Temporary position OT-25936
Postdoc position: Behavioral plant epidemiology modeling for seasonal cropping systems
06903
INRAE presentation
The French National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food, and Environment (INRAE) is a major player in research and innovation. It is a community of 12,000 people with 272 research, experimental research, and support units located in 18 regional centres throughout France. Internationally, INRAE is among the top research organisations in the agricultural and food sciences, plant and animal sciences, as well as in ecology and environmental science. It is the world’s leading research organisation specialising in agriculture, food and the environment. INRAE’s goal is to be a key player in the transitions necessary to address major global challenges. Faced with a growing world population, climate change, resource scarcity, and declining biodiversity, the Institute has a major role to play in building solutions and supporting the necessary acceleration of agricultural, food and environmental transitions.
Work environment, missions and activities
Behavioral epidemiology studies the interaction between human behavior and the spread of disease. A number of modeling studies helped understand how human behavior (in particular decision making regarding disease control) can be influenced by epidemiological dynamics and, in turn, how behavior itself affects the spread of diseases. While plant diseases are among the main threats to global food security, there are few models linking crop grower behavior and plant disease epidemics.
In that context, the BEEP project (ANR 2024-2028 - Behavioral Epidemiology and Evolution of Plant Pathogens) aims to develop a theory of behavioral epidemiology specific to plant health, with an evolutionary perspective. The project explores the key mechanisms allowing the adoption, rejection and diffusion of control methods to maintain disease incidence under an acceptable level and maximize plant health in the long-run.
The postdoctoral position aims to contribute to the development of the theory for seasonal cropping systems that experience recurring cycles of planting, cultivation and harvesting. In that context, growers' decisions are taken sequentially, at intercrop, according to the performance of the plant protection strategies implemented during the previous cycle, and their cost. This represents a significant difference from classical models in behavioral epidemiology, where disease and behavioral dynamics unfold on the same timescale, and requires a specific hybrid systems framework, mixing continuous- and discrete-time dynamics.
A first direction of research will focus on the ‘clean seed’ method. It is based on the cultivation of plant germplasms certified as healthy to control horizontally and vertically transmitted diseases. The Postdoctoral fellow is intended to develop and analyze a model accounting for metapopulation disease dynamics and cropping seasonality in a semi-discrete framework, coupled to behavioral dynamics described through game theory approaches. The research will next extend to the study of plant resistance deployment, opening further questions on the interactions between human behavior and virulence evolution in plant pathogens.
Activities
- Development of mathematical models applied to plant disease epidemics x human behavior
- Theoretical analysis of model dynamics
- Numerical analysis of model dynamics, including code development (Julia)
- Writing scientific articles; participating in international conferences
- Collaborative working with project partners (Sophia Antipolis, Rennes, Montpellier, UK, Germany)
Training and skills
- PhD in mathematical modeling or related discipline
- Experience in dynamical systems analysis applied to population dynamics / epidemiology is required; knowledge on game theory is a plus
- Strong programming skills (Python, Julia)
- Strong written and oral communication abilities, proficiency in English
- Autonomy and collaborative mindset
INRAE's life quality
By joining our teams, you benefit from (depending on the type of contract and its duration):
- up to 30 days of annual leave + 15 days "Reduction of Working Time" (for a full time);
- parenting support: CESU childcare, leisure services;
- skills development systems: training, career advise;
- social support: advice and listening, social assistance and loans;
- holiday and leisure services: holiday vouchers, accommodation at preferential rates;
- sports and cultural activities;
- collective catering.
How to apply
I send my CV and my motivation letter
All persons employed by or hosted at INRAE, a public research establishment, are subject to the Civil Service Code, particularly with regard to the obligation of neutrality and respect for the principle of secularism. In carrying out their functions, whether or not they are in contact with the public, they must not express their religious, philosophical or political convictions through their behaviour or by what they wear. > Find out more: fonction publique.gouv.fr website (in French)