Offre de stage en Islande - Ecologie comportementale

 Hosting structure : Department of Aquaculture & fish Biology, Hólar University - Iceland
Dates : 6 months from January 2021, discussable
Gratification : 80 000 ISK per month (around 500€/month)
Context of the study:
Comparative studies might give an insight on how cognition has evolved across taxa. The evolution of
spatial cognition is of a particular interest because all animals depend on navigational skills to find food or
mates, retrieve the nest and escape predators. Hence, spatial cognitive abilities have an impact on
individuals’ fitness and are consequently subject to natural selection. In that sense, spatial cognitive
abilities in each population should be locally adapted to its particular ecological conditions. The Icelandic
Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus, AC) is found as several sympatric morphs thriving in very different types
of habitats, from anadromous to benthic and pelagic lake-resident morphs. We hypothesize cognitive
abilities and behavior to be shaped according to both evolutionary history and current ecological factors,
implying differential expression patterns of genes linked with spatial cognition between populations. The
project is lead by Prof. David Benhaïm (lead PI, Hólar Univ., Iceland) in collaboration across Hólar Univ.
(Prof. Bjarni K. Kristjánsson, Dr. Camille Leblanc), University of Caen, France (Dr. Christelle Jozet),
IFREMER, France (Dr. Marie-Laure Bégout, Dr. Benjamin Geffroy), INRA, France (Dr. Xavier Cousin) and
University of Iceland (Prof. Zophonias Jónsson).
Student project:
The student will specifically be involved in identifying molecular clues underpinning behavioral and
cognitive ability differences between environments, by monitoring genes expression patterns in several
brain structures of offspring of aquaculture AC raised under complex vs. plain conditions. To do so, the
student will participate in brain dissection, perform RNA extraction, design and test primers for a set of
genes involved in neurogenesis and neural plasticity, perform reverse transcription and qPCR to quantify
target genes expression. Brain dissections will take place at Hólar University in the North of Iceland
whereas the genetics work will be carried out in Reykjavik at the University of Iceland. S/he will be
working in close collaboration with a PhD student.
Requirements:
The candidates must be enrolled in a degree in the fields of biotechnology or genetics, or relevant
equivalent fields. The ideal candidate has a strong interest in pluridisciplinary research with an emphasis
on cognition. S/he enjoys working in a dynamic group but should be able to work independently as well.
Statistical skills will be a plus. A valid driving license is a requirement. Working language will be English.
Organizational details:
At Hólar University, the student will be provided with a discount on accommodation as a lab member, and
commuting between the lab and the accommodation place will be at the lab's charge. The student will
also have free access to the University pool, gym and hot pot. Aside, Iceland is eligible for Erasmus+
grants.
Application:
Applicants should send an application letter, with a statement of research interests and relevant
experience and curriculum vitae as a single pdf to benhaim@holar.is. For further information contact
David Benhaïm (Dept. of Aquaculture and Fish Biology, Hólar University, benhaim@holar.is).