Modelling thermal stress damage and recovery in ectotherms: implications for the survival of invasive insects in the context of climate change

Title : Modelling thermal stress damage and recovery in ectotherms: implications for the survival of invasive insects in the context of climate change

Summary:

Small ectotherms, such as insects, are particularly sensitive to temperature variations, which can affect their survival and reproduction. These thermal fluctuations can be stressful, but they can also have beneficial effects by allowing insects to recover after thermal stress. This project aims to model the recovery capacity of insects after thermal stress (both heat and cold) in the context of thermal fluctuations (TF), which are becoming increasingly frequent due to climate change. We will explore the hypothesis that repair mechanisms differ depending on the nature of thermal stress (heat vs. cold). The key questions are: How do thermal fluctuations influence recovery after thermal stress? What physiological mechanisms are involved in post-stress repair? How can these processes be modeled within the conceptual framework of the "Thermal Death Time" (TDT) model, and how do they vary between heat and cold stress? These questions will be explored using Drosophila suzukii, an invasive species now found on almost every continent. The project will consist of three main steps: (1) modeling thermal recovery processes by adapting the TDT model to quantify the impact of thermal stress and recovery dynamics; (2) physiological characterization of post-stress repair mechanisms through targeted ecophysiological experiments (e.g., analysis of protein repair, DNA, membranes, and cytoskeleton); (3) comparing responses to heat and cold thermal stress under thermal fluctuations. This work will make it possible to assess the ecological implications of recovery mechanisms for the survival of D. suzukii in various climatic scenarios (warmer winters, heat waves, etc.), which can then be modelled. The project will include a one-year mobility at Aarhus University, Denmark.

Full description and link to apply here : https://amethis.doctorat.org/amethis-client/prd/consulter/offre/1275

https://ecobio.univ-rennes.fr/ecostress-ecotox-theme

The candidate should have a strong background in ecology and evolution, with skills in ecophysiology or a strong willingness to acquire knowledge and skills in this field. A good command of statistical tools, particularly R, as well as modeling, is essential for carrying out the analyses. In-depth knowledge of entomology and animal biology is required, and experience in thermal biology and thermal ecology would be a significant advantage. The candidate should also demonstrate the ability to conduct experiments under controlled conditions, as well as manage long-term experiments on invertebrates, with prior experience in this area strongly preferred. A good command of English, both written and spoken, is highly desirable, particularly for effective communication within the framework of international collaboration, which will include a one-year mobility at Aarhus University, Denmark.