Starting Date
January 2026 (or earlier if possible)
Duration
24 months
Location
Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle (MNHN)
Umr Mecadev, Funevol team
55, rue Buffon
75005 Paris
Salary
Approx. €2500/month (net) – Full-time, in accordance with MNHN salary scales
Principal Investigator
Dr. Pauline Provini
Context
Vocal communication is a cornerstone of social interaction, and birdsong represents one of the most striking examples of this phenomenon. Despite its prominence, the mechanisms underlying the production and diversity of birdsong remain poorly understood. This ANR JCJC-funded project (ANR-23-CE02-0018) aims to unravel the biomechanical and anatomical processes driving vocal diversity in birds. Using cutting-edge imaging and modelling techniques, we investigate how different components of the vocal system contribute to sound production and how these mechanisms evolve.
Our goal is to bridge the gap between anatomy, biomechanics, and evolutionary biology, offering novel insights into the evolution of complex communication signals, one of the amazing characteristics we share with birds.
Job description
We are hiring a postdoctoral researcher to lead the development of aero-acoustic models of birdsong. The chosen applicant will play a substantive role in building static and dynamic aero-acoustic models, fed by experimental data gathered by other team members.
Key Responsibilities:
Develop and refine static and dynamic aero-acoustic models of birdsong
Manage and analyse data derived from the modelling
Produce figures and contribute to scientific publications
Co-supervise and mentor Master’s-level intern involved in the project
Collaborate actively within the research team and external partners, sharing data and ideas
Secondary Responsibilities:
Contribute to experimental design and acoustic data acquisition
Participate in lab meetings and collective lab activities
Present findings at conferences and seminars
Skills/Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
PhD in bioacoustics or a closely related field
Experience in computational modelling (e.g., COMSOL® Acoustics module software)
Interest in or willingness to learn about avian functional morphology and Evolution
Scientific writing skills
Additional positive qualifications:
Background in birdsong research or vocal biomechanics
Interdisciplinary experience combining biology, physics, or engineering
Required Documents
Please send the following documents to pauline.provini[at]mnhn.fr:
Curriculum Vitae
Cover letter outlining research interests, experience, and career goals
Contact information for two references
Deadline
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.