Assistant Research Engineer In Medical Entomology And Vector Ecology

Assistant Research Engineer in Medical Entomology and Vector EcologyEmployer descriptionAs a French institute for international scientific research, IRD contributes to strengtheningsocieties' resilience in the face of global upheavals. It operates in more than 50 countries acrossAfrica, Latin America, Asia and the Pacific, as well as in mainland France and the Frenchoverseas territories.Its research activities address priority needs in practical ways: climate change mitigation andadaptation, combating poverty and inequality, preserving biodiversity, access to healthcare, andtaking social dynamics into account. Research questions are developed with local stakeholdersand communities. Through long-term partnerships, teams combine perspectives, disciplines andknowledge to build robust, high-impact solutions.IRD promotes research that benefits the greatest number of people. It shares project results andputs science at the service of action. In this way, it supports the transformation of societiestowards fairer and more sustainable social, economic and ecological models.Host structure descriptionThe PIMIT Joint Research Unit (Infectious Processes in Tropical Island Environments) is amultidisciplinary research unit recognised for its work on emerging and re-emerging infectiousdiseases in tropical island settings. Its research focuses on interactions among infectiousagents, their hosts, vectors and the environment, using integrated approaches in virology,bacteriology, parasitology, immunology, medical entomology, molecular biology, genomics andhealth ecology.Within the European TIGRUN project, funded by the European Regional Development Fund(ERDF) 2021-2027, the unit is conducting innovative research to decipher the molecularmechanisms and the environmental and microbiome-related factors that govern the transmissionof all four dengue virus serotypes by the Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus in Réunion.The project notably focuses on natural mosquito populations from several microclimatic zonesacross the island. It combines field collections, mosquito rearing in insectaries, experiments incontainment facilities, and transcriptomic and metagenomic analyses.PIMIT has state-of-the-art infrastructure, including BSL2 and BSL3 laboratories, an I2 insectary,an I3 containment insectary, and molecular biology platforms. The project is conducted incollaboration with several institutional and scientific partners, notably the Réunion RegionalHealth Agency (ARS La Réunion) and Météo-France.An exciting opportunityYou will join a dynamic research team involved in the TIGRUN project, which is dedicated tounderstanding the factors that influence the transmission of dengue viruses by Aedes albopictusin Réunion.You will play an essential role in organising and carrying out field mosquito collectioncampaigns, as well as in handling biological samples in the laboratory. You will work at theinterface between field ecology, medical entomology and experiments conducted in insectaries.In close collaboration with the project's researchers, engineers and partners, notably theRéunion Regional Health Agency (ARS La Réunion) and Météo-France, your mainresponsibilities will be:Preparation and organization of field missions- contributing to the selection, scouting and monitoring of collection sites in differentmicroclimatic zones of La Réunion;- liaising with partners, site managers and, where applicable, the relevant authorities to preparesampling operations;- preparing, installing and monitoring the devices used to collect larvae and capture adultmosquitoes;- ensuring compliance with collection protocols, safety rules and the procedures established aspart of the project;Conducting field missions- collecting larvae from identified larval habitats in different geographical areas of the island;- participating in the capture of adult mosquitoes at the selected sites;- recording information associated with the samples, including location, date, site characteristicsand any available environmental data;- ensuring the packaging, labelling, traceability and transport of biological samples to thelaboratory;Insectary and laboratory activities- receiving, inventorying and registering samples from field campaigns;- participating in the identification, sorting and characterisation of collected mosquitoes;- rearing, maintaining and monitoring Aedes albopictus populations in an I2 insectary;- monitoring key rearing parameters and ensuring the traceability of populations, generationsand experimental conditions;- preparing the mosquitoes required for the project's various experiments;- assisting authorised personnel during experiments conducted in a BSL3 laboratory and an I3insectary;- contributing to specimen preparation and the dissection of the main mosquito tissues intendedfor molecular analyses;- participating in the management, packaging, storage and traceability of biological samples;- entering, verifying and organising collection and rearing data electronically;- drafting field mission summaries and reports, and presenting activity progress at internalproject meetings;- contributing to compliance with the quality, biosafety and data-management proceduresimplemented within the unit;This position will enable you to work in a multidisciplinary scientific environment at the interfaceof field ecology, medical entomology, virology, molecular biology and health ecology. You willcontribute directly to the collection of samples and data that are essential to understanding thefactors influencing the vector competence of the Asian tiger mosquito in La Réunion.Specific working conditions- regular travel throughout La Réunion;- field activities may be carried out early in the morning, late in the day, or at other times dictatedby collection requirements;- occasional work at weekends and on public holidays may be required, depending on biological,weather-related and experimental constraints;- work in insectaries and participation in activities carried out in containment facilities;- wearing personal protective equipment and strict compliance with biosafety procedures;The profile we are looking for:Education- Degree in biology, entomology, ecology, environmental science or a related discipline.Scientific and technical skillsIdeally, you will have several of the following skills:- experience in field ecology, biological sampling or the monitoring of animal populations;- experience in the capture, collection, identification or study of insects;- knowledge of entomology, vector ecology or mosquito biology;- ability to prepare and organise field missions;- ability to handle, package and transport biological samples and ensure their traceability;- experience in insect rearing or work in an insectary would be an asset;- ability to follow experimental protocols and biosafety procedures rigorously;- ability to enter, structure, verify and manage field and laboratory data;- proficiency in standard office software, particularly Excel;- ability to write clear, well-structured summaries and activity reports;Personal qualitiesYou are recognized for:- your rigor, organizational skills and reliability;- your autonomy and initiative;- your ability to adapt to field constraints and changing weather conditions;- your ability to work as part of a team and coordinate your activities with a range ofstakeholders;- your compliance with safety instructions, experimental procedures and traceabilityrequirements;- your interest in activities combining fieldwork and laboratory experimentation.A good ability to understand and use scientific English would be an asset.Position available from 01/11/2026Recruiting contactContact surname: OSMANContact first name: DANIContact email: dani.osman@univ-reunion.frHR administration: Handled by Marie-Suzelle ORBOIN