M2 Internship + possibly funded PhD position
Complex systems are characterized by the presence of a large number of interacting entities. Such systems exhibit a wide variety of behaviors of great scientific interest, including chaotic dynamics, phase transitions (statistical physics), protein interaction networks (biology), ecosystem stability (ecology), and knowledge networks (social epistemology). These examples show that complex systems are ubiquitous across disciplines, from the natural to the social sciences, and require interdisciplinary approaches.
In the current context of the biodiversity crisis, theoretical analyses are crucial complements to field studies, helping to better understand the interdependence between species. A recent study
[1], conducted jointly by the Theoretical Physics group (ΦTh) at the UTINAM Institute (CNRS/UMLP) and researchers from iDiv (Halle–Jena–Leipzig), proposed a method to quantify the importance of species (nodes) within trophic networks (predator–prey systems). This internship aims to extend that method to quantify the importance of the links in the network (trophic interactions). The main tasks of the intern will include :
— Gaining a solid understanding of the core algorithm used to quantify link importance in a network, based on Markov chains and eigenvector centrality.
— Developing algorithms, in compiled (Fortran, C++, etc.) and/or interpreted languages (Python, etc.), for network analysis (centrality, trophic levels, coherence), sensitivity (random matrices, random walks on networks), and dynamics (integrators, systems of differential
equations).
— Exploring the dynamic aspects of predator–prey relationships through the study of the stability of fixed points, particularly in non-Hamiltonian and chaotic systems.
— Collaborating with researchers from other academic fields (theoretical ecology, theoretical geography, etc.).
Internship allowance: approximately 700/month
Duration : 3 to 6 months, depending on the candidate’s academic program.
Location : UTINAM Institute, CNRS / Université Marie et Louis Pasteur, Besançon, France
PhD continuation: Strong potential for a funded PhD position.
Supervisors :
— José Lages, Professor, UTINAM CNRS/UMLP
jose.lages@univ-fcomte.fr [
perso.utinam.cnrs.fr]
— Guillaume Rollin, Associate Professor, UTINAM CNRS/UMLP
guillaume.rollin@univ-fcomte.fr
— Benoit Gauzens, Researcher, iDiv Leipzig
benoit.gauzens@idiv.de
Références
[1] Rollin, G., Kortsch, S., Lages, J., & Gauzens, B. (2024). Identifying important species in meta-communities. Methods in Ecology and Evolution, 15, 1691–1703.
https://doi.org/10.1111/2041-210X.14384
Modifié 2 fois. Dernière modification le 30/10/25 10:54 par Webmaster EDPIF.