PRR Project

Summary

Highly motivated and experienced Assistant Researcher with a strong background in epidemiology of infectious diseases, population dynamics, statistics applied to epidemiology of infectious diseases, community ecology and metagenomics with a specific focus on studying Gram-positive pathogenic bacteria. This role involves leading innovative research projects aimed at understanding the population biology of Streptococcus pneumoniae and other infectious agents, developing new methods to estimate impact of vaccines, and exploring novel ways to target S. pneumoniae based on holistic approaches involving the microbiota ecosystem. Key Responsibilities: 1) Design and conduct cutting-edge research on epidemiology of infectious diseases, with an emphasis on Streptococcus pneumoniae; 2) Develop and apply methods of community ecology to estimate the impact of pneumococcal vaccines; 3) Study the microbiota ecosystem of the upper respiratory tract with the goal of proposing novel strategies to contain pneumococcal disease; 4) Provide comprehensive support for the execution of projects within the host laboratory including securing funding, project planning, execution, and dissemination of results; 5) Mentor and supervise PhD and Master students, and postdoctoral researchers fostering a productive and inclusive lab environment; 6) Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams within and outside the institution; 7) Contribute to the scientific community through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, conference organization and participation in scientific committees; 8) Teach at a postgraduate level (master and PhD); 9) Actively participate in citizen science and science outreach activities. Scientific Profile Required: 1) PhD in Population Biology, or a related field; 2) Post-doctoral experience in epidemiology of diseases caused by Gram-positive bacteria; 3) Proven experience and expertise, through publications in peer-reviewed international journal in epidemiological methods, population dynamics, community ecology, mathematical modelling and metagenomic analysis, preferably with a focus on Streptococcus pneumoniae; 4) Proven track record as first/corresponding author in peer reviewed scientific publications in the field of infectious diseases; 5) Experience in collaborations involving national and international interdisciplinary research groups; 6) Experience in supervision; 7) Excellent communication skills; 8) Ability to integrate into multidisciplinary teams, demonstrating a critical mindset and effective communication skills; 9) National and international teaching experience; 10) Fluency in English and Portuguese (spoken and written); 11) Immediate availability. Rationale for Hiring: The hiring of an Assistant Researcher with a specialized focus on epidemiology and population dynamics is critical to advance our understanding of infectious diseases. The particular focus on Streptococcus pneumoniae is essential to expand and consolidate the existing research capacity by providing new models to explain and anticipate the impact of pneumococcal vaccines to inform public health interventions aimed at curbing the burden of pneumococcal disease. The candidate´s unique combination of skills in epidemiology of infectious diseases, population dynamics, community ecology, statistics applied to epidemiology of infectious diseases, and metagenomics will enable breakthrough discoveries into the interactions between pneumococcal serotypes and other microbial species in the upper respiratory tract and on the direct and indirect effects of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines. Further, a candidate with the described blend of extensive expertise in the areas described above will significantly contribute to advancing research on the epidemiology of Streptococcus pneumoniae and the rationale for new ways to contain pneumococcal disease, addressing societal needs in Poverty, Health.