PhD in Agroecosystems, Bats as Bioindicators, and Biodiversity (France–Belgium)

This PhD position, co-supervised between Université de Picardie Jules Verne (France) and Université de Mons (Belgium), focuses on the role of bats as bioindicators of agricultural pollution and as allies in the regulation of insect pests and pathogen vectors within agroecosystems. The interdisciplinary project integrates functional ecology, environmental DNA/metabarcoding, ecotoxicology, and landscape ecology, leveraging a Franco-Belgian research network that includes academic, health, and agricultural stakeholders. The research aims to better understand how insectivorous bats contribute to ecosystem services in European agricultural landscapes, particularly their role in pest and pathogen regulation and their sensitivity to environmental disturbances. The project will involve analyzing bat diets and quantifying their biological control services using non-invasive environmental DNA techniques, as well as assessing their exposure to environmental pollutants. The candidate will work with advanced molecular and statistical tools, and benefit from a double degree and access to cutting-edge research facilities in both France and Belgium. Applicants should have a strong background in ecology, biology, or related fields, with practical experience in molecular biology and a keen interest in both lab and fieldwork. Knowledge of environmental DNA, metabarcoding, bioinformatics, ecotoxicology, and spatial analysis is highly valued. The position is funded through a combination of French and Belgian sources, with operational costs fully covered and additional grant applications expected. The application deadline is March 9, 2026, and candidates must meet specific academic eligibility criteria. This opportunity offers excellent prospects for interdisciplinary training and professional integration in research, environmental expertise, and public policy.