Postdoctoral Researchers for Medical and Veterinary Entomology Unit

Deadline: Applications will be reviewed until 31^st December 2024, and will continue on a rolling basis until the ideal candidate is found. Position is open to start as soon as possible (January, February 2025).

The Institut Pasteur du Cambodge (IPC) is a Cambodian non-for-profit research institution established in 1953, IPC is today a scientific research establishment declared of public utility placed under the high patronage of the Ministry of Health of the Kingdom of Cambodia and under the responsibility of the Institute Pasteur on the scientific and technical levels. The IPC is a member of the Pasteur Network, which brings together 33 institutes present on five continents. It shares the Pasteurian values and the ethical charter to which the Pasteur Institutes are bound. The IPC has more than 300 employees, including about 30 expatriates of 22 nationalities and includes 5 research units. It carries out research activities in health biology, public health and service activities (Medical Biology Laboratory, vaccinations and water and food analyses) and training.

The Medical and Veterinary Entomology Unit is a highly dynamic team with numerous scientific projects underway. We are currently seeking two postdoctoral researchers to join our team.

Position Overview:

We are looking for two motivated early-career researchers to engage in research projects of Medical and Veterinary Entomology related to One Health, health ecology, geographical modeling, anthropization, vector competence, and population genetics. These positions are tied to a specific research project, and all necessary resources will be provided to enable the postdoctoral researcher to focus on their work as quickly as possible. A technical team will support the postdoctoral researcher in their research initiatives.

Recruitment conditions:

• Position: Full-time.
• Contract: A two-year contract (possibility to renew)
• Start Date: January, February 2025
• Benefits:
• Private health insurance including family coverage and life insurance.
• NSSF (Health Care, Occupational Risk, Retirement).
• Khmer New Year and Pchum Ben Bonus.
• Annual leave plus an additional day every three years.
• Multicultural environment with staff from 22 nationalities.
• Opportunities for growth and career advancement.

Main activities:

• Scientific Leadership: Lead and direct high-impact research projects focused on vector species and One Health, particularly arbovirus vectors, primarily mosquito species.
• Research Development: Design and implement innovative research methodologies with robust experimental designs to produce meaningful results. Drive research that can support One Health interventions, especially in the Southeast Asia context, where emerging diseases pose significant challenges.
• Laboratory Expertise: Oversee the development and optimization of experimental protocols, ensuring the highest standards of laboratory practice. Integrate new technologies and methods to enhance the unit’s research capabilities.
• Data Management: Manage the analysis and interpretation of complex data sets. Ensure robust data management practices and accurately interpret findings to inform decision-making within research projects.
• Dissemination of Research: Effectively communicate research findings through scientific publications, reports, and presentations. Recent publications can be found here: Medical and Veterinary Entomology – Institut Pasteur.
• Mentorship & Supervision: Provide guidance and mentorship to students, technicians, and other team members. Support professional development and ensure the smooth execution of research projects.

Candidate Profile:

• Qualifications: Doctoral degree in Medical Entomology, Veterinary Entomology, Systematics, Ecology, Pathogen discovery, Genetics or related fields.
• Experience: Less than 5 years after PhD defense. We welcome highly motivated recent PhD graduates with a passion for research. Proven experience in Medical Entomology is desirable; experience in Entomology and Ecology is also welcome.
• Laboratory Expertise: Experience with standard laboratory techniques in molecular/cellular biology and/or taxonomy is essential. BSL3 lab experience is a plus for vector competence experiments.
• Mentorship & Management: In addition to research responsibilities, we are looking for a person with a positive and supportive approach to mentoring local technicians, Masters and Ph.D. students.
• Project Management: The ability and volunteer to supervise a project, in parallel to personal research, is required.
• Language: Very good English proficiency is required.
• Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills in English, with the ability to disseminate complex scientific information to diverse audiences.
• Collaborative Approach: Ability to develop new collaborations and strengthen existing partnerships both internally and externally.

The complete application includes a cover letter – with salary expectations, copies of diplomas if any, work certificates, curriculum vitae with a recent photo, Identity Card photocopy – all certified documents to the originals – are to be sent to the Human Resources department of Institut Pasteur du Cambodge #5, Monivong Blvd, Phnom Penh or by email to: [email protected], phone number: 092 777 665.