A 2-year postdoctoral position is available in the Biostatistics and Modeling group within the “Infection, Antimicrobials, Modeling & Evolution” research unit in Paris, France (https://www.iame-research.center/eq4/research-interests/). Our group performs research in infectious diseases with an emphasis on viral dynamics and immune system modeling. We develop mathematical and statistical models in collaboration with experimental virologists that generate new insights into the dynamics of viral infections and disease severity. We work with clinicians and pharmaceutical industry on the analysis of pre-clinical and clinical data, and we use pharmacometric models to understand drug’s mechanism of action in vivo, increase their antiviral activity and reduce virus pathogenesis.
Project description
The postdoctoral candidate will focus on mpox viral and immune dynamics. He/She will work in the framework of the EU H2020 Mpx-response that aims to increase the knowledge of mpox, to evaluate potential treatments, and to strengthen Europe’s global preparedness for emerging infectious disease outbreaks. The candidate will develop mathematical models of mpox viral and immune dynamics to learn on quantitative aspects of host/pathogen interaction. Data on antiviral drugs will be available to evaluate the clinical and virological efficacy of several interventions, including tecovirimat. In addition, novel statistical methods will be developed to characterize the correlation between the dynamics of the infection in the different anatomical compartments, and better predict disease severity. In connection with mathematical epidemiologists, models of transmission will be developed that integrate viral load and immune background to better characterize the within-host factors associated with transmission risks.
Key responsibilities
o Conduct original research in the area of viral dynamics of mpox infection
o Develop and implement viral dynamic models using preclinical and clinical data
o Interact with clinicians and virologists
o Publish scientific articles at international peer-review journals
o Presentation of results internally and at international conferences;

Selection criteria
o PhD degree in the area of biostatistics, pharmacometrics or applied mathematics
o Significant computational/programming skills (e.g. R, MatLab, C/C++)
o Experience in working with experimental or clinical data and parameter estimation with Monolix or NONMEM is desirable
o Strong interest in biomedical sciences and public health
o Strong communication and writing skills
The position will be paid according to the INSERM salary guidelines (https://www.inserm.fr/en/home/). The position is available in January 2025, but flexibility on the starting date is possible. For initial consideration for this position and more details about the scientific areas of research, send an e-mail including your CV, a brief statement of interest and contact information for two academic references to jeremie.guedj@inserm.fr.