PhD Position in Forest Ecology

Background and Research Context

Over recent decades, the increasing frequency and intensity of drought events have significantly affected forest ecosystems, leading to reduced productivity and increased tree mortality.

Functional diversity and structural complexity of forest stands are considered key factors that may enhance ecosystem resistance and resilience. However, their effects remain insufficiently quantified at large spatial and temporal scales.

Research Objectives

The main objective of this PhD project is to investigate how functional and structural diversity influence forest responses to drought.

The research will focus on:

• Characterizing the functional diversity of tree species
• Assessing the structural complexity of forest stands
• Quantifying the effects of these factors on growth and mortality under drought conditions
• Identifying combinations of traits and stand structures that enhance resistance and resilience

The analyses will be conducted using large-scale datasets (French National Forest Inventory and trait databases) over the period 1980–2025.

Methods

The project will rely on:

• Compilation and processing of existing ecological datasets
• Integration of climatic and functional trait data
• Advanced statistical modelling (notably using R)

Supervision and Research Environment

The PhD candidate will be supervised by:

• Damien Bonal, Research Director at INRAE (UMR Silva)
• Lionel Hertzog, Research Scientist at IGN

The project is embedded in a collaborative research network involving several national research units and institutional partners.

Candidate Profile

Applicants should hold a Master’s degree in ecology, forest sciences, environmental sciences, or a related field.

Required skills include:

• Data analysis and statistical modelling (especially in R)
• Experience handling large datasets
• Strong proficiency in scientific English

Employment Conditions

• 3-year fully funded PhD contract
• Funding provided by INRAE
• Research and travel expenses covered
• Start date: October 2026
• Location: Champenoux (Grand Est region, France)

Application Procedure

Applications should be sent by email to:

• damien.bonal@inrae.fr
• lionel.hertzog@ign.fr

Subject line: Application for the DIFOREST PhD project

Required documents:

• Cover letter
• Detailed CV (including 1–2 referees)
• Academic transcripts and degree certificates

📅 Application deadline: June 28, 2026