Trophic Ecology Researcher (M/F)

Deadline : 15th September, 2024.

The main challenges of the "Halieutique Manche Mer du Nord" (HMMN) unit are to analyze the dynamics of fisheries, marine ecosystems and their biodiversity under pressure from fishing, global change and emerging human activities, and to assess management strategies to ensure their sustainability and conservation. The HMMN Unit is structured around three research objectives: (1) the current state and productivity of fishery resources and ecosystems, (2) the fisheries of tomorrow, and (3) the cumulative impacts of human activities, in particular Marine Renewable Energies (MREs). HMMN hosts several observation facilities at sea and in laboratory (National Sclerochronology Pole, Zooplankton Taxonomy and Ecology Pole, a National Trophic Networks Platform). The HMMN Unit's research work supports the implementation of an ecosystem-based approach to fisheries and other human maritime activities. 

At the European Union level, the collection of fisheries data is assigned to the Member States as part of the Common Fisheries Policy (Data Collection Framework Regulation, DCF). In France, this activity is coordinated by the General Direction for Maritime Affairs, Fisheries and Aquaculture (DGAMPA), and Ifremer is the main national contributor. In particular, the institute is developing data collection activities in terms of individual biological parameters of marine species (size, weight, sex, sexual maturity, fecundity, age estimates and diet). The new European DCF work plan requests the analysis of the digestive contents of certain species, in order to supply ecosystem assessment models (taking into account prey-predator relationships). 

Reporting to the RHBL laboratory manager within the HMMN unit, the researcher develops research on the state and productivity of fishery resources and ecosystems through the study of trophic relationships between fish and their prey/predators. 

This research has an operational component supporting public policies, in particular regarding the collection and analysis of digestive content data for the monitoring and assessment of fish stocks of species listed in the national work plan of the DCF regulation. The researcher will coordinate a national reflection on the subject. He/she will support the DGAMPA in the implementation of regulatory obligations concerning the sampling and analysis of digestive contents. 

General areas of responsibility

This job has four main priorities:

• To develop knowledge of the trophic relationships on which fishery resources depend;
• To coordinate and run a national sampling network and data bank for fish stomach contents, building on the Trophic Networks Platform and cross-disciplinary IT skills; 
• To coordinate and lead the French collection of digestive content data as part of a European network;
• To participate in relevant European working groups. 

Principal activities

• Develop research on trophic interactions in the pelagic, demersal and benthic domains, at the various life stages of fishery resources, 
• Lead a network within Ifremer concerning the sampling and analysis of digestive contents, including different analysis methods and in liaison with modelers,
• Coordinate Ifremer's proposals to the national fisheries data collection program (National Work Plan/DCF), the development and updating of reference documents, the collection and banking of national data concerning digestive contents;
• Consider the development of the Fisheries laboratory's Tropical Networks platform into a national reference center for digestive content analysis, within a network of European laboratories, and develop research work in support of DCF regulatory requirements.
• Promote the results of research and expertise; contribute to the training and supervision of temporary staff, PhD students and post-docs.

Collaborative work environment

• Internal collaborative relationship : HMMN, fisheries research units, HISSEO service unit, coordination of fisheries research agreements
• External collaborative relationship : European marine research institutes, ICES, RCG, UMR LOG

Profil recherché

Required education and experience

• PhD in quantitative marine ecology or fisheries
• Post-doctoral experience, experience in project coordination

Required knowledge, skills and characteristics

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Ecology and biology of marine organisms, in particular fishery resources
• Trophic ecology
• Knowledge of methods for analyzing digestive contents and trophic position (isotopy, markers, genetics, etc.)
• Knowledge of models for quantifying trophic and/or ecosystem flows 
• Knowledge of ecophysiology
• Knowledge of statistics and programming (R, etc.)
• Fluent in English
• Ability to coordinate and supervise 
• Writing skills (papers, reports)
• Ability to organize, conduct and report on meetings

Human qualities

• Accuracy, curiosity, pragmatism; 
• Ability to plan and organize
• Ability to manage several projects in parallel;
• Leadership skills and ability to communicate with different categories of stakeholders, negotiation skills.
• Good listening and communication skills;
• Autonomy, taste for teamwork and interdisciplinarity.

Informations utiles

• Localisation Boulogne-sur-Mer - 62, France - zone de déplacement : internationale
• Contrat CDI
• Salaire Non défini
• Niveau de qualification Ingénieur/Cadre/Bac +5
• Expérience 1 à 7 ans, + 7 ans
• Modalités de travail Temps complet
• Fonction Bureau d'Etudes/R&D/BTP archi/conception, Ingénierie - Chimie/Pharmacie/Bio.
• Secteur Secteur Energie/Environnement
• Télétravail Occasionnel

Specific working conditions

• Permanent contract
• Full time
• Travel in France and other countries. 
• Participation in field operations and surveys.

Qui sommes nous ?

Ifremer1625 route de Sainte Anne • 29280 Plouzané • France

The Institute

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.