Post-doctorant - modélisation des chants d'oiseaux

muséum national d'histoire naturelle; France; Sur place; EUR 35 000 - 45 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

A French research institution is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to study vocal communication in birds, focusing on aero-acoustic models and database management. The role involves publishing research findings and training interns. Candidates should have a Ph.D. in bioacoustics or a related field, with experience in modeling and a willingness to learn about birds' functional morphology. The position offers a full-time temporary contract in France.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. with research experience in the field of bioacoustics or a closely related field.
• Modeling skills: experience with COMSOL® and its Acoustics module, or equivalent.
• Basic knowledge or willingness to learn about the functional morphology and evolution of birds.

Responsabilités

• Develop aero-acoustic models (static and dynamic).
• Manage the database resulting from the modeling.
• Produce data analyses, relevant figures and write scientific publications.
• Co-supervise and train the Master 2 intern associated with the project.
• Actively communicate with the team and collaborators to share data and ideas.

Connaissances

Aero-acoustic modeling

Database management

Data analysis

Scientific writing

Knowledge of bird songs

Formation

Ph.D. in bioacoustics or related field

Outils

COMSOL® Acoustics module

Description du poste

Organisation/Company muséum national d'histoire naturelle Research Field Biological sciences Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions Postdoc Positions Country France Application Deadline 19 Dec 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Paris) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 35 Offer Starting Date 1 Jan 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Other EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

English version
Vocal communication is one of the most spectacular modes of interaction, especially in birds. Being involved in both attraction and distancing, birdsong plays an important role in sexual selection and is linked to the reproductive and adaptive success of birds, playing a crucial role in their evolution. How has vocal diversity evolved and what mechanisms promote it? What role does vocal diversity play in the speciation process of birds, and more generally, in generating biodiversity? These are the questions we wish to answer in this project. We aim to 1) explore the origin and evolution of vocal diversity in birds to determine the structure/function relationship of sound production, 2) explore the biomechanics that enables vocalization and the associated performance limitations in living birds, and 3) link anatomical and functional diversity to the diversity of sounds produced. To do so, I will study bird species with different vocalization strategies, integrating classic dissections with cutting‑edge methods of in situ microanatomy visualization of the entire vocal system. I will visualize and describe these structures in motion, thanks to the combination of Xray video methods (XROMM), fluid dynamics studies (3D PIV), and acoustic recordings, to unravel the previously unobservable, hidden structures of the avian vocal tract during birdsong in a broad diversity of bird species. By comparing the biomechanics of birdsong in different scales (individuals, sexes, and species), using phylogenetic comparative methods and modelling, We will reveal structures of functional interest to understand morphological response to functional, physiological, physical, and evolutionary constraints. This work, participating in the global exploration of biodiversity will open new avenues for studies in other animal systems (e.g., mammals, amphibians) to better understand how vocalization fosters diversity and to quantify its impact on the generation of biodiversity.

Main activities:

• Develop aero‑acoustic models (static and dynamic)
• Manage the database resulting from the modeling
• Produce data analyses, relevant figures and write scientific publications
• Co‑supervise and train the Master 2 intern associated with the project
• Actively communicate with the team and collaborators to share data and ideas.

Secondary tasks:

• Participate in the collective life of the laboratory
• Present results at scientific seminars and conferences
• Ph.D. with research experience in the field of bioacoustics or a closely related field.
• Modeling skills: experience with COMSOL® and its Acoustics module, or equivalent.
• Basic knowledge or willingness to learn about the functional morphology and evolution of birds
• Scientific writing
• Knowledge of bird songs is considered an additional positive element for the candidate.
• Interdisciplinary experience is highly valued