Postdoctoral researcher in the analysis of telemetric data from migratory birds

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Postdoctoral researcher in the analysis of telemetric data from migratory birds

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Job description

Offer DescriptionLa Rochelle University was created by Michel Crépeau as a result of a determined initiative by the local authorities. From its inception in 1993, the university has set out on a path of differentiation. Thirty years later, as the university landscape recomposes itself, it continues to assert its original vision, based on a strong identity and bold projects, in a human-scale establishment located in an exceptional setting. Internationally recognised for its research and exchange programmes and for the quality of its teaching, La Rochelle University welcomes around 1,000 foreign students of more than 90 different nationalities among its 8,700 students, and employs nearly 1,000 staff (lecturers, teacher-researchers and administrative and support staff).Anchored in a region with very distinct coastal characteristics, La Rochelle University has turned this uniqueness into a real signature, serving a new model. Its research is focused on the theme of Urban, Sustainable and Intelligent Coastlines (LUDI in french). Website to consult:Research infrastructureThe LIENSs laboratory is a joint interdisciplinary research unit (UMRi 7266 La Rochelle University – CNRS). This laboratory uses interdisciplinarity to address the challenges of sustainable development in relation to the coastline. It integrates the skills of a wide range of disciplines, from environmental sciences to human sciences, chemistry and biotechnology. His research focuses in particular on the functioning of the coastal system, its evolution in a context of global change and increasing urbanisation of the coasts, and its sustainable use and exploitation.Tasks and assignmentsThe MIGRATLANE research programme is part of the development of offshore wind farms along the French Channel-Atlantic coast. The planning of maritime developments for the energy transition must be accompanied by a sound knowledge of the animal species that frequent these areas in order to ensure their preservation. The Office Français de la Biodiversité has therefore launched and is leading a research programme designed to collect data and characterise migratory flows, flight behaviour and altitudes, as well as the maritime areas of importance for seabirds, land birds and bats.The migratory flow along the North-East Atlantic Arc drains a large proportion of the Western Palearctic migrants (Iceland, United Kingdom, Scandinavia, Northern Europe, and even as far as Asia or Western Siberia for some) and a proportion of the Eastern Nearctic migrants (who migrate via Europe. The numbers involved are considerable during the post-nuptial migration period, with several thousand migratory birds per kilometre of coastline entering the sea from the UK, then transiting along the coast via the North Sea – Channel – Bay of Biscay route, with daily numbers sometimes much higher when migration conditions are particularly favourable. During prenuptial migration, these species make the reverse journey to their respective nesting sites. The methods and characteristics (altitude, meteorological factors, nocturnal vs. diurnal, routes, etc.) of these migrations are beginning to be studied, but are still largely unknown.Lot 2 Migratlane ) aims to address a number of issues identified as priorities in terms of acquiring knowledge about migratory and/or marine avifauna in the north-east Atlantic arc.This 24-month contract aims to :

• describe the migration routes used;
• the spatial and temporal distribution of terrestrial migrants crossing the ecological barriers formed by the English Channel and the Bay of Biscay;
• to understand the meteorological factors that influence the crossing of ecological barriers in the migratory system of the Channel and Bay of Biscay.

First the candidate will have to extract various meteorological variables, including precipitation, atmospheric pressure, wind speed and cloud cover, at the time when the birds choose to undertake the sea crossing. Various statistical models will then be constructed to test the effect of each of these variables.

The study will focus on various species of shorebird : the pintail, the brant, the short-eared owl, the grey cuckoo and the turtle dove.The data is obtained by telemetric monitoring, which has been in place since 2023, and which provides detailed knowledge, by species, of the phenology of migrations at sea, the vertical distribution of migrants at sea, flight speeds, and the spatial distribution of marine species in relation to their origin (e.g. distance from the colony).Reporting to a Lecturer-Partner of the Lot2 Migratlane project, you will have to :

• Define the 3D paths of migratory birds as they cross bodies of water.
• Organise databases from position recordings obtained by GPS beacons.
• Collect, process and facilitate the circulation of information from telemetry data obtained on programmes other than the Migratlane programme.
• Collect, process and facilitate the flow of information from meteorological data obtained to be considered as variables for statistical models

Then your main responsibilities will include :

• Designing and developing the structure of databases and information systems for collecting, structuring, storing and linking data
• Analysing data from research work in different areas of the life sciences
• Disseminate and promote the results of publications and oral presentations

Those tasks are not exhaustive, and may change during the contract.RequirementsResearch Field Computer science » Database management Education Level PhD or equivalentResearch Field Biological sciences » Biological engineering Education Level PhD or equivalentSkills/QualificationsOperationnal skills

• Data collection, analysis and processing (in-depth knowledge)
• Applied computing (Rstudio and QGIS)
• English language: B2 to C1 (Common European Framework)

Behavioural skills

• Ability to work as part of a team

Knowledge

• Biology of migratory birds.
• Techniques for analysing three-dimensional georeferenced data.

Languages ENGLISH Level ExcellentLanguages FRENCH Level ExcellentResearch Field Biological sciences » Biological engineeringComputer science » Database management Years of Research Experience NoneAdditional InformationBenefits

• 75% contribution towards the cost of public transport to and from work
• Sustainable mobility package for the use of a cycle/carpool on home-work journeys
• Carpooling partner
• Mutual insurance contribution of €15/month
• Collective catering on the university campus
• Teleworking possible for up to 2 days a week, depending on the needs and organisation of the department
• Support for staff in their professional development and preparation for civil service competitions
• Sport, leisure and culture for all employees

Selection processPierrick Bocher, Lecturer-Partner Lot2 MigratlaneHow do I apply?Your application , and include :

• letter of motivation
• detailed curriculum vitae
• copy of highest diploma

Additional commentsType: fixed-term 24 months contractWorking hours: full-timeRemuneration: from €2,500 gross per month for full-time work, depending on level of experience and degree of expertiseQualification: PhdExperience: Entry-level Phd accepted Website for additional job detailsWork Location(s)Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute La Rochelle Université LIENSs laboratory Country France GeofieldWhere to apply E-mailpierrick.bocher@univ-lr.frContact CityLa Rochelle WebsiteStreet23 avenue Albert Einstein, BP 33060 Postal Code17031STATUS: EXPIRED

Expected salary

€2500 per month

Location

La Rochelle, Charente-Maritime

Job date

Fri, 24 May 2024 03:38:41 GMT

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