A 3-year fully-funded PhD studentship is available at INRAE (UMR EPIA in Lyon, France). The project aims to explore the influence of poultry production and distribution network structures on pathogen transmission, and assess the effectiveness of structural interventions to mitigate disease risk. The student will develop mechanistic models to simulate the spread of avian influenza viruses in Bangladesh, where a wealth of data are readily available on the network structure, viral prevalence and genetic sequences. A key focus will be to generate phylodynamic analytical outputs from genetic data to inform the mechanistic models. Depending on the student’s interest, it may then be possible to consider other health hazards (food-borne pathogens, AMR genes) and/or simulate behavioural adaptations of network actors.

The PhD student will be primarily based in the EPIA unit, on the VetAgroSup campus near Lyon, France, and collaborate closely with the Royal Veterinary College (United Kingdom), Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Science University and the Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (Bangladesh). The position will involve on-site visits at the Royal Veterinary College.

Through this PhD programme, the student will develop robust skills in mechanistic modelling and phylodynamic analyses. Furthermore, as part of an international collaboration, the candidate will thrive in a stimulating interdisciplinary environment. This setting will not only enhance their research skills but also broaden their professional network and expose them to diverse scientific perspectives and methodologies.

If you have any questions about this position, please contact Guillaume Fournié (guillaume.fournie@inrae.fr)