Climate effects on bees and crop pollination – a 3-year postdoc position

Working places: Unité Mixte de Recherche 247 EGCE – Evolution, Génomes, Comportement et Ecologie – Gif-sur-Yvette – France (www.egce.cnrs-gif.fr), and fieldwork
in several French study sites.

Job description: We open a 3-year postdoc position related to an accepted international PRIMA project. The postdoc will study the resilience of pollinators (Apis and non-Apis bees) to climate changes and their capacity to ensure both crop pollination services and honey productivity. For that, the postdoc will design and coordinate field experiments to monitor biodiversity of pollinators, crop pollination services and honey production along a combined gradient of climate and honey bee densities. The postdoc will also contribute to a socio-economic program aiming to understand the expectations and demands of both farmers and beekeepers around crop pollination services. The overall objective is to recommend integrated management practices that improve food production and safeguard biodiversity in agroecosystems.

Targeted profile: The postdoc requires good knowledge in pollination biology and bee ecology with a PhD and/or a postdoc in those areas. Further requirements are knowledge in experimental designs, good skills in statistics and modelling (using R), very good writing and communication skills, self-motivation, and ability to work in an international and interdisciplinary team. Good knowledge in French and English is required.

Conditions: The postdoc will integrate the UMR EGCE (www.egce.cnrs-gif.fr) based in Gif-sur-Yvette (southwest of Paris, France, in the green valley of Chevreuse). Fieldwork trips are planned in several study sites in France. The postdoc will be in close contact with the other project partners to standardize field experiments replicated in the other countries (that will be perform by the other partners). Project meetings are also planned in other partner Mediterranean countries. Salary and benefits are according to public service positions in France, depending on experience. The start date of the postdoc is planned between April and June 2021.

Application procedures: Send your application in a single pdf file by email to fabrice.requier@egce.cnrs-gif.fr no later than March 31th, 2021. Title your email “Postdoc application – Climate effects on bees and crop pollination”. Your application must include (i) a letter stating your motivations for this project, (ii) a CV and (iii) the names (with e-mail addresses) of two referees.

For further information, please contact: Dr Fabrice Requier, Lab. EGCE, UMR CNRS-IRD Université Paris-Saclay. Bat. 13, 1 Avenue de la Terrasse 91190 Gif-sur-Yvette, France www.egce.cnrs-gif.fr. phone: +33 (0)1 69 82 37 50 ; email: fabrice.requier@egce.cnrs-gif.fr

Titre du sujet : Exposition des abeilles sauvages aux polluants urbains : imprégnations individuelles et caractérisation des sources de contamination

Bref descriptif :

Le succès des pollinisateurs sauvages en ville, réel en zones suburbaines, apparait plus limité en zones à fort taux d’urbanisation. Dans ces zones, l’exposition accrue aux polluants urbains pourrait être l’une des causes des déclins observés, par le biais d’effets négatifs sur la santé individuelle et sur les interactions mutualistes que ces insectes entretiennent avec les plantes qu’ils pollinisent. Présents dans de nombreux produits de consommation courante, les phtalates sont des composés organiques semi-volatiles que l’on retrouve couramment dans l’air intérieur des bâtiments et résidences, d’où ils contaminent l’air extérieur à des taux compatibles avec des effets biologiques observés chez des hyménoptères (réduction de la fertilité ; inflammation). Nous émettons l’hypothèse que les phtalates, s’ils s’avèrent plus présents en zones très urbanisées, pourraient affecter la santé des pollinisateurs sauvages vivant en milieu urbain.

Le but de ce stage sera de déterminer les taux d’imprégnation cuticulaire de deux espèces témoins d’abeilles sauvages (Bombus terrestis et B. pascuorum) selon un gradient d’urbanisation au sein de la métropole de Lille. Il s’agira de comparer la nature et les taux de phtalates détectés sur les insectes, avec ceux relevés dans l’air ambiant des différents sites d’étude (analyses par GC-MS), et de croiser ces données avec les cartographies physiques des sites à notre disposition. Les questions à investiguer seront les suivantes : les taux de phtalates dans l’air ambiant augmentent-ils avec le taux d’urbanisation ? l’imprégnation cuticulaire des bourdons est-elle corrélée aux taux dans l’air ambiant ? Les taux relevés dans l’air et sur les insectes sont-ils prédictibles selon les types et densités de sources potentielles à proximité (bâtiments d’habitation, de commerce…) ? Nous évaluerons également les taux de contamination des pollens de plantes attractrices présentes sur les différents sites afin de déterminer si ces nourritures collectées par les bourdons pourraient être source de contamination pour eux.

