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

Université de Caen Normandie; France; On-site; EUR 34,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Le postdoctorant rejoindra le MAGLAB, groupe Evolution virale et adaptation génétique, au sein de l'UMR 1311 Inserm Dynamicure et de l'Université de Caen Normandie. L'équipe étudie les mécanismes d'émergence et les interactions virus-hôte des sarbecovirus chez les chauves-souris.

Vous contribuerez à un programme multidisciplinaire: écologie hôte-virale, épidémiologie et évolution, travail de terrain, analyse de données spatiales et temporelles, et travaux en laboratoire (NGS, analyses

Qualifications

• Doctorat en virologie, biologie, ou domaine connexe; expérience postdoctorale fortement appréciée.
• Excellentes capacités de communication et de travail en équipe.
• Anglais courant; le français est un plus.

Responsibilities

• Contribuer à un programme de recherche pluridisciplinaire sur l'évolution virale et l'adaptation génétique des sarbecovirus.
• Réaliser des travaux sur le terrain: capture et échantillonnage des chauves-souris, suivi GPS/VHF.
• Analyser des données: modélisation spatio-temporelle de la propagation virale.
• Réaliser des travaux en laboratoire: NGS, analyses génomiques, isolement viral et étude d'évolution expérimentale.
• Collaborer activement avec les membres du groupe et des partenaires nationaux/internationaux.

Skills

Communication efficace

Esprit d'équipe

Anglais courant

Education

Doctorat en virologie ou biologie

Job description

Organisation/Company Université de Caen Normandie Department Biologie intégrative, imagerie, santé, environnement Research Field Biological sciences » Biology Biological sciences » Zoology Researcher Profile Established Researcher (R3) Positions Postdoc Positions Application Deadline 8 Nov 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Paris) Country France Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 35 Offer Starting Date 8 Oct 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Reference Number ANRS-PEPR-Prezode-Cavicor Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

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.

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

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.

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