CIRAD is recruiting a researcher in epidemic risk modelling to optimise epidemiological monitoring.
Your work will be developed within the Joint research group Plant Health Institute of Montpellier (UMR PHIM)), and more particularly with the PRISM cluster (Plant pathogens and pests: dynamics and risk management) and the FORISK team (Epidemiological risk prediction).
Climate change and the intensification of international trade are increasing the risks of introduction, establishment and spread of new and/or re-emerging pests. Epidemiological monitoring enables decision makers to implement preventative, early detection and rapid response measures. Monitoring efforts, and farmer training on management of new or re-emerging pests guide such measures. However, such efforts are costly and to make them sustainable, it is crucial to improve their efficiency.
As a researcher in epidemic risk modelling to optimise epidemiological monitoring, you will develop modelling activities 1) applied to the monitoring of emerging crop disease epidemics and 2) related to the transferability of the models (projection beyond the domain in which the model is defined).
You will start by appropriate epidemiological risk prediction models developed by the unit and construct new ones by integrating pathogen dispersal over various landscape scales. For this purpose, you will be required to acquire data in the field. Moreover, you will study transferability of models according to characteristics of the area to be monitored and traits of the pest. You will also determine the potential consequences of errors induced by poor model transferability, on effectiveness of monitoring and management measures over different spatial scales. This will be done using existing data sets and simulations.
Initially you will be involved in projects focusing on epidemiological monitoring in the West Indies. Invasive pests and diseases, particularly Fusarium TR4, are a major issue for the West Indies. By contributing to understanding the factors determining the effectiveness of management scenarios at the start of an invasion, you will provide useful information to decision makers (DRAF). You will be in contact with local epidemiological monitoring networks in the Caribbean (e.g. CPHD); you will take part in coordinating monitoring activities and provide them with the tools and information necessary for effective monitoring (e.g. risk prediction maps and protocols). Your activities on monitoring Fusarium TR4 will contribute to the French plant health epidemiological monitoring network (ESV).
You will also be responsible for proposing, building and coordinating (and/or participating in) projects funded by different donors, including the unit’s partners in their development. You will also supervise students and partners.
Do you value interculturalism, knowledge sharing and environmental protection? Then join us!
You should have a PhD or post-doctoral qualification combining ecology and modelling applied to epidemiological monitoring or biological invasions. You should have skills in modelling, epidemiology or ecology, sensitivity analysis and sampling.
You should have experience in, and/or enthusiasm for, relations with local epidemiological monitoring stakeholders, teamwork, network management and fieldwork.
You should be fluent in French and English. You should have a proven ability to publish your scientific results.
Experience in project management and fluency in Spanish would be an advantage.
You should have an aptitude and enthusiasm for working in tropical conditions : overseas departments and regions (DROMs) and developing countries where Cirad is working in partnerships.
After an induction period of a few months at the Montpellier site, you will be posted to the Neufchâteau-Sainte-Marie station in Guadeloupe (Capesterre-Belle-Eau).
Closing date : 05/09/2023
Application process