CIRAD is recruiting a virology researcher specialising in the study of bacteriophages and their use as biocontrol agents against plant-pathogenic bacteria.

You will report to the Plant Populations and Bio-Aggressors in Tropical Ecosystems Joint Research Unit (UMR PVBMT) and will be based at the Agrocampus laboratories of the Plant Protection Unit (3P) in Saint-Pierre, Réunion, and at the University of Reunion. The UMR PVBMT develops innovative control methods for pests, diseases and weeds in agrosystems, as well as new ways of conserving indigenous forest environments. Its associated research and training programmes focus on tropical crop protection and biodiversity preservation in terrestrial ecosystems.

You will help develop innovative strategies for biological control within the context of the agroecological transition. Your research will focus on interactions between bacteriophages and plant-pathogenic bacteria, in particular the Ralstonia solanacearum species complex, a major pathogen affecting tropical vegetable crops.

Your main responsibilities will be to:

- characterise the diversity of the bacteriophages present in the agroecosystems of the Southwest Indian Ocean;

- study co-evolutionary dynamics between phages and plant-pathogenic bacteria;

- identify the molecular and environmental mechanisms that regulate the virulence of bacteriophages;

- design and evaluate biocontrol strategies based on the use of bacteriophages;

- analyse the sustainability of these approaches and potential resistance mechanisms.

This work forms part of an integrated ‘One Health’ approach, linking plant health, ecosystems and agricultural systems within the Health & Biodiversity and Indian Ocean Biocontrol Partnership Programming Frameworks (dPs). The role involves close collaboration with local, national and international partners, as well as participation in collaborative projects.

You will benefit from a dynamic scientific environment, including access to state-of-the-art technological platforms and unique microbial collections. You will also help supervise students, welcome partners, develop research projects and seek the necessary funding.

Following an induction period at our Montpellier site, the position will subsequently be based at the Plant Protection Unit in Saint-Pierre, Réunion

You hold a PhD in virology, microbiology or a related discipline, with at least 18 months’ recognised expertise in the study of bacteriophages and/or host-pathogen interactions.

You will need to demonstrate:

- skills in microbiology, virology and the biology of host-pathogen interactions;

- experience in experimental evolution and/or microbial ecology;

- a thorough understanding of genomics approaches (sequencing and comparative and evolutionary analyses) and the associated bioinformatics tools;

- the ability to design and carry out interdisciplinary research projects;

- prior experience in biocontrol, or experience in plant pathology or tropical agricultural systems, will be appreciated;

- fluency in spoken and written English.

You will also need to demonstrate:

- the ability to analyse and synthesise scientific information;

- autonomy and initiative in developing new areas of research;

- the ability to work as part of a team in a multicultural and collaborative environment;

- skills in scientific communication (publications, presentations).

International experience or experience in scientific cooperation contexts will be a major asset, as will an interest in issues relating to sustainable development, food security and the agroecological transition in the Global South.

Lastly, you should be motivated to work in a tropical region and be closely involved in fieldwork, collaborating with partners in the Global South.

Please include in your CV the contact details of any scientific supervisors or professional referees associated with your previous roles, whom we may need to contact.