Postdoctoral Researcher Focus on Serology at the Human-Animal Interface

Deadline: Applications will be reviewed until March 31^st, 2025. Position is expected to start as soon as possible (Spring/Summer 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 Institut 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.

For over 25 years, the Virology Unit (the Unit) at the Institut Pasteur du Cambodge (IPC) is committed to conduct research on, and contribute to the prevention and control of infectious diseases in Cambodia, in Southeast Asia, and around the globe. Emerging and zoonotic infectious diseases pose a significant threat to public health and economic stability in the region and worldwide, and the Unit is uniquely poised to be a global player in endemic and emerging virus (EEV) research and response. The Unit seeks to improve Early Warning (EW) systems using a One Health framework at the human-livestock-wildlife interface.

The Virology Unit aims to become a leading center for research on endemic, emerging and zoonotic infectious diseases in Southeast Asia, contributing to national and global efforts to control and prevent these diseases. Our vision is to improve Early Warning for emerging and zoonotic infectious diseases in Cambodia through One Health surveillance, mechanistic research, response/intervention, contribute to developing new prophylactics and therapeutics, and provision of expertise and evidence-based knowledge.

Position Overview:

This role offers an exciting opportunity for a Postdoctoral Researcher to lead and contribute to dynamic research on emerging infectious diseases and surveillance systems. The successful candidate will work closely with national and international researchers, contributing to the design, development, and implementation of innovative studies on viral pathogens and public health strategies. The position encourages independent research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and skill development within a supportive team environment.

In particular, this postdoctoral position will be conducted under two funded research projects (RACSMEI and ECOMORE) focused on zoonotic spillover at the human-animal interface, emphasizing One Health surveillance and pathogen detection. The selected candidate will contribute to large-scale seroepidemiological surveys, requiring expertise in serology, particularly in conducting and analyzing serological surveys. Experience in managing large-scale research projects is essential. Additional desirable skills include familiarity with LUMINEX-based multiplex immunoassays (MIA), qRT-PCR techniques, and metagenomics approaches for pathogen discovery. A strong background in zoonotic disease research at the human-animal-environment interface is preferred. The role provides a unique opportunity to work within an interdisciplinary and international research environment, advancing understanding of emerging infectious diseases and their transmission dynamics.

This role is designed for a very motivated, visionary scientist who can drive high-impact research projects, innovate in virology, and significantly contribute to the global scientific community. The candidate must demonstrate advanced expertise in virology, proven success in securing research funding, and a commitment to scientific leadership.

Recruitment conditions:

• Position: Full-time.
• Contract: A two-year contract
• Start Date: Summer 2025 (as soon as possible)
• 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 responsibilities:

• Scientific Leadership: Lead scientific studies on emerging and zoonotic viruses, focusing on improving surveillance systems, early warning mechanisms, and pathogen detection. Design and implement research projects aimed at enhancing regional and global preparedness for viral outbreaks.
• Research Development: Design and implement innovative research methodologies, ensuring that experimental designs are robust and yield meaningful results that can drive One Health interventions.
• Laboratory Expertise: Utilize advanced laboratory techniques in molecular biology, largely focused on serology, and sequencing, potentially in a BSL3 level environment. Lead the development and optimization of protocols and ensure the highest standards of laboratory practice are maintained.
• Data Management & Analysis: Oversee the collection, management, and analysis of complex datasets related to virology and epidemiology. Utilize cutting-edge statistical and computational tools to ensure robust and accurate data analysis and interpretation.
• Collaboration & Networking: Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with national and international partners, including scientific communities, public health authorities, and other stakeholders. Participate in global networks focused on virology, zoonotic diseases, and public health initiatives.
• Dissemination of Research: Ensure that research findings are effectively communicated through scientific publications, reports, and presentations. Communicate research findings through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and workshops. Ensure research outcomes are disseminated to relevant stakeholders, contributing to policy recommendations and public health strategies. Recent publications can be found here: https://www.pasteur-kh.org/virology-2/
• Mentorship & Supervision: Provide mentorship and supervision to junior researchers and laboratory staff, encouraging scientific inquiry, continuous learning, and professional development within the Virology Unit.
• Program Coordination: Assist in the management and coordination of virology and infectious disease research programs, ensuring alignment with overall research goals and timelines. Contribute to the day-to-day management of resources and project deliverables.
• Staff Management & Capacity Building: Assist in the management and capacity building of the Virology Unit’s staff, focusing on enhancing technical skills, fostering professional growth, and ensuring continuous improvement in research capabilities. Develop and implement training programs, workshops, and other initiatives to build the expertise and competencies of the team and of relevant stakeholders.
• Funding & Resource Management: Identify funding opportunities, prepare grant proposals, and manage research budgets to secure the resources necessary for sustaining and expanding the Virology Unit’s research activities.

Candidate Profile:

• Qualifications: PhD in Virology, Microbiology, Infectious Diseases, or related field. Experience with emerging infectious diseases, zoonotic viruses, or public health initiatives is highly desirable.
• Technical Skills: Expertise in serology, molecular biology techniques and viral diagnostics. Bioinformatics experience is desirable. Experience with statistical and computational tools for data interpretation is highly desirable.
• Field Experience: Demonstrated ability to live and work in challenging environments, including fieldwork in remote or harsh conditions (highly desirable).
• Mentorship & Management: Ability to mentor and attract Masters and Ph.D trainees is ideal.
• Funding & Project Management: Experience in managing research budgets, including financial planning, resource allocation, and ensuring compliance with funding requirements is desirable.
• Language: Very good English language skills required, French language skills desirable.
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, with the ability to effectively disseminate complex scientific information to diverse audiences.
• Collaborative Approach: A team player with the ability to foster collaboration and build strong partnerships both internally and externally.
• Adaptability: Ability to adapt to changing research landscapes and to lead teams through challenges in dynamic environments. Successful professional experience in a resource limited setting is a plus. 

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– 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.