Postdoctoral Position Epidemiogenetics of Resistance to Coccidiosis in Chicken in INRAE Jouy-en-Josas – France

Summary

A 24-month postdoctoral position is available at INRAE Jouy-en-Josas, France, focusing on the epidemiogenetics of resistance to coccidiosis in chickens. The role is part of the European Partnership Animal Health Welfare (EUPAHW) and involves analyzing experimental data, developing simulation models, and disseminating results through scientific articles and conferences. The successful candidate will join the GeMS team within the Animal Genetics Integrative Biology (GABI) unit. Applicants should hold a PhD in animal genetics, epidemiology, biostatistics, or computational biology, with proficiency in statistical programming and knowledge of epidemiological modeling or quantitative genetics. The gross monthly remuneration ranges from 3205 to 3641 Euros, depending on experience. The application deadline is October 31, 2026, with a start date of January 1, 2027.

Key Facts

Department	Animal Genetics Integrative Biology (GABI)
Position Type	Postdoctoral Position
Discipline	Animal Genetics, Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Computational Biology
Research Area	Epidemiogenetics of Resistance to Coccidiosis in Chicken
Degree Required	PhD
Experience	Experience in infectious disease modelling and/or quantitative genetics is appreciated.
Salary	Between 3205 and 3641 gross per month depending on professional experience
Funding	European partnership EUPAHW (European Partnership Animal Health Welfare)
Contract Duration	24 months
Deadline	2026-10-31
Required Documents	CV, motivation letter
Employer Address	INRAE, Ile-de-France Jouy-en-Josas Antony, 78350 near Paris
Employer Contact	ITHURBIDE Marie ([email protected]), ESTELLE-FABRELLAS Jordi ([email protected])

About the Project

The postdoctoral project focuses on the epidemiogenetics of resistance to coccidiosis in chickens, aiming to improve resistance to infectious diseases in livestock. It will utilize data from the EPIDGENCO experiment, which involved two contrasting chicken lines (Fayoumi and commercial broiler) monitored for coccidiosis infection. The project involves three main areas: analyzing experimental data to estimate and compare epidemiological and production parameters between breeds using SIR-type infection dynamics models; modeling and simulation to define plausible genetic parameters for five studied traits and simulate coccidiosis epidemics in virtual farms; and disseminating findings through scientific articles and conferences. The goal is to guide genetic selection for traits that promote animal health at both individual and group levels.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze experimental data to estimate and compare epidemiological and production parameters between two chicken breeds from excretion and growth curves, using SIR-type infection dynamics models.
• Model and simulate using phenotypic contrasts between breeds to define plausible genetic parameters for five studied traits.
• Couple epidemiological models with genetic parameters to simulate coccidiosis epidemics in virtual farms, incorporating genetic variability.
• Identify trade-offs between phenotyping effort, measurement nature/frequency/resolution, and precision of genetic evaluation.
• Disseminate results by writing scientific articles.
• Present findings at EUPAHW consortium meetings and international conferences.

Required Skills

• PhD in animal genetics, epidemiology, biostatistics, computational biology, or a related discipline.
• Proficiency in statistical programming (e.g., R and/or Python).
• Ability to handle complex datasets.
• Knowledge of epidemiological modeling (compartmental models) and/or quantitative genetics.
• Rigor.
• Organization.
• Ability to work independently.

Who Should Apply

This position is suitable for researchers with a PhD in animal genetics, epidemiology, biostatistics, or computational biology. Candidates should have strong skills in statistical programming (R and/or Python), experience with complex datasets, and knowledge of epidemiological modeling or quantitative genetics. Experience in infectious disease modeling is particularly valued. The role requires rigor, organization, and the ability to work independently.

Benefits

• Up to 30 days annual leave + 15 days Reduction Working Time (for full-time contracts).
• Parenting support.
• CESU childcare.
• Leisure services.
• Skills development systems and training.
• Career advice.
• Social support and advice.
• Social assistance loans.
• Holiday and leisure services.
• Holiday vouchers.
• Accommodation at preferential rates.
• Sports and cultural activities.
• Collective catering.

About the Employer

INRAE is the French National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food, and Environment. It is a major player in the research and innovation community, with 12,000 people across 272 research and experimental units in 18 regional centers throughout France. Internationally, INRAE is among the top research organizations in agricultural, food, plant, animal, ecology, and environmental sciences. Its goal is to be a key player in transitions necessary to address global challenges such as a growing world population, climate change, resource scarcity, and declining biodiversity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of this postdoctoral position?

The postdoctoral position has a duration of 24 months.

What are the required qualifications for applicants?

Applicants must hold a PhD in animal genetics, epidemiology, biostatistics, computational biology, or a related discipline.

What documents are required for the application?

Applicants must send a CV and a motivation letter.

Who are the contact persons for this position?

The contact persons are ITHURBIDE Marie ([email protected]) and ESTELLE-FABRELLAS Jordi ([email protected]).