Researcher in veterinary epidemiology

Work environment, missions and activities

You will be welcomed in the INRAE–VetAgro Sup unit EPIA, which is recognised for its research in animal and zoonotic disease epidemiology, combining field-based studies and modelling within a One Health framework. You will work under the supervision of Guillaume Fournié and will be based on the VetAgro Sup campus in Marcy-l’Étoile, near Lyon.

Your mission will be to conduct research in veterinary epidemiology, with a particular focus on the transmission dynamics of avian influenza viruses within the ZOLA project (Zoonotic risk mitigation in live animal markets: towards structural interventions), funded by the PEPR PREZODE (France 2030). The position will combine field activities in South and Southeast Asia and the statistical analysis of epidemiological data, in close collaboration with international partners.

You will be more specifically in charge of:

1. Designing and implementing observational studies in live poultry markets, including biological sampling of poultry and questionnaire-based data collection from traders in Bangladesh, Viet Nam and Cambodia ;
2. Statistically analysing and interpreting the epidemiological data generated to characterise the transmission dynamics of avian influenza viruses in live poultry markets ;
3. Contributing, depending on your scientific interests, expertise and the needs of the unit, to other research projects addressing avian influenza virus transmission, antimicrobial resistance, and the role of contact networks between animal populations in pathogen spread.

These activities will involve close collaboration with partners in France (CIRAD, IRD), Bangladesh (Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Science University, Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute), Viet Nam (National Institute of Veterinary Research, Vietnam National University of Agriculture) and Cambodia (Institut Pasteur), and will include missions on site.

Training and skills

Master's degree/Engineering degree

Recommended training: Master’s degree and/or PhD in epidemiology or ecology.

Desired knowledge: Knowledge of statistical modelling and proficiency in R.

Appreciated experience: Relevant experience in the design, implementation and analysis of observational studies.

Skills: Ability to work as part of a team and to collaborate with researchers from diverse disciplines, including biological and social sciences; ability to produce and submit scientific publications; excellent command of English, both written and spoken.