Halieutique Manche Mer du Nord, HMMN) is investigating the dynamics of marine fisheries, ecosystems and biodiversity, subject to the pressure of fisheries and other human activities in a global change context, as well as evaluating management strategies to mitigate the impact of these pressures.
HMMN activities are structured into three broad research themes : (1) Individuals, populations and ecological niches, (2) Communities, trophic networks and biodiversity and (3) Fleets, fisheries and management scenarios, all supported by three technological facilities: a Sclerochronology National Center, a Trophic Ecology Platform, and a Zoo- (and Ichtyo-) plankton Taxonomy and Ecology Platform.
Summary
Zooplankton play a central role in the functioning of aquatic food webs by being a food source for higher trophic levels and a major consumer of primary production and detrital organic matter. How zooplankton interact with the entire ecosystem, and the extent to which existing and emerging pressures could affect its biomass, diversity and functional role, however, is largely unknown. Through this PhD thesis project, we will first provide a comprehensive representation of zooplankton community in the Eastern English Channel and the Southern North Sea (EC-SNS), define ecoregions in that basin, and analyze time changes in diversity and biomass. Second, we will analyze and map out the spatial variability in the biochemical composition (in terms of essential long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, LC-PUFA) in relation to environmental drivers. Finally, we will define the role of zooplankton in the trophic transfer of LC-PUFA to upper trophic levels and in particular to small pelagic fish (i.e., herring) at different life stages.
Key words
Zooplankton, ecoregion, nutritional potential, long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, trophic network
Required Knowledge, skills, and characteristics
Expected profile
Specific working conditions
PhD is a real opportunity to work on Ifremer's scientific and technological priority themes. It entitles the holder to a gross monthly salary of 1900 euros for a period of 3 years, which cannot be combined with other scholarships.
How to apply for this position?
Your application file must include :
Your application must be compiled into 2 PDF files, up to 1.5 MB for each file:
In case of any problem in attaching your documents, please upload your CV on this page (this step is mandatory for your application to be considered) and send all the documents to the thesis supervisor: Paul.Marchal@ifremer.fr
The deadline for applications is 2nd May, 2021. Nevertheless, we strongly urge you to let us know as soon as possible of your intention to apply, by contacting the subject supervisor.
Doctoral students' contracts will start as of October 1st, 2021, subject to the submission of administrative documents authorizing Ifremer to recruit the doctoral student (certificate of completion of the Master 2 or engineering degree + visa for foreign doctoral students outside the EU).
How to apply for this position
Deadline for applications: 02/05/2021
All applications are processed exclusively via our website. Interested candidates can apply by clicking the “Apply” button.
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