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Source: http://www.cirad.fr/en/jobs/vacancies/researchers/medical-entomologist
The CMAEE (Control of Emerging and Exotic Animal Diseases), mixed CIRAD/INRA research unit - site de Duclos, Guadeloupe, recruits a medical entomologist to gain knowledge on the bio-ecology of culicid populations in coastal humid areas of Guadeloupe (identification of species communities; temporal population dynamics, seasonal variations related to environmental factors, host feeding preferences) with a view to identify West Nile (WN) virus vector(s).
| Reference to remind : | 2158 | Place : | Guadeloupe, Centre Inra Antilles-Guyane, Site Cirad-Duclos, Petit-Bourg. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Publication date : | 08/11/2013 | Type of contract : | 2 years position. |
| Ending date : | 12/12/2013 | Begining date : | Starting immediately |
Position description
In a favorable scientific environment, on a research center with more than 120 researchers, within the CIRAD team of 20 persons including 8 researchers, with high level facilities, the candidate will be responsible for the following:
- Inventory of mosquito populations of humid coastal areas (marshy areas and swamp forests located behind mangroves) with mosquito collection on the field (all stages).
- Study of mosquito temporal dynamic, organizing mosquito collections, to be carried out during 1 year at least using different traps in 2 to 3 sites representatives of humid areas, in collaboration with ecologists from the University of Antilles Guyane.
- Species identification of collected mosquitoes, from morphological and molecular criteria. Due to the lack of taxonomic key for culicids of Guadeloupe, the candidate will develop a morphological key (larvae, adults) with the help of European and Caribbean/Latin America expert entomologists.
- Study of host feeding preferences by blood meal analysis of engorged mosquitoes using molecular tools.
- Organization of intense mosquito collection if viral circulation occurs, in order to isolate the WN virus, preparation and storage of mosquito pool with a view to isolate WN virus
- Prioritization of the species of greatest interest to rear for future studies on their vectorial competences.
Profil
- PhD in medical entomology, with a previous post-doc experience desired. Strong experience required in field mosquito collection: i) development of mosquito sampling protocols and trapping strategies, use of a variety of mosquito traps: (CO2, gravid traps, BG sentinel trap, animal baited traps) ii) morphological identification of larval and adult (male/female) stages.
- Expertise on mosquito rearing and skills in use of molecular tools for taxonomy appreciated.
- Experience in tropical area desired.
- Practice and writing of English: compulsory, Practice of Spanish: desired.
- Team spirit and strong motivation to work within a multi-disciplinary context with epidemiologists, modelers, microbiologists and virologists and to build collaborations with other partners.
- Initiative and autonomy.
- Taste for scientific and know-how divulgations and communications and for scientific popularization.
Position constraints
- Controlled access to the laboratory
