Thesis grant functional strategies

• Location

UMR Silva PHARE team
INRAE Champenoux
France

• Missions

The intraspecific functional diversity of trees represents an untapped resource for forest management, particularly during the early stages of tree development. This thesis project aims to explore the variability of functional strategies in response to stress at the seedling stage in the most common species of Fagaceae in France (pedunculate, sessile, pubescent oaks; beech, etc.), to improve the characterization of inter- and intraspecific functional diversity. The main objectives of the thesis are: 1) the characterization of functional strategies in terms of growth and stress resistance in response to limited water availability and other environmental constraints (light regime and edaphic characteristics), and 2) the exploration of the traits underpinning these strategies by integrating functional traits at the whole-plant level. Two main experiments are planned for the thesis: Exp1) the study of inter- and intraspecific trait variation (phenotypic plasticity) among traits related to growth and water use, and the determination of their anatomical and biochemical basis. The experiment will be conducted on various species of the Fagaceae family (Quercus species, Fagus sylvatica) at the seedling stage, under greenhouse conditions. Exp2) The species presenting the highest functional diversity from experiment 1 will be used for the second experiment, where their tolerance to an extreme drought event will be monitored, including their resistance to hydraulic failure and their regeneration capacity. This experiment will also be carried out under greenhouse conditions. In addition, a comparative plantation of different populations of four Quercus species could be used for a study in situ of functional strategies. The thesis aims to identify critical traits that can then be used in forest breeding programs.

• Skills

- Master's degree or equivalent in Ecophysiology or Plant Physiology or other relevant fields. If the candidate has studied abroad, an equivalent training in plant biology is required.
- Motivated, dynamic, and curious student, enjoying teamwork and able to demonstrate autonomy. Availability and willingness to occasionally work outside regular hours are important.
- Skills in data analysis, basic knowledge of statistics, and programming (R) are a plus, especially in multi-variate analyses. Familiarity with scientific literature is necessary.
- Proficiency in English (scientific writing, communication).

• Application

Application deadline : 18 June 2025, link for application
To apply, send a CV, a letter of motivation and, if possible, a transcript of your master's degree (or equivalent) marks and a letter of recommendation to oliver.brendel@inrae.fr and miquel.nadal-nadal@inrae.fr.
The deadline for submitting applications is 23 June 2025; interviews will be held by videoconference or on site from 30 June to 4 July 2025

• Contact

Thesis supervised by O Brendel (HDR) and Miquel Nadal (co-encadrant)