PostDoc/PhD position for Ivorian medical doctor or biologist

We seek an IvorianPostDoc or PhD student for a project funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) in the framework of an African-German cooperation project in infectiology, to begin as soon as possible and work under contract for 36 months.
After an initial training at the Robert Koch Institute in Berlin, Germany, the candidate will work at the LANADA (Laboratoire National d’Appui au DéveloppementAgricole) in Bingerville, Côte d’Ivoire (near Abidjan) in the Laboratoire Central Vétérinaire de Bingerville (LCVB).
The project is entitled “Epidemiology and ecology of Bacillus cereusbiovaranthracis: A project to build capacities for the detection and investigation of novel pathogens” and focusses on the characterization of an unusual, emerging pathogen which is similar to the anthrax causing agent Bacillus anthracis. The bacteria were first discovered in 2001 in the Taï National Park in Côte d’Ivoire, where they killed several chimpanzees, and they combine properties of Bacillus cereus and B. anthracis both on microbiological and molecular level.
Studies on epidemiology and ecology of B. cereusbiovaranthracis in sub-Saharan Africaand its impact on humans and animals were already started and should be extended by the candidate. In addition, a fly breeding and infection model should be established to gain further insights into potential transmission pathways.

Salary:up to 1200 € per month (dependent on qualification) in Côte d’Ivoire and up to 1500 € per month (dependent on qualification) during six months training in Germany.

Tasks and responsibilities:
• Analysis of clinical and environmental samples suspicious for B. anthracis or
B. cereusbvanthracis (PCR, bacterial culture)
• Improvement of molecular analysis, especially for environmental samples
• Improvement of serological tests for B. anthracisandB. cereusbvanthracis
• Focus on aspects of the life cycle (sporulation and germination) and in vitro and field ecology of B. anthracis and B. cereusbvanthracis (wildlife, soil, environment)
• Establish fly breeding system and fly infection models
• Organize and supervise outbreak teams in case of anthrax occurrence to perform sampling and provide information
Requirements and qualifications:
• PhD or master (DEA) in Biology or diplomed’etat de docteurenmédecine or vétérinaire
• Fundamental knowledge of molecular biology and microbiology
• Experience in handling pathogenic microorganisms (preferentially bacteria)
• High degree of reliability and social competence
• Spoken and written CEFR level language skills inEnglish (B1, intermediate)

Please send applications and further inquiries to:
Dr. Emmanuel Couacy-Hymann(chymann@gmail.com), LANADA Bingerville
Dr. Silke Klee (KleeS@rki.de)and Dr. Fabian Leendertz (LeendertzF@rki.de), RKI Berlin
Deadline: 2017 - February - 20