Postdoctoral Position in Viral Ecology, Epidemiology & Evolution and Zoonotic Transmission

Offer Description

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join the MAGLAB Viral Evolution and Genetic Adaptation Group (Dr. Meriadeg Ar Gouilh) at UMR 1311 Inserm Dynamicure @ University of Caen Normandy. Our team investigates the emergence mechanisms and virus-host interactions of sarbecoviruses (coronaviruses) in bats.

The successful candidate will contribute to a multidisciplinary research program focusing on:

• Host / Viral Ecology, Viral epidemiology & evolution, host immunity, and zoonotic transmission mechanisms.
• Fieldwork: Bat capture, sampling, and GPS/VHF tracking.
• Data analysis: Spatio-temporal modeling of viral spread.
• Lab work: High-throughput sequencing (NGS), genomic analysis of sarbecoviruses, viral isolation on established cell lines, and experimental evolution studies.
• Collaboration: Strong teamwork with group members and external national and international partners.

Our team has extensive expertise in coronaviruses (>30 publications), including the discovery of novel bat coronaviruses in Europe, Asia, and Africa (Ar Gouilh et al. 2011, 2018; Monastiri et al. 2021; Maganga et al. 2020), longitudinal monitoring of a Sarbecovirus in Rhinolophus ferrumequinum over 12+ years and GPS/VHF tracking of microbats.

Where to apply

E-mail: meriadeg.legouil@unicaen.fr

Requirements

• Research Field: Biological sciences » Biology; Education Level: PhD or equivalent
• Research Field: Medical sciences » Veterinary medicine; Education Level: PhD or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

See above.

PhD in Virology, Biology, or a related field (postdoctoral experience is a strong asset).

Expertise in at least three of the following areas (particularly valued in bold and in order of relevance):

Excellent communication and teamwork skills.

Fluent English (French is a plus).

• Languages: ENGLISH, Level: Excellent
• Languages: FRENCH
• Research Field: Biological sciences » Biology
• Years of Research Experience: 4 - 10

Internal Application form(s) needed: Application-Form_Post-Doc_20260826_MAGLAB-VEGA_Euraxess.pdf (251.18 KB - PDF)

Additional Information

Benefits

Work: Competitive French postdoc salary; renewable contract; multidisciplinary team; fieldwork opportunities.

Caen combines scientific excellence with an ideal quality of life, is a vibrant student city and a hub for sciences: home to GANIL (world-class nuclear physics), Cyceron (advanced PET imaging), and CHU Caen (innovative health research). Here, interdisciplinary collaboration thrives in physics, engineering, biomedical and social sciences; all within a dynamic, human-scale city just 2h from Paris.

Enjoy a perfect balance: a stimulating research environment, rich cultural heritage, and easy access to beaches and history. Join our welcoming international community in a city where science, culture, and nature inspire!

Eligibility criteria

See qualifications and requirements.

Selection process

Application form review / selection, see above.

Possible selection for interview.

Website for additional job details: https://coronavirus.fr, https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3672-9974, https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Meriadeg-Ar-Gouilh

Work Location(s)

• Number of offers available: 1
• Company/Institute: Université de Caen Normandie / INSERMU1311 Dynamicure
• Country: France
• State/Province: Calvados
• City: Caen
• Postal Code: 14000
• Street: Service de Virologie, CHU de Caen Department Agents Infectieux, Bât. Biologie-Recherche CHU – Allée des Jardins

Contact

• State/Province: Calvados
• City: Caen
• Website: https://www.unicaen.fr, https://www.inserm.fr, https://coronavirus.fr, https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=6zjeAFcAAAAJ&hl=fr
• Street: Esplanade de la Paix
• Postal Code: 14000
• E-Mail: meriadeg.legouil@unicaen.fr
• Phone: +33(0)231272554