Job offer

European Commission; España; Presencial; EUR 24.000 - 36.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

A leading research initiative in Spain is offering a PhD position focused on understanding swine influenza and coronaviruses through mathematical modeling. Candidates with a graduate degree in Physics, Mathematics, or Engineering, and expertise in modeling and statistical techniques are invited to apply. This project aims to shed light on viral transmission dynamics and their zoonotic potential, contributing valuable insights to public health.

Formación

• Expertise in mathematical modeling and simulation.
• Qualifications must include a master's degree qualifying for doctorate studies.

Responsabilidades

• Enhancing understanding of viral dynamics and immune responses through integrated models.
• Identifying key events in virus-host interactions to inform control strategies.

Conocimientos

Mathematical modeling

Statistical inference

Simulation

Educación

Graduate degree in Physics, Mathematics, or Engineering

Master's degree qualifying for Doctorate studies

Descripción del empleo

Organisation/Company: Universidad Pontificia Comillas

Research Field

Engineering » Chemical engineering

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Positions

PhD Positions

Country

Spain

Application Deadline

9 Dec 2025 - 12:00 (Africa/Abidjan)

Type of Contract

Permanent

Job Status

Full-time

Funding

Not funded by a EU programme

Research Infrastructure

No

Offer Description

Influenza viruses and coronaviruses have caused some of the deadliest pandemics in humans, with pigs acting as natural reservoirs. Swine influenza A viruses (swIAV) and porcine respiratory coronavirus (PRCV) are enzootic in pigs, infecting airway epithelial cells, but differ in pathogenicity and immune response. Cattle are the natural host for influenza D virus (IDV), which has recently emerged in swine (swIDV), with its pathogenesis still unknown. The genetic diversity of swine influenza viruses is vast and growing, with numerous reassortant genotypes co-circulating and posing zoonotic threats with pandemic potential. The pandemic potential of PRCV and swIDV remains unknown.

This project aims to enhance understanding through an integrated mathematical model of viral replication, transmission, pathogenesis, and immune control, combined with statistical and machine learning techniques. These approaches will help identify key events in virus-host interactions to inform control strategies.

Our results will contribute to predicting the zoonotic potential, transmission dynamics, and pathogenicity of both existing and emerging swIVs and PRCVs.

Qualifications include a graduate degree in Physics, Mathematics, or Engineering, with a master's degree qualifying for Doctorate studies, and expertise in mathematical modeling, simulation, and statistical inference.