Primaquine and tafenoquine are the only licenced antimalarial drugs able to eliminate dormant Plasmodium vivax parasites. The efficacy of these drugs cannot be measured directly as dormant parasites are undetectable. A recent modelling study produced efficacy estimates for primaquine and tafenoquine using clinical trial data.

We are seeking a candidate for a post-doctoral position to quantify the impact of patient and environmental characteristics on drug efficacy. We are particularly interested in the relationships between P. vivax incidence, patients’ hypnozoite load and the efficacy of primaquine and tafenoquine. For instance, as P. vivax incidence decreases, we expect patients’ hypnozoite loads to decrease, and the efficacy of primaquine and tafenoquine to improve.

Key responsibilities:

• Analyse epidemiological and clinical data of primaquine and tafenoquine trials
• Expand and fit a mathematical model simulating clinical trials of primaquine and tafenoquine (written in R)
• Expand an individual-based model of P. vivax transmission (written in C++)
• Disseminate research results in peer-reviewed academic papers and at scientific conferences

Essential requirements:

• A PhD in a quantitative subject such as epidemiology, applied mathematics/modelling, physics, statistics, population biology
• Experience coding in R or Python
• Experience coding in C/C++ or willingness to learn
• An interest in infectious diseases and public health
• Strong communication and writing skills
• Ability to work independently but also as part of a team

Desirable skills:

• Research experience in mathematical/statistical modelling of infectious diseases
• Familiarity with Bayesian inference methods
• Familiarity with high-performance computing

Location:
Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic and Emerging Infections (PCCEI), Montpellier University, 60 Rue de Navacelles, 34394 Montpellier, France

Application procedure:
For initial consideration for this position and more detail about the proposed project, please send an e-mail including your CV and a brief statement of interest to Constanze Ciavarella (constanze.ciavarella@umontpellier.fr). The contact information of two academic referees will be required at a later stage of the application process.

The starting date is flexible, with funding secured until at least November 2026.

Review of applications starts immediately and will stop as soon as the position is filled.