Diatoms of North AmericaThe objective of the thesis project is to investigate aquatic ecosystem dynamics at centennial and millennial time scales based on the responses of biological communities with complementary geochemical, molecular, and climatic reconstructions. This overarching objective will be to i) develop reference conditions in highly dynamic and impacted Mediterranean coastal wetlands for a better implementation of the Water Framework Directive using benthic diatoms and foraminifera, ii) identify unequivocal past anthropogenic influences to refine chronological frameworks of human and environment constraints in agroecosystem changes looking at ancient DNA signatures, and iii) elucidate relationships between past climates, past land-use changes, and diatom biodiversity in freshwater lake ecosystems to understand spatio-temporal variations of community and functional properties leveraging open databases. Collectively, the three objectives will inform management and restoration actions to mitigate the impact of current and future anthropogenic climate change across the aquatic continuum: from freshwater lakes to rivers and coastal wetlands.
The successful applicant will have ample opportunities to address several ecological questions in freshwaters and transitional systems, combining modern and fossil assemblages (diatoms and foraminifera), ancient DNA (rice agroecology), and openly available paleolimnological time series.
The candidate will join a dynamic and vibrant group whose multidisciplinary research seeks to understand global change impacts on aquatic
ecosystems and their resources at the IRTA La Ràpita, located in the beautiful and scenic Ebro Delta (Spain). The thesis will be supervised
by Xavier Benito.
APPLICATIONS DUE: July 9, 2025
STARTING DATE: September/ October 2025
