Missions

A post-doctoral research position is available within the framework of the ZOOCAM project “Identification, characterization and circulation of potentially zoonotic pathogens in Camargue (Rhone Delta)”, funded by the initiative FRANCE 2030 (ANR-23-PEP2-0004). ZOOCAM aims to better understand and predict the emergence of zoonotic diseases in the Camargue in a context of global change. The position offered is linked with WP3 of the project focused on exploring how plastic pollution may provoke physiological and demographic changes in natural vector populations that can alter epidemiological dynamics and infection risk. Three key hosts involved in complex transmission cycles will be considered: mollusk hosts of Fasciola hepatica (Galba truncatula), mosquito hosts of West Nile virus (Culex pipens) and tick hosts of Babesia and relapsing fever bacteria (Ornithodoros maritimus). We will examine levels of plastic pollution in the environments of each of these species, determine the levels of pollution that they accumulate and experimentally test the impact of this pollution on both the life history traits of these species and their competence for associated pathogens. In particular, we will examine changes in the microbiome of these species before and after experimental exposure. The post-doctoral researcher will lead the initial work of this WP to characterize microbiomes in the three considered species. The person will be hired to develop standardized protocols to be applied to each model system and will train other local staff and students to apply these methods. Initial tests will be carried out during the six-month period and the person will then be associated with the remaining work to be done on this aspect (after experimental work). The person may also participate in other aspects of the work package as a collaborator and can take part in ongoing field work to collect samples.

Activities

- Development of standardized metabarcoding protocols for freshwater mollusks, mosquito larvae and ticks.
- Participation in field work
- Tests of metabarcoding methods on field collected samples
- Bioinformatics processing (pipeline FROGS) and species identifications from reads (phylogenetic analyses)
- Transfer of skills to technical staff
- Participation in the manuscript writing process

Skills

• A degree in biology/ecology/evolution at the PhD level
• Strong experience in metabarcoding/molecular biology (parasitology/microbiology/virology)
• Experience with NGS data and bioinformatics analyses
• Experience working with ticks, mosquitos and/or mollusks (rearing/identifications/molecular biology)
• Field experience
• Proficiency in English
• Experience in preparing manuscripts for scientific publication
• Good communication skills
• Ability to work in a team environment and to train others
• Curious, responsible, well-organized and passionate about science

Desirable additional skills
• Experience in phylogenetics
• Drivers' license
• Ability to communicate in French would be useful

Work Context

The work will be done within the research environment of the MiVEGEC research unit in Montpellier, France, where there is strong expertise in disease ecology and ready access to genomic sequencing platforms and services. He/she will work within a team that includes PhD students, technical support staff, and an interdisciplinary team of researchers from the CNRS, the IRD, the University of Montpellier and the Tour du Valat (Camargue).

The position is located in a sector under the protection of scientific and technical potential (PPST), and therefore requires, in accordance with the regulations, that your arrival is authorized by the competent authority of the MESR.

Constraints and risks

Fieldwork can involve handling wildlife (ie, gulls)