Epidemiologist/Modeller of parasitic vector-borne diseases

Field: Science - Biological Sciences
Type of contract: CDI
Start date: 01/09/2021

Description of the position / mission:
CIRAD is recruiting an Epidemiologist/Modeller who will be dedicated to approaches to animal trypanosomoses, parasitic diseases transmitted by vectors.

The UMR Intertryp is a WHO Collaborating Centre (for Human African Trypanosomiasis/THA), and an OIE Reference Laboratory (for the diagnosis of Animal Trypanosomiasis/AT). Through a "One Health" approach, Intertryp develops research on the interactions between vectors, hosts, parasites and the environment in neglected tropical diseases caused by trypanosomatids, including animal trypanosomoses. The UMR's innovations and investments are aimed in particular at improving surveillance and control tools adapted to the elimination context, developing and evaluating new diagnostic tests and new therapeutic molecules, and vector control.

Within a multidisciplinary CIRAD/IRD team, in partnership with colleagues and students from developing countries, and in collaboration with CIRAD modelling teams and Anglo-Saxon consortia with which we are in contact, your activities will be integrated into various ongoing projects, including a European project that is starting. Your missions will be intrinsically linked to the concept of "modelling to better understand the interactions between pathogens-environment-biodiversity-human beings and global changes and to anticipate risks" and will be carried out on several scales:

• At the continental level, you will contribute to an updated estimate of the "global burden of disease" for African Trypanosomiasis in the framework of the progressive control pathway (PCP) developed by FAO and CIRAD,
• Regionally (one to several countries) you will model the distribution of vectors (presence/absence) and the risks of transmission according to the landscape and climate (ecological niche modelling, Maxent type) and contribute to identifying priority control areas,
• Locally you will model to better measure, anticipate and guide tsetse eradication and control projects in several countries (e.g. Niayes Senegal, or Sine Saloum),
• You will also contribute to the measurement of the risk of propagation of African Trypanosomiasis outside tsetse zones (Sahel, Maghreb, Europe).

Desired profile:

• PhD in veterinary or medical epidemiology, with experience in epidemiology or modelling (post doc, field experience desirable)
• Knowledge/skills in entomology, ecology, epidemiology and integrated pest management would be a plus.
• Skills on spatial analysis, biostatistics, and modelling tools
• Scientific publications
• Strong motivation to live and work abroad in southern countries with knowledge of these areas appreciated.
• Good interpersonal skills and a taste for teamwork
• Ability to work in a multicultural and multi-partner context
• Ability and taste for supervising students
• French and English (written and spoken)

Constraints of the job:

• Work on screen for more than 4 hours
• Work in tropical/humid/subtropical areas
• Frequent travel in France and abroad
• Exposure to group 2 biological agents *

Salary based in France, excluding expatriation allowances if applicable
27-37 K€

Location of the position: France

Precision on the location (DR, city):
After an integration period of several months on the Montpellier site, your first assignment will be in West Africa.
Additional description of the future assignment

Applicant
Information on the position/contact: David BERTHIER (david.berthier@cirad.fr)

Background
Department / Unit (future assignment)
CIRAD (Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement) produces and transmits new knowledge to support innovation and agricultural development in developing countries with its partners.

Its priority objective is to build sustainable agriculture in tropical and Mediterranean regions, adapted to climate change, capable of feeding 10 billion people by 2050, while preserving the environment.

Job Reference
BIOS-INTERTRYP-2021-05-CDI-4953