Le stage se déroulera de mars à aout 2021, inclus.

Laboratoire d’accueil du Master : Unité Evolution, Ecologie et Paléontologie (EEP) – UMR CNRS 8198

Equipe d’accueil : Équipe Evo – Eco

Adresse : Université de Lille, campus scientifique, bâtiment SN2 59655 Villeneuve d’Ascq

Responsable de l’encadrement : Virginie Cuvillier et Nina Hautekèete

Email : virginie.cuvillier@univ-lille.fr ; nina.hautekeete@univ-lille.fr

Publications récentes en rapport avec le sujet :

·          Cuvillier-Hot & Lenoir Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology 2020, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mce.2020.110712

·          Fisogni et al. OIKOS 2020, https://doi.org/10.1111/oik.07274

·          Cuvillier-Hot et al. STOTEN 2018, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.08.259

·          Lenoir et al. ESPR 2014, https://doi.org/10.1007/s1135601432722

·          Cuvillier-Hot et al. Env Res 2014, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2014.03.016

Deadline: 10 NOVEMBER 2020

1) TECHNICIAN
We would like to recruit a Technician to support field work and lab work as part of an ERC consolidator project to study the evolution of bee viruses in nature following the introduction of a vector, the ectoparasitic Varroa mite. The job will entail field work in Islands in the Irish Sea and English Channel, collecting honeybees and bumblebees in Summer 2021. The lab work will include RNA extractions, PCR, and sample preparation for next generation and single molecule sequencing. The ERC funded post is for 2 years (salary scale TV-L 7, 100%), with a preferred starting date in March 2021to allow for fieldwork from mid-June.

The ideal applicant will have a technical apprenticeship or similar qualification, experience in field work and molecular ecology (nucleotide extraction, PCR). Detailed information on the ideal profile can be found at https://stellenangebote.uni-ulm.de/jobposting/7d815ee94aaa04546265760fdd7990ee9679092b. For administrative reasons, the advert is in German only; we welcome applications from non-native speakers for this position, please get in contact if you are interested.

The position will be based at the University of Ulm, at the Institute of Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation Genomics. Ulm is a delightful historic city on the Danube in Southwestern Germany; it is one hour from the Alps, Lake Constance, Munich and Stuttgart. Our institute is an international and interactive team, comprising of 4 groups working on topics in fudamental and applied Evolutionary Ecology including for example Conservation Genomics, Host-Parasite Interactions and Pollinator Ecology (https://www.uni-ulm.de/en/nawi/bio3/).

For further information, please contact Prof. Dr. Lena Wilfert (lena.wilfert@uni-ulm.de). The closing date is the 10th of November 2020.

The job advert with detailed information on profile and responsibilities, as well as the link to the online application system can be found here: https://stellenangebote.uni-ulm.de/jobposting/7d815ee94aaa04546265760fdd7990ee9679092b

Please note that applications have to be processed online!

2) POST-DOC
We would like to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Fellow as part of an ERC consolidator project to study the evolution of bee viruses in nature following the introduction of a vector, the ectoparasitic Varroa mite. The project will be based on initial field work (Islands in the Irish Sea and Channel). The project will focus on reconstructing transmission networks between bee species as well on understanding patterns of evolution in viruses following the introduction of vector-born transmission. The ERC-funded post is for 3.5 years (salary scale TV-L 13, 100%) , with a preferred starting date in March 2021 to allow for fieldwork from mid-June.

The post will include population genetics, phylogenetic modelling, new sequencing approaches and bioinformatics as well as field work and associated lab work focussing on RNA virus detection. Expert dedicated technical support is available for field and lab work. The successful applicant will be able to develop research objectives, projects and proposals; identify sources of research funding and contribute to the process of securing funds and make presentations at conferences and other events.

