Postdoctoral position in predictive modelling of avian influenza spillover risk
Develop Bayesian spatio-temporal models to assess avian influenza spillover risk in mammalian hosts using AI-driven surveillance data.
Best for:Best for epidemiologists or quantitative researchers with strong Bayesian modelling skills and experience in animal health surveillance.
Overview
The French National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food, and Environment (INRAE) is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to join the Epidemic Intelligence team within the ASTRE unit. This position is part of the European Horizon H2025 GeoAI4EI project, which focuses on leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance pandemic preparedness and response. The successful candidate will develop a near-real-time Bayesian spatio-temporal model to assess the risk of avian influenza spillover into mammalian hosts. You will work in close collaboration with the TETIS unit to integrate AI-based data fusion techniques into existing surveillance tools.
What you'll do
- Provide epidemiological expertise for the integration of multi-source surveillance data.
- Perform exploratory analysis to characterize the geographical and temporal coverage of data sources.
- Develop a global near-real-time Bayesian spatio-temporal model for sporadic cases and local spread of HPAIM.
- Identify and test risk factors and covariates such as host density, land use, and seasonality.
- Develop adapted surveillance strategies based on model outcomes for daily operational use.
- Formulate recommendations for early detection of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in mammals.
Requirements
Degree required: PhD in epidemiology or animal health surveillance
Language: English (professional proficiency)
Instruction: English
- Strong quantitative analysis and modelling skills
- Proficiency in R for statistical analysis and pipeline automation
- Experience with classical statistical methods and spatio-temporal analysis
- Knowledge of machine learning methods
- Experience with Git and collaborative version control
- Familiarity with reproducible computing environments like Docker or Singularity
- Minimum 1 year of post-PhD experience
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-28
Interested candidates should submit their CV and a motivation letter via email to the contact person provided.
- CV
- Motivation letter
Contact
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