Research Scientist position in Ecology and forest insect invasions

The Forest Zoology Research Unit (INRAE URZF), located in Orléans in the Centre Val de Loire region (France), is expected to soon open a permanent research scientist position in the field of forest insect community ecology in the context of biological invasions.

URZF studies the response of pest forest insect populations to anthropogenic changes, with two main research axes: (1) invasions of exotic insects linked to the intensification of human activities, and (2) expansions of native insects threatening plant or human health in connection with climate change. The invasive success of a species depends both on its "invasiveness" (currently studied in the unit) and on the "invasibility" of the recipient environment, i.e., its vulnerability to invasion. This issue involves hypotheses such as the biotic resistance hypothesis (a crucial question not yet addressed in our unit). If this researcher position is opened, your mission will be to study the invasibility of environments colonized by invasive forest insects, using concepts and tools from community ecology.

The strengths of the unit include:
- International recognition in the field of invasions/expansions, and co-leadership of a Franco-Chinese International Joint Laboratory,
- Integration of multiple disciplinary approaches,
- Dedicated infrastructures and facilities for laboratory and field experimentation.

To apply, visit the INRAE Jobs website at the end of January or early February 2025. To receive a notification by email on the opening date, you can create a job alert now in just three clicks.