The consequences of global warming can only be reliably estimated if we know how organisms respond to increasing temperatures. In cities where temperatures are generally higher than in rural environments, the effects of global warming can be even more severe. One way organisms might adapt to an increasing heat, is through modification of their thermoregulatory mechanisms, in order to sustain higher temperatures. In this context a central question is to know whether organisms living in cities are already more tolerant to heat and therefore preadapted to global warming? 

Main mission:

The postdoc will take part in a new collaborative project in CEFE (project AdapTit) in which we study the interacting effects of global warming and urbanisation on Great tit (Parus major) behaviour and physiology. This question will be addressed using a combination of experimental approaches, mainly in captivity, and long-term monitoring in an urbanisation gradient.

First, the successful candidate will have to design, set up and test a new flow-through respirometry system for small birds. Second, the postdoc will perform thermoregulatory measurements on a set of 70 great tits originating from urban and rural habitats around Montpellier, as well as possibly on wild birds along the urban gradient. He/she will also perform behavioural tests at different temperature regimes to test whether birds of different origins adjust their behaviours differently. Third the postdoc will participate in a multi-city common garden experiment planned for spring 2024. 

Main activities will include:

- Setting up a flow-through respirometry system

- Conducting experiments on birds in aviaries

- Participating in field work in and around Montpellier

- Analysing data and writing publications

- Contributing to the research and social environment of the Evolutionary and Behavioural Ecology Department

The position will be held at the CEFE (Centre d'Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Evolutive, UMR 5175), a leading research institute in Ecology of the CNRS (Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique), situated at Montpellier, France. Montpellier is ranked among the world best places for research in Ecology, with many opportunities to interact with forefront scientists. The project and position are funded by a MUSE grant (University of Montpellier). The grant will cover the salary of the postdoc, his/her research, as well as participation to conferences. Training will mainly be provided by Samuel Caro (Behavioural Ecologist and Physiologist) and Anne Charmantier (Evolutionary Ecologist).