Applicants will possess a relevant PhD in a related field of study. The successful applicant will have expertise in the fields of phylodynamics, disease ecology or molecular ecology. The successful applicant will also be able to work collaboratively, supervise the work of others and act as team leader as required. Applicants should have expertise in population genetics, phylogenetics and/or bioinformatics. Ideally, the candidate will have experience in phylogenetic modelling of viral transmission and/or molecular ecology of RNA viruses. Experience in fieldwork and wet lab molecular ecology and evolution would be advantageous.

The position will be based at the University of Ulm, at the Institute of Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation Genomics. Ulm is a delightful historic city on the Danube in Southwestern Germany; it is one hour from the Alps, Lake Constance, Munich and Stuttgart.

For further information, please contact Prof. Dr. Lena Wilfert lena.wilfert@uni-ulm.de. The closing date is the 10th of November 2020.

The job advert with detailed information on profile and responsibilities, as well as the link to the online application system can be found here: https://stellenangebote.uni-ulm.de/jobposting/6802bbb8b016e80296c55f398d2cde44cb995f66

Please note that applications have to be processed online!

Review of applications will begin 1 NOVEMBER 2020

Start Date: Spring/Summer 2021 (flexible)

The Smith Bee Lab (https://smithbeelab.com)conducts research on the basic biology of honey bee colonies in a natural history context. We are interested in how colonies develop, how they are organized, and how they detect and respond to biotic and abiotic changes.

Here are some examples of broad questions we are addressing in the lab:
– How do behavioral repertoires change over an individual’s life?
– How do individuals gather information about the state of their colony?
– How does colony organization change in the face of environmental variation?

Members of the Smith Bee Lab are encouraged to develop their own research program within the broad framework of social physiology and understanding how honey bee colonies function. Prior experience working with honey bees is not required – we are actively seeking researchers with complementary skills to join our group, as long as they have a strong interest in the underlying biological concepts. Projects looking to develop methods, analytical tools, or make use of our dataset containing lifetime trajectories of over 15000 individuals are of particular interest.

Graduate students: Auburn supports a large community in our Department of Biological Sciences (DBS; http://www.auburn.edu/cosam/departments/biology/index.htm). Students can apply at the M.Sc. and Ph.D. level. Applicants should have a strong biology and/or analytical background in any field. Experience working with honey bees is not required. Application materials include a CV, personal statement, official transcripts, and three letters of recommendation (see: http://www.auburn.edu/cosam/departments/biology/grad/index.htm). Auburn does not require the GRE.

Prospective graduate students will be interviewed in January 2021, with formal applications due to DBS in February, and a start date of August 2021. Please note that all students must have a faculty sponsor before submitting your official application, so if you are interested in joining the lab, please contact me via email as soon as possible.

Ph.D. students from the United States are strongly encouraged to apply for the NSFGRFP (https://www.nsfgrfp.org). I will gladly work with potential graduate students who would like to apply the year before starting graduate school (GRFP due October 19, 2020).

Postdocs: candidates should have a PhD in any of the following: biology, computer science, data science, engineering, physics, statistics, or a related field. Review of applications will begin 1 Nov 2020, and continue until a suitable applicant is found. Flexible start dates, given the current global situation. Funding available for 3 years.

To apply, please send me (msmith@ab.mpg.de) a single PDF containing: cover letter, CV, and contact information for three references. To avoid spam filters, please use this for the subject of your email: [Your name], [position applying for], « application to Smith Bee Lab » (e.g. D. R. Jones, postdoctoral associate, application to Smith Bee Lab).

Auburn University is an R1 research institution, located in a fantastic, affordable college town (https://livability.com/al/auburn/where-to-live-now/why-auburn-al-is-a-best-place-to-live), with 4+ state parks and nature reserves within 30 minutes of downtown Auburn. Our nearest airport is Atlanta, a 1hr 15min drive, with shuttle service available. The Department of Biological Sciences is a friendly, vibrant, and collaborative setting for research. Members of the Smith Bee Lab are encouraged to develop collaborations across the university, and within the department’s four core areas:
1) BEHAVIOR, ECOLOGY, EVOLUTION, AND CONSERVATION (http://www.auburn.edu/cosam/departments/biology/dbs_core_areas/beec_core_area/index.htm)
2) EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS AND SYSTEMATICS (http://www.auburn.edu/academic/cosam/departments/biology/dbs_core_areas/egs_core_area/index.htm)
3) PHYSIOLOGICAL ADAPTATION AND FUNCTIONAL GENOMICS (http://www.auburn.edu/cosam/departments/biology/dbs_core_areas/pafg_core_area/index.htm)
and
4) HOST-MICROBIAL INTERACTIONS ().

