Our lab seeks a postdoc in the field of spatial ecology to study bee foraging movements. In the lab, bees tend to establish routes minimizing travel distances between feeding sites, an optimisation problem analogous to the Travelling Salesman Problem. We are aiming at understanding how these spatial networks develop over the long-term in field realistic conditions where multiple individuals interact to collect heterogeneous resources. Network analyses and simulations models will be used to generate hypotheses to be tested in semi field setups (automated tracking, computer controlled feeders, etc.).
Job profile:
A 18 months IDEX funded position is available at the new Centre for Integrative Biology of Toulouse (http://cbi-toulouse.fr/eng/). Start date May - July 2016. Salary ? 33638 per year.
The lab is especially interested in developing network analyses to study pollinator movements. The postdoc will be encouraged to develop independent projects along this line with the possibility to generate his/her own behavioural datasets or making use of data collected in the lab or by collaborators. The postdoc will have interactions with partners working on network analyses (Raphael Jeanson) and plant ecology (Christophe Andalo).
Required qualifications:
Ph.D. or equivalent degree in bioinformatics, behaviour, ecology or related field. Publication of work based on dissertation. Working knowledge of bioinformatics pipelines and analyses on large datasets. Proficiency in scripting language (e.g. R, Matlab) and depth in some area of network analyses or spatial ecology. Prior experience in working with insects is preferred but not required.
Application:
To apply please submit a cover letter describing your relevant experience and interest, a CV, the contact information for two references, and 1-2 relevant publications to Mathieu Lihoreau (mathieu.lihoreau@univ-tlse3.fr). Initial review of applications will begin on February 15, 2016. Applications will be reviewed every week until the search is closed.
Please feel free to contact us at the above email address with any questions.