PhD : Shaping the developmental trajectory of aquaculture species in a global change context: i[...]

PhD : Shaping the developmental trajectory of aquaculture species in a global change context: improving robustness and underlying mechanisms (M/F)

Closure date for receipt of applications: 15/05/2025

Who are we?

This project is proposed by the “Marine Resources in French Polynesia” unit. This unit conducts research dedicated to developments in aquaculture and the adaptation of species of economic interest to global changes. In this context, we have experimental infrastructures that allow integrated studies from the field to the laboratory and from populations to the finest mechanistic aspects. As part of international partnerships with New Zealand (Cawthron Institute) we are developing new aquaculture protocols aimed at improving the robustness of species with regard to climate change and diseases.

What is the subject of the thesis?

During this PhD project, you will develop protocols for influencing the developmental trajectory on biparental families of two species of tropical bivalves (the rock oyster, Saccostrea echinata and the pearl oyster, Pinctada margaritifera) and two species of temperate bivalves (the green mussel, Perna canaliculus and the Pacific oyster, Magallana gigas). By working on species with very different thermal regimes, we will increase the potential for application of these methods in a broader perspective at the global level.

What will your mission be?

You will develop all of this work in collaboration between three laboratories (the SECOPOL UMR in French Polynesia, the IHPE UMR in Montpellier and the Cawthron Institute in Nelson, New Zealand). The work on the Pacific oyster and the green mussel will be carried out at the Cawthron Institute facilities and that on the pearl oyster and the rock oyster will be carried out at the Ifremer facilities in Vairao (Tahiti). The omics analyses will be carried out at the IHPE laboratory in Montpellier. During the thesis, you will spend 18 months in French Polynesia, 12 months in mainland France (Montpellier) and 6 months in New Zealand.

What will your activities be?

You will develop experimental approaches to larval stress and verify the robustness acquired at later life stages. You will participate and develop comparative omics approaches and the characterization of underlying molecular mechanisms. You will manipulate various omic datasets (epi)genomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics), analyse them, apply appropriate statistical approaches, and integrate the different omics layers (integrative omics).

Who are you?

You have the following skills, knowledge and experience:

• NGS analysis (transcriptomics and/or genomics and/or epigenomics) on non-model species
• Bash, R, Python Programming
• Metabolomics

You have the following qualities:

• Organizational skills, thoroughness, initiative, and dynamism.
• Ability to communicate and work in a team.
• Proficiency with IT and statistics tools.
• Driving license B preferred.

What are your benefits?

• 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 2300 euros gross for a period of 3 years, which cannot be combined with other scholarships.
• We have a teleworking agreement and our staff have 12 comp time days and supra statutory leave.
• We allocate a significant budget to developing skills, through individual or collective training actions.
• We have a CSR policy inspired by the purposes of the institute (sustainable mobility allowance, etc.)

How to apply for this position?

Your application file must include:

• an academic transcript (Bachelor + Master 1 and first semester Master 2)

Your application must be compiled into 2 PDF files, up to 2 Mo for each file.

The deadline for applications is May 15th, 2025. Nevertheless, we strongly urge you to let us know as soon as possible of your intention to apply, by contacting the subject supervisor: Guillaume MITTA

What are the next steps?

• Deadline application submission 15th of May 2025
• Auditions: end of May
• Decision : early June

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