Auburn University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and minorities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Bees & Environment, INRAE Avignon, France

In a rapidly changing environment, honeybee colonies are increasingly exposed to diverse sources of stress, which represent a challenge to their social homeostasis and can ultimately lead to their collapse. A multifactorial aetiology has often been reported (e.g. new parasites, decline in flower availability/diversity and exposure to agrochemicals acting in isolation or in combination). However, the manner in which stressors affect honeybee colonies and contribute to losses is poorly understood, which leads to major gaps in the environmental risk assessment of stressors and the implementation of effective policy and management responses. The underlying mechanisms remain unclear due to the complex nature of the potential combinations of stressors, but also to the difficulty of assessing the honeybee colony state in a robust manner in ever-changing environmental conditions. Notably, in the field and on a case-by-case basis, it remains difficult for beekeepers or surveillance networks to identify stressors or detect critical losses of bees and potential risks of colony decline since hives are visited at discrete times and the notion of temporal evolution of colonies is often lacking. In addition, identifying the drivers that shape colony development requires high-resolution data.

In this context, the development of tools to develop real-time and automatic recording of different colony parameters is a promising approach. Within the EU-project B-GOOD (Giving beekeeping guidance by computational-assisted decision-making, https://b-good-project.eu/), several tools are being used to monitor colonies and build a European database. The postdoc candidate will use this database to integrate data obtained from hive sensors to colony dynamic, identify the most useful parameters for predicting context-dependent colony health, and establish the relationship between environmental, biological and management drivers and bee health status. The ultimate goal will be to develop a modelling framework identifying abnormal colony events.  The candidate will be strongly involved in statistical analysis and modelling to characterize temporal processes (such as number of honeybees in colonies, weight of colonies, bee traffic, carbon dioxide and temperature regulation… ) in order to identify normal and abnormal events or change of these processes over time. This task will require intensive and efficient computing. Thus, the candidate is expected to have advanced experience in computer programming, statistics, temporal statistics and simulations with a high proficiency in R.

The postdoc will join the “Bees and Environment” research unit (AE, Avignon), which develop a wide range of research programs that are targeted to the study of honeybee and wild bee populations, in the context of sustainable farming and food security. The activity of the unit is organized around understanding the factors that are responsible for honeybee colony losses and the worldwide decline in wild bee populations, and the impact of this decline on biodiversity and crop production.  The postdoc will work in close collaboration with the Biostatistics and Spatial Processes research unit (BioSP, Avignon), which carries out research in mathematics and statistics, with applications in epidemiology, ecology and environmental sciences. AE and BioSP have been involved together in numerous research and operational projects.
Funding
The position is funded for 30 months by the EU-project B-GOOD
We aim for a start date on December 1st, 2020.
Candidate profile

•  PhD in Biology/Ecology/Biostatistics
•  Experience in big data analysis
•  Strong background in statistical analysis and/or temporal statistics
•  Strong skills in R programming
•  Good communication and writing skills (English)
•  The successful candidate will have excellent team-working

Supervisors
Cedric Alaux (AE)                              Maryline Pioz (AE)                                  Olivier Martin (BioSP)
cedric.alaux@inrae.fr                         maryline.pioz@inrae.fr                           olivier.martin@inrae.fr
Tel : +33 (0)4 32 72 26 19                  Tel : +33 (0)4 32 72 26 89                      Tel : +33 (0)4 32 72 21 57

INRAE, UR 406 Abeilles et Environnement
Site Agroparc, CS 40509
84914 Avignon Cedex 9
France

How to apply
The application should include a detailed CV, a one-page cover letter (research interest) and contact details of 2 scientific references in a single pdf file. The document should be sent by email to Cedric Alaux, Maryline Pioz and Olivier Martin before September 30, 2020. Selected candidates will then be interviewed.

https://www6.paca.inrae.fr/abeilles-et-environnement/Offres-de-Stages-et-Emplois

We are seeking field assistants to help with research social behaviour in the ground nesting sweat bee, Halictus rubicundus for periods of between 2 and 5 months. This could be early April to early June, or late June to late August, or both combined. Start and end dates can be negotiated to some extent within these constraints, but the successful candidate/s must be available for the entire period agreed.

