PhD: “Meiofauna as bIomonitoring tool for aNthropogenic impacts in the Deep sea (MIND)” (M/F)
Reference: PV-2024-1408/1
Department/Office:
Duration in months :36
Start date:
Deadline for applications:15/04/2024
General areas of responsibility
Presentation of the department, research unit or laboratory
Pioneer in ocean science, IFREMER’s cutting-edge research is grounded in sustainable development and open science. The Department of Physical Resources and Deep-sea Ecosystems (REM) tackles scientific and technological challenges. Its research involves the study of the seafloor and sub-seafloor, the geological evolution of continental shelves, past climate variation, geological risks, biodiversity and the dynamics of deep-sea ecosystems and the interactions between the biosphere and the geosphere on scales ranging from bacteria to the glacial cycles.
Deep-sea ecosystems are characterized by very high biodiversity shaped by natural variability of deep-sea benthic environments. The biodiversity and dynamics of these remote ecosystems are still poorly understood. The interest in the deep sea is growing for the exploitation of their natural resources. The Unité Biologie et Ecologie des Environnements marins Profonds (BEEP) is developing research projects for increasing our knowledge on the biodiversity and functioning of these ecosystems in order to provide recommendations regarding the exploitation of deep-sea resources.
Summary
The quest for rare minerals and metals is high due to the urging industrial needs related to the transition towards clean energy sources. The deep sea is an important reservoir of mineral deposits. Despite the fact that meiofauna has a fundamental role in deep‐sea ecosystems and it is a recognized as early sentinel of anthropogenic impacts, our knowledge on this compartment is still very limited. MIND will focus on the diversity and ecology of metazoan meiofauna from polymetallic nodules and from inactive sediments of the two French exploration contracts. The interaction between benthic compartments (microorganisms, protozoans, meiofauna and macrofauna) as well as environmental constraints shaping communities will be investigated. Applying and testing automatic approaches, this project aims also to identify key bioindicator species and functional traits for the detection of impacts in the context of deep‐sea mining. MIND is positioned to bring major discoveries on deep‐sea biodiversity and to provide essential recommendations to decision‐makers regarding the exploitation of deep‐sea resource.
Key words
Deep‐sea mining, biomonitoring, meiofauna
Required Knowledge, skills, and characteristics
Specific working conditions
Phd is a real opportunity to work on Ifremer's scientific and technological priority themes. It entitle the holder to a gross monthly salary of 2300 euros gross 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 3 MB for each file.
The deadline for applications is April 15th, 2024. Nevertheless, we strongly urge you to let us know as soon as possible of your intention to apply, by contacting the subject supervisor: Daniela.Zeppilli@ifremer.fr and Pierre.Antoine.Dessandier@ifremer.fr
Doctoral students' contracts will start as of October 1st, 2024, 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).
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 of the Sea, the French Ministry for the Ecological and Solidary Transition, and the French Ministry of Agriculture and Food.
How to apply for this position
Deadline for applications: 15/04/2024
All applications are processed exclusively via our website. Interested candidates can apply by clicking the “Apply” button.
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