Do you share the values of interculturality, knowledge-sharing and environmental protection? Then come and join our team!

In the context of ongoing ecological and nutritional transitions and evolving consumption patterns, the sustainability of food systems has become a major concern across both the Global North and South. Simultaneously, national and international markets are undergoing profound changes due to climate change, which is giving rise to novel and “emerging” food-related health risks. These complexities necessitate the development of an integrated framework for diagnosing and managing health risks, employing approaches and tools that are specifically adapted to the realities of agricultural production in developing countries.

Within the Qualisud Joint Research Unit (https://umr-qualisud.cirad.fr/), the COMYCS team (Microbial Communities, Mycotoxins, and Food Safety) has established considerable expertise in fungal contamination and mycotoxin risks across agri-food sectors in developing countries, such as coffee, cocoa, cereals, pulses, and fruit. To complement its existing proficiency in food safety pertaining to the Global South, the team seeks to expand its research capabilities and expertise to encompass bacterial risk assessment.

The appointed researcher will be tasked with investigating microbial health risks linked to (i) novel agronomic practices, such as the introduction of new crop varieties and modifications in production conditions driven by climatic hazards and evolving farming practices, and (ii) post-harvest processes including storage, processing, packaging, and transport in developing country contexts.

This research will leverage the COMYCS team’s methodological knowledge and scientific competencies in health risk assessment within agri-food sectors of the South, alongside microbiological analytical tools. The initial research focus will explore the relationship between food microbiota and food safety to identify critical determining factors.

Furthermore, the work will emphasize the identification of microbial indicators or biomarkers intended to underpin the development of rapid, cost-effective, and low-technology detection tools deployable in field conditions by Southern partners. These indicators will be applicable across the diverse food matrices investigated within the Qualisud unit, facilitating comprehensive food safety analysis from harvest through to final product.

Ultimately, the research aims to identify and develop solutions for biocontrol or biopreservation strategies in agri-food production, as well as practices capable of maintaining or positively modulating food safety

Degrees and experience:

- 8 years post-secondary education: Doctoral candidate with post-doctoral experience in food microbiology and food safety

- Experience setting up and coordinating scientific projects, as well as a period abroad, would be a plus

Required skills:

Scientific:

- Expertise and proven experience in microbiology (particularly bacteriology)

- Knowledge of food safety (HACCP)

- Experience with and proficiency in molecular biology tools applied to micro-organisms

Management:

- Ability to set up and manage research projects

- Proven supervisory experience (Master and PhD levels)

- Proven experience working as part of a team and ability to share knowledge on a pedagogical level

Interpersonal skills:

- Ability and taste for interdisciplinary work and collaboration with teams from developing countries

Languages/Communication:

- Good knowledge of English (spoken and written)

- Good oral and written communication skills (leadership in scientific publishing)

Additional skills (at least two skills acquired from those listed):

Scientific:

- Knowledge of predictive microbiology

- Good knowledge of multivariate statistics

- Experience in the bioinformatics analysis of microbial genome structure

Regulatory:

- Knowledge of biological resource management rules and regulations (Nagoya)

- Participation in a national or international network of food safety experts (ANSES, EFSA, FAO, etc.)

Please include in your CV the names of referees we can contact regarding previously held positions.

Our strengths

Benefits: You will receive a 13th month’s salary, plus, if you are working abroad, specific allowances depending on your location and family circumstances. You will also have comprehensive social insurance cover, with 80% of costs covered by your mutual insurance company.