The assistant will be working alongside a Postdoctoral researcher at the Knepp rewilding estate in Sussex, UK. H. rubicundus is a medium sized bee that nests in small colonies (fewer than 10 individuals) in the ground and has an insignificant sting.

Work will involve:

observing foraging behaviour, handling and marking bees, setting up video cameras, uploading video footage and excavating nests from the ground. In warm weather, field assistants will work long days in the field; in bad weather there will be tasks to carry out back at the accommodation/opportunity for time off. Because the work involves recording colour marks on individual animals, the job would not be suitable for someone who is colour-blind. See our research group website for more information about the kind of work we do (https://biosciences.exeter.ac.uk/staff/index.php?web_id=Jeremy_Field).

Experience of working with insects and a Degree (or working towards a Degree) in a Behaviour/Evolution/Ecology-related topic are desired. The successful applicants must have enthusiasm for fieldwork and be prepared to work hard. They will obtain excellent experience of cutting-edge social insect research.

Shared accommodation near Knepp is provided, but assistants are required to pay for their own food/personal expenses. Assistants receive £125 per week to cover costs. At the time of applying, candidates must be able to demonstrate that they have the right to work in the UK.

Please contact Dr Rebecca Boulton (r.boulton@exeter.ac.uk) and CC Prof. Jeremy Field (j.p.Field@exeter.ac.uk) to discuss these positions further.

Dr Rebecca Boulton

Postdoctoral Research Fellow

College of Life and Environmental Sciences University of Exeter Cornwall Campus

TR10 9FE

Email: r.boulton@exeter.ac.uk

Website: https://drbeckyb.wordpress.com/

PROPOSITION DE STAGE DE M2

Sujet: Espèces florales invasives et pollinisateurs : sensorialité et apprentissage

RENSEIGNEMENTS SUR L’EQUIPE D’ACCUEIL

Intitulé: Experience Dependent Plasticity in Insects (EXPLAIN)

Responsable(s) : Martin Giurfa & JM Devaud

Laboratoire :
Centre de Recherches sur la Cognition Animale (CRCA)
UMR 5169 CNRS/Université Paul Sabatier

Site web : http://cognition.ups-tlse.fr/

RESPONSABLES DU STAGE:

Martin Giurfa

martin.giurfa@univ-tlse3.fr

0561556733

Sylvie Guillerme (Laboratoire GEODE, coordinatrice du projet EI2P)

sylvie.guillerme@univ-tlse2.fr

0603947504

CONTEXTE DU STAGE

Ce stage intervient dans le cadre du projet EI2P « Espèces invasives et pollinisateurs, entre contraintes et potentiels », financé par la Région Occitanie. Les invasions biologiques et le déclin des populations d’abeilles sont deux phénomènes qui représentent des défis majeurs car ils ont un impact négatif sur les activités économiques et agricoles et contribuent à la vulnérabilité des populations humaines. Au-delà du discours prônant une éradication irréaliste et sans nuances, ce projet explore la complexité des questions liées à la perception, à la dynamique spatiale, à la gestion et à l’utilisation potentielle des espèces exotiques envahissantes dans un contexte d’acteurs multiples aux intérêts divergents, grâce à une approche interdisciplinaire associant sciences humaines, sciences spatiales et sciences naturelles. Ce projet vise à contribuer à une meilleure compréhension des impacts des espèces envahissantes sur les systèmes de production, de leurs conséquences possibles sur les services écosystémiques, de leurs potentiels – notamment pour l’apiculture – et de leur prise en compte dans les représentations des acteurs par une approche holistique. Ce stage s’inscrit dans le volet « éthologie » du projet, qui s’attache en particulier à mettre en évidence la façon dont les abeilles perçoivent certaines espèces exotiques envahissantes dans les Pyrénées.

RENSEIGNEMENTS SUR LE SUJET

Objectif :

Analyser si les espèces florales invasives présentent des traits sensoriels particuliers qui leur confèrent un avantage dans un contexte de détection et butinage par les pollinisateurs, en particulier par l’abeille domestique Apis mellifera.

