The Research Unit of Evolutionary Ecology of Fungal Pathosystems (EcoFun) at the IRHS (Research Institute of Horticulture and Seeds, University of Angers, INRA, Agrocampus-Ouest) invites applications for a one-year postdoctoral position in the field of theoretical spatial genetics. This position may be renewed for an additional year based upon the availability of funds. The position is available from the February 2013 (with a flexible start date). The net salary will be approximately of 24,000 Euros per year.

Global exchanges and climatic changes play a determinant role in the emergence of human, animal and plant diseases. Secondary contacts between divergent pathogen populations can favour the occurrence of new recombinants that are potentially more aggressive or resistant to treatments. Conventionally, potential for hybridization (and then recombination) within pathogen populations is linked to the presence of exogenous (host-dependent) genetic barriers, and the role of host-independent, so-called endogenous, genetic barriers is less investigated. Recently, one-dimensional models have shown that such endogenous barriers are numerous and tend to be spatially correlated. This process is called coupling. It does not exist any spatially explicit model which tests whether spatial heterogeneity of habitats can maximise the coupling. In the case of pathogens, maximising the coupling effects would reduce the risk of emergence of recombinants. The goal of the project is to build a parsimonious spatially explicit model of behaviour of endogenous and exogenous genetic barriers occurring in a heterogeneous environment. The project constitutes a new conceptual approach in the understanding of mechanisms of reproductive isolation in pathogens and the emergence of new infectious diseases.

The successful candidate is expected to develop and validate the model. The candidate will collaborate with experimentalists working on pathogen genetics towards designing well-suited strategies of geographical deployment of resistant cultivars that could prevent rapid pathogen evolution and spread.

A desirable candidate with a strong (Ph.D.) mathematical background and experienced in theoretical population genetics will have good computer programming skills as well as a real interest in evolutionary epidemiology. The candidate should also have good interaction capability with experimentalists and a proven record of independent research.

Successful applicants will join an active research team that spans many areas of plant pathology, genetics, and mathematical biology. Our unit studies the evolutionary processes of pathogen adaptation to resistant cultivars carrying quantitative and qualitative resistance, with the aim to improve the resistance durability.

Applicants should forward, no later than the 30th December, 2012, a cover letter detailing motivation, training, work experience and future plans, a curriculum vitae, a publications list, and three references or recommendation letters to Dr. Christophe Lemaire, christophe.lemaire@univ-angers.fr and Dr. Natalia Sapoukhina natalia.sapoukhina@angers.inra.fr.