FPU2025 - Understanding on acclimatory responses of benthic invertebrates and their associated microbiomes to projected ocean warming and acidification

Ocean warming and acidification pose significant threats to benthic species, endangering essential ecosystem services such as fisheries and shoreline protection. As atmospheric CO₂ levels continue to rise, their impacts on seawater temperature and pH are projected to intensify by mid-century without decisive climate mitigation. Understanding the acclimatization potential of marine species to these stressors becomes crucial for anticipating shifts in community structure, ecosystem stability, and the continued provision of essential services. We are seeking an enthusiastic and highly motivated candidate in Molecular Biology or related fields to join our team and apply for competitive national and international predoctoral (FPU, etc.) fellowships. Successful candidate, upon award of a fellowship, will participate in the MedAcidWarm national research project that aims to boost our understanding on acclimatory responses of benthic invertebrates and their associated microbiomes to projected ocean warming and acidification and reconstruct past seawater temperature and pH changes using invertebrate skeletons, applying cutting-edge approaches such as MicroCT, metabolomics, microbiome, and transcriptomic analyses. Selected candidates will be integrated into the Medrecover reseach group recognized as a consolidated research group by the Generalitat de Catalunya (https://medrecover.org/).