Postdoctoral position in bacteriology and molecular microbiology – Vector-borne diseases

Offer Description

The position

As part of an interdisciplinary project funded by the Priority Research Program and Equipment on Emerging Infectious Diseases (PEPR-MIE), we are seeking a motivated postdoctoral researcher to investigate the molecular mechanisms used by Yersinia pestis to infect fleas.

The project will combine bacterial genetics, molecular microbiology, flea infection models and omics-based approaches to identify bacterial determinants required for colonisation, survival and transmission in the flea vector.

This position is embedded within a collaborative project spanning the natural, medical and human sciences, with the broader aim of understanding the mechanisms that have shaped the spread, persistence and re-emergence of plague, one of the most historically devastating infectious diseases.

The position is expected to start in September 2026 and is funded for up to two years. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

The successful candidate will receive mentorship to prepare applications for permanent research positions in French national research institutions, including Inserm and CNRS.

Candidate profile

Required qualifications

• PhD in biology, with experience in bacteriology, molecular biology and omics approaches.
• Strong interest in host-vector-pathogen interactions and evolutionary microbiology.
• Ability to work independently within a collaborative interdisciplinary environment.
• Excellent communication skills and fluency in English.

Desirable qualifications

• Expertise in arthropod-pathogen interactions or vector infection models, and/or previous experience with regulated containment environments, would be a significant advantage, although specific training will be provided.
• Basic knowledge of French would be helpful but is not required.

The lab and working environment

Our team currently comprises 15 members, including researchers, engineers, technicians, postdoctoral fellows and PhD students, with complementary expertise in bacteriology, vector biology, infection models and omics approaches. Our team has developed unique expertise in Europe in studying the complete flea-mammal-flea transmission cycle of Yersinia pestis. We benefit from dedicated experimental models, state-of-the-art molecular biology tools and access to omics platforms

Further information about the team and its research activities is available through the Center of Infection and Immunity of Lille and the Institut Pasteur de Lille.

The postdoctoral researcher will work in close interaction with the project coordinator and collaborators involved in microbiology, vector biology, omics and evolutionary approaches.

As part of the Center of Infection and Immunity of Lille, we are located on the campus of the Institut Pasteur de Lille, which hosts 8 units and 34 teams. This dynamic scientific environment provides access to complementary expertise across a broad range of disciplines.

The successful candidate will have opportunities to:

• present their work at national and international conferences;
• contribute to high-quality publications in the field of host-vector-pathogen interactions;
• receive support for relocation and settling in Lille, particularly for international candidates.

Lille is a vibrant university city ideally located at the crossroads of Europe, with direct connections to Paris in 1 hour, Brussels in 30 minutes and London in less than 2 hours.

The employer

The Institut Pasteur de Lille is a member of the international Pasteur Network and is internationally recognised for its excellence in infectious disease research, including its historical contribution to the development of the BCG vaccine.

Contact and application

Interested candidates should submit their application to florent.sebbane@ibl.cnrs.fr, including:

• a CV;
• a cover letter describing their research interests and fit with the position;
• contact details for three references.

Please indicate “Application – Postdoctoral position in bacteriology and molecular microbiology” in the subject line.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Where to apply

E-mail: florent.sebbane@cnrs.fr

Requirements

Research Field: Biological sciences » Biology

Education Level: PhD or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

• PhD in biology, microbiology, molecular biology or a related discipline.
• Strong background in bacteriology and molecular microbiology.
• Experience in bacterial genetics and/or omics-based approaches.
• Strong interest in host-vector-pathogen interactions, vector-borne diseases and evolutionary microbiology.
• Ability to work independently within a collaborative interdisciplinary project.
• Excellent communication skills and fluency in English.
• Previous experience with arthropod-pathogen interaction models, vector infection systems or regulated containment environments would be an advantage, although specific training will be provided.
• Basic knowledge of French would be helpful but is not required.

Specific Requirements

• Availability to start the position in September 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter.
• Willingness to work with flea infection models and vector-borne bacterial pathogens.
• Willingness to work in regulated containment environments, following appropriate biosafety procedures and after specific training.
• Ability to integrate molecular microbiology, bacterial genetics and omics-based approaches within an experimental infection project.
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary environment involving microbiology, vector biology, omics and evolutionary approaches.
• Fluency in English is required; knowledge of French is not required.

Languages: ENGLISH

Level: Excellent

Research Field: Biological sciences » Biology

Years of Research Experience: None

Additional Information

Benefits

• Integration into an interdisciplinary PEPR-MIE-funded project on plague and vector-borne diseases.
• Access to unique European expertise in the flea-mammal-flea transmission cycle of Yersinia pestis.
• Training in flea infection models, molecular microbiology, omics approaches and regulated containment environments.
• Close mentoring for career development and applications to permanent research positions.
• Opportunities for international conferences, high-quality publications and collaboration within a dynamic research environment.
• Relocation and settling-in support for international candidates.

Eligibility criteria

• Applicants must hold a PhD in biology, microbiology, molecular biology or a related discipline by the start date of the position.
• Applications from recent PhD graduates are encouraged; no minimum postdoctoral experience is required.
• Applicants of all nationalities are welcome.
• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French is not required.
• The appointment will be subject to the required institutional procedures, including background checks and approval by the relevant authorities where applicable.
• Candidates should be willing to work with bacterial pathogens, flea infection models and regulated containment environments, after appropriate training.

Selection process

• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
• Applications will be assessed based on the candidate’s scientific background, research experience, motivation and fit with the project.
• Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview with the project coordinator and relevant team members.
• References may be contacted during the selection process.
• The final appointment will be subject to standard institutional procedures, including background checks and approval by the relevant authorities where applicable.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available: 1

Company/Institute: Institut Pasteur de Lille

Country: France

Contact

Website: https://www.ciil.fr/teams/sebbane-plague-yersinia-pestis