- Reference person: EmanueleFerrari(emanuele.ferrari@cnr.it)
- Host University/Institute: Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche – Istituto di Ricerca Sulle Acque (IRSA)
- Internship: N
- Research Keywords: Ecological modelingOmics approachesSubterranean ecosystems
- Reference ERCs: LS8_1 Ecosystem and community ecology, macroecologyLS2_8 ProteomicsLS8_12 Microbial ecology and evolution
- Reference SDGs: GOAL 9: Industry, Innovation and InfrastructureGOAL 14: Life Below WaterGOAL 15: Life on Land
Description
Human impacts on subterranean ecosystems are increasing, with surface-driven changes—especially climate shifts—affecting caves and groundwater habitats. Yet we still lack a mechanistic understanding of how highly specialized subterranean species respond to these pressures. How do they react to temperature changes underground? How will communities evolve over time and along the vertical gradient? And what will climate change mean for these hidden ecosystems?
Until recently, limited data and tools prevented us from addressing these questions. This PhD project uses new technological advances to investigate how subterranean biodiversity responds to climate change. We will develop a series of thermal tolerance experiments to investigate the responses of terrestrial and aquatic subterranean invertebrates across trophic levels (e.g., crustaceans, beetles, spiders) to altered temperature regimes. Through a multiOMICS approach, involving (meta)genomics and (meta)proteomics, we aim to identify the molecular adjustments employed by these species under thermal stress and to link these responses to their functional traits. We will then use species distribution models to explore the processes shaping species responses to climate change.
Ultimately, this work will improve predictions of the future of these vulnerable ecosystems and strengthen the scientific foundation for their conservation.
Suggested skills:
All work will be conducted in English as the primary language, with optional knowledge of Italian. The skills suggested for carrying out the proposed research include: basic knowledge of molecular laboratory techniques and analyses; familiarity with statistical methods and modelling; programming in R or equivalent languages; and fieldwork experience in mountainous and cave environments. While prior knowledge is highly appreciated, the candidate will receive training in all of these areas.
Research team and environment
CNR-IRSA is a highly interdisciplinary and international research institute dedicated to the study of ecology, evolution, microbiology, conservation science, hydrogeology, meteorology, and chemistry. It offers a dynamic research environment with frequent exchanges of students and researchers. Within CNR IRSA Verbania, the PhD student will join Molecular Ecology Group (MEG – http://www.meg.irsa.cnr.it/), with four supervisors with complementary expertise (Emanuele Ferrari, Laura Garzoli, David Brankovits, and Stefano Mammola) MEG investigates groundwater ecosystems, microbial diversity, biogeochemical processes, with the help of multiple omics techniques.