Description :

Nous nous focaliserons sur deux espèces florales invasives paradigmatiques, Reynouatria japonica (renouée du Japon) et Impatiens glandulifera (balsamine de l’Himalaya) et sur un pollinisateur majoritaire et généraliste, l’abeille domestique Apis mellifera. La connaissance approfondie des systèmes sensoriels et du traitement de ces signaux par les circuits cérébraux de l’abeille permet de comprendre et de caractériser la saillance perceptuelle des signaux floraux pour les abeilles. Ainsi, nous serons en mesure de comprendre comment les espèces invasives sont perçues par les abeilles et si elles présentent des avantages sensoriels par rapport aux espèces locales qui les entourent.

Dans un premier temps, nous effectuerons sur le terrain des mesures florales afin de déterminer les spectres de réflection spectrale des espèces citées ci-dessus et des espèces locales adjacentes. Nous essaierons aussi d’obtenir des échantillons des fragrances florales des espèces invasives afin de déterminer par la suite si les odeurs impliquées sont particulièrement bien apprises par les abeilles. Finalement, au niveau gustatif, nous analyserons les caractéristiques du nectar présent dans les fleurs afin de le comparer à celui des fleurs locales.

Dans un deuxième temps, nous réaliserons des expériences d’apprentissage dans le laboratoire afin de déterminer si les abeilles préfèrent et/ou apprennent de façon avantageuse les informations sensorielles (en particulier les odeurs) des espèces invasives.

A la fin, nous serons donc en mesure de 1) caractériser la sensorialité de deux espèces invasives paradigmatiques sur différents domaines perceptuels des abeilles, et 2) déterminer leur efficacité dans des expériences d’apprentissage et mémorisation, capacités qui sont à la base des activités de butinage de ces insectes.

Profil requis :

Bac +5, compétences en environnement et/ou éthologie.

Qualités : motivation et rigueur, sachant travailler en équipe, aimant les contacts et l’interdisciplinarité, bonnes capacités rédactionnelles et organisationnelles.

Date du stage : Ce stage, d’une durée de 5 mois, sera réalisé entre mai et septembre 2020 (dates ajustables).

Indemnités : le/la stagiaire sera indemnisé(e) sur la base de la législation en vigueur + prise en charge des frais de déplacement

Lieu : Toulouse, et terrain dans les Pyrénées

Référence bibliographique éventuelle :

Giurfa, M. 2007 Behavioral and neural analysis of associative learning in the honeybee: a taste from the magic well. J Comp Physiol A 193, 801-824. (doi:10.1007/s00359-007-0235-9).

Merci d’adresser votre candidature (CV et lettre de motivation) à Martin Giurfa martin.giurfa@univ-tlse3.fr) et Sylvie Guillerme (sylvie.guillerme@univ-tlse2.fr)  AU PLUS TARD LE 28 février 2020.

Prof. Dr. Martin Giurfa
Exceptional-Class Professor
Research Center on Animal Cognition
Center of Integrative Biology
CNRS – University Paul Sabatier – Toulouse III
118 Route de Narbonne
31062 Toulouse cedex 9
FRANCE

Phone (direct): 33 (0) 561 55 67 33
Fax: 33 (0) 561 55 61 54
Mail: martin.giurfa@univ-tlse3.fr

http://cbi-toulouse.fr/eng/equipe-giurfa-devaud

Intitulé de l’offre : Ingénieur d’études en biologie moléculaire appliquée à l’abeille (H/F)
Référence : UMR5169-MARGIU1-001
Lieu de travail : TOULOUSE
Date de publication : lundi 13 janvier 2020
Type de contrat : CDD Technique/Administratif
BAP : Sciences du vivant, de la terre et de l’environnement
Emploi type : Ingénieur-e en techniques biologiques
Durée du contrat : 18 mois
Date d’embauche prévue : 1 mai 2020
Quotité de travail : Temps complet
Rémunération : 2184.44
Niveau d’études souhaité : Ingénieur
Expérience souhaitée : 1 à 4 années

Lien: https://emploi.cnrs.fr/Gestion/Offre/Default.aspx?Ref=UMR5169-MARGIU1-001

Missions

L’Ingénieur/e d’études participera activement à un projet de recherche (APITASTE) financé par l’Agence Nationale de la Recherche, destiné à étudier la neuromodulation du sens du goût chez l’abeille domestique Apis mellifera. Il/elle devra effectuer des expériences de biologie moléculaire afin d’étudier le rôle de gènes codant pour des récepteurs cibles. Il/elle devra étudier leur expression dans des régions du cerveau isolées par microdissection laser suite à des expériences comportementales auxquelles il/elle devra contribuer activement.

