Postdoctoral Position in Wildlife Behavioural Ecology and Predation
Investigate context-dependent anti-predator responses in wild ungulates using long-term datasets and experimental protocols.
Best for:Best for early-career researchers with a PhD in behavioural ecology and strong data analysis skills in R.
Overview
The French National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food, and Environment (INRAE) is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to join the Behaviour and Ecology of Wildlife unit in Toulouse, France. Funded by the ANR AnthropoFear project, the role examines how varying predation contexts and multi-predator regimes shape anti-predator behaviour and individual variation in roe deer. The successful candidate will combine experimental playback protocols, camera trap analyses, and large-scale GPS datasets from the Eurodeer network. Applicants are expected to lead experimental implementations, perform data analyses, and contribute to high-impact scientific publications.
What you'll do
- Lead the implementation of experimental playback protocols to assess ungulate anti-predator responses.
- Analyze long-term GPS tracking datasets from the Eurodeer network to evaluate individual risk-management tactics.
- Process and examine camera trap video recordings measuring vigilance, flight, and habituation behaviours.
- Investigate the links between individual personality phenotypes, life-history performance, and demographic parameters.
- Collaborate with international scientific partners across Europe and support technical staff and students.
- Write scientific manuscripts and publish findings in peer-reviewed journals.
Requirements
Degree required: PhD in behavioural ecology
Language: English proficiency; French is an asset but not required.
Instruction: English
Publications: Evidence of scientific writing and capability to publish peer-reviewed papers.
- Demonstrated research experience on predator-prey interactions, prey anti-predator behaviour, or animal personality
- Demonstrated skills in statistical data analyses using R
- Demonstrated skills in scientific writing and publishing
- Knowledge or interest in population demography and life-history parameters
- Valid driving license
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-12-01 · open until filled
Interested candidates should submit their curriculum vitae, a detailed cover letter explaining their motivation and relevant experience, and contact details for references via email to the contact persons.
- CV
- Cover letter
- Reference contacts
Contact
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