Postdoctoral position in Palynology and Sedimentary DNA Analysis to
Understand the History of Malagasy Landscapes and Populations Over the
Last Millennia

*Scientific Context*
Located just 200 km from East Africa, Madagascar represents a unique 
intersection of Austronesian populations from Asia and Bantu populations 
from Africa. These groups introduced agricultural practices, plants, 
domestic animals, and diverse cultural expressions, leaving visible 
traces of this blending to this day.
The MADEOGEN project aims to reconstruct the timeline of these 
colonizations, the diffusion ofpopulations, and their various influences 
on the island's landscapes over the past 3,000 years. This research 
adopts an interdisciplinary approach, combining paleoecology, human 
genetics, and ethnoecology, to understand long-term socio-ecological 
dynamics.

*Postdoctoral Objectives*
The postdoctoral researcher will focus on paleoecological research using 
two complementary approaches:
1. Fossil pollen analysis to reconstruct vegetation dynamics.
2. Sedimentary DNA analysis to identify specific plant and animal species.
These methods will be applied to sediment cores collected from various 
sites across Madagascar.

*Expected Outcomes*
The work is expected to result in at least two scientific publications 
based on data obtained during the 24-month contract.

*Desired Profile*
Scientific Skills
- Expertise in tropical palynology or willingness to train in the flora 
of Madagascar.
- Interest in sedimentary DNA analysis techniques, with aptitude for 
laboratory work and
bioinformatics.
Personal Qualities
- Motivation for fieldwork in Madagascar.
- Ability to work in interdisciplinary teams and collaborate effectively.
- Capacity to supervise students (Master’s level).

*Working Conditions*
- Primary location: ISEM in Montpellier (palynology and sedimentary DNA).
- Secondary location: EDYTEM in Bourget-du-Lac (sedimentary DNA).
- Duration: 24-month contract, starting in April 2025.
- Training: Introduction to coring equipment before field missions.
- Salary: From €3021.50 gross per month, adjustable according to experience.
- Contact: Laurent Bremond (laurent.bremond@umontpellier.fr)

This project, funded by the French National Research Agency (ANR) with 
CNRS credits, offers a unique opportunity to contribute to understanding 
the socio-ecological dynamics of Madagascar, an island exceptional for 
its biodiversity and human history.

Deadline for applications: 28/02/2025

More information such as research program: 
https://emploi.cnrs.fr/Offres/CDD/UMR5554-LAUBRE-003/Default.aspx?lang=EN

Christelle TOUGARD <christelle.tougard@umontpellier.fr>

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