Activités

Expériences de biologie moléculaire (différentes techniques) sur des gènes codant pour des récepteurs choisis; test de leur efficacité in vitro & in vivo, microdissection laser, RT-qPCR, expériences comportementales sur les abeilles (déconseillé pour individus allergiques).

Compétences

Maîtrise de techniques de biologie moléculaire classiques, prédisposition aux micromanipulations (injections, dissections) et à se former aux tests comportementaux gustatifs chez l’abeille. Analyses, mise en forme et présentations de résultats.

Contexte de travail

Le travail de recherche s’effectuera au Centre de Recherches sur la Cognition Animale, institut CNRS spécialisé dans l’étude de la cognition (apprentissage,mémoire et perception sensorielle) chez l’animal (dir. C. RAMPON; voir http://crca.cbi-toulouse.fr/). La personne recrutée émargera à l’équipe EXPLAIN (dirs. M. GIURFA & JM DEVAUD) travaillant sur l’apprentissage et la mémoire chez les insectes, notamment sur les abeilles (voir http://cbi-toulouse.fr/fr/equipe-giurfa-devaud). Le projet de recherche s’inscrit dans le projet APITASTE finance par l’Agence Nationale de la Recherche, destine à comprendre les principes du codage et apprentissage gustatif chez l’abeille (voir https://anr.fr/Projet-ANR-18-CE37-0021).

Contraintes et risques

Conditions horaires établies de 7h par jour, 5 jours à la semaine. L’IE participera aussi aux réunions périodiques du consortium ANR ayant la responsabilité de ce projet ainsi qu’aux réunions régulières, congrès, séminaires, etc auxquels participe l’équipe d’accueil.

Face au risque éventuel de piqûres d’abeilles, personnes allergiques s’abstenir.

Prof. Dr. Martin Giurfa
Exceptional-Class Professor
Research Center on Animal Cognition
Center of Integrative Biology
CNRS – University Paul Sabatier – Toulouse III
118 Route de Narbonne
31062 Toulouse cedex 9
FRANCE

Phone (direct): 33 (0) 561 55 67 33
Fax: 33 (0) 561 55 61 54
Mail: martin.giurfa@univ-tlse3.fr

http://cbi-toulouse.fr/eng/equipe-giurfa-devaud

No deadline given

Monash U Australia/Graduate Position/Immediate start

A fully-funded Ph.D. position is available examining thermal adaptation in native Australian bees. Bees are keystone species in many ecosystems due to their role as pollinators. Any changes in the abundance and distribution of bees will have significant knock-on effects on biodiversity and ecosystem services. Despite their outsized ecological role, we know very little about climatic adaptation in bees, or even which climatic factors drive bee distributions.

In this project, we will use the rich and diverse Australian bee fauna to investigate the capacity of bees to adapt to climate change. Using field-based surveys of a bees thermal tolerances, comparative phylogenetic approaches and field reciprocal transplant experiments the project aims to: determine the role of temperature and rainfall in shaping the distribution of native bee species, predict the capacity of native bees to adapt to climate change and determine the role of environment and genetic variation in shaping population variation.

We are seeking a student who is highly motivated and passionate about evolutionary biology. Preferred candidates will have experience in evolution, ecology and thermal physiology, although experience in these areas is not necessary. There will be opportunities for the successful applicant to pursue their own scientific ideas within the aims of the project. The successful candidates will be supervised by Dr Vanessa Kellermann (Monash University) and Dr Ros Gloag (University of Sydney) and will be based at Monash University’s School of Biological Sciences.

The successful applicant will be awarded a scholarship that covers salary (current rate is $27,862 AUD tax-free per year), and a waiver of student fees, international students are welcome to apply.

Interested applicants should submit a CV, a copy of their academic transcript and a cover letter outlining their research interests to vanessa.kellermann@monash.edu and ros.gloag@sydney.edu.au. For links to the PhD application process at Monash University go to vanessakellermann.com.