PRR Project

Summary

Infectious diseases pose a critical threat to global health security with high morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Many infectious agents have emerged and reemerged in recent decades due to the dynamic host-pathogen interactions, partially driven by anthropogenic selection, niche adaptation and climatic and socioeconomical changes that have impacted many ecosystems. Current control measures have not been sufficient to stop those emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. The COVID-19 pandemic is a paradigmatic example that has raised global health concerns about emerging zoonotic diseases attributable to not only viruses but also bacteria, parasites and fungi. To reduce the burden of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases we need to urgently strengthen our capacity of investigation to fully understand the mechanisms involved in host-pathogen interactions and translate knowledge into solutions to prevent, detect and control emerging and epidemic-prone infectious diseases.The Infection, Immunity, and Regeneration (IIR) integrative program of i3S conducts fundamental and applied research into the intricate interactions between the host immune system and foreign threats or materials, including pathogens, cancer, and bioengineered materials. Our collaborative environment fosters innovation and transdisciplinary research, with a primary aim of advancing knowledge in infection, immune response and tissue regeneration.The scientific strategy driving the need for this Assistant Researcher position is to construct a diverse team of Staff Scientists, strengthening multidisciplinary collaborative projects within the Infection and Immunity research area of the program.In particular, given the importance of this area of research for human health, as well as for the IIR Program, we want to reinforce our critical mass and increase our international competitiveness in the identification and comprehension of: virulence mechanisms of pathogens; molecular and cellular processes underlying host immune responses; and mechanisms of microbe-induce disease, in order to develop advanced diagnosis and anti-infective systems.Within the context of IIR research groups, candidates are expected to develop their own research projects and actively seek research funding. Additional responsibilities include promoting knowledge and technology transfer; supporting advanced training by participating in graduate and PhD programs, supervising PhD, Master and other students, and by promoting advanced training courses, increasing science awareness by participating in the i3S educational program and outreach activities and providing operational support to the laboratory.We particularly welcome applications from candidates holding a PhD in Life Sciences, Health, or related fields for over 5 years. Candidates should possess a scientifically relevant background in infection and/or immunology, demonstrating scientific excellence and autonomy through original contributions to peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals. Moreover, candidates should have prior experience in leading research projects, securing competitive funds, supervising doctoral students, engaging in international research endeavors, and delivering lectures/presentations at national/international meetings.