Postdoc to investigate the effect of air composition on the respiratory virus transmission chain 1

EPFL, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, is one of the most dynamic university campuses in Europe and ranks among the top 20 universities worldwide. The EPFL employs more than 6,500 people supporting the three main missions of the institutions: education, research and innovation. The EPFL campus offers an exceptional working environment at the heart of a community of more than 18,500 people, including over 14,000 students and 4,000 researchers from more than 120 different countries.

Postdoc to investigate the effect of air composition on the respiratory virus transmission chain 1

Mission

The Laboratory of Environmental Virology (LEV) is interested in the fate of human viruses in the environment (air, water, fomites). Our goal is to understand the fundamental processes that govern the stability of viruses outside their hosts, and to utilize this information to protect public health.

Since the COVID pandemic it is well-acknowledged that airborne respiratory viruses significantly contribute to disease transmission. Nevertheless, our current understanding of the physicochemical processes that affect the infectivity of respiratory viruses in the aerosol and the susceptibility of the next host to airborne infection are limited. Recent research has revealed an important impact of air composition on virus stability and transmission. Specifically, air composition influences the physical-chemical microenvironment encountered by viruses in aerosol particles, and also may affect the susceptibility of host cells to infection. The interdisciplinary project AirTRAC aims to elucidate the impact of air composition on the different steps in the airborne transmission route. AirTRAC is a large, interdisciplinary project involving researchers from EPFL, University of Zurich, ETHZ and Emory University (USA). The team encompasses virologists, environmental engineers as well as atmospheric and aerosol scientists.

Main duties and responsibilities

The objective of this postdoc project is to determine how different air compositions affect the physical-chemical microenvironment in aerosol particles and droplets, and how this microenvironment in turn affects the stability of a suite of respiratory viruses. The work includes kinetic and mechanistic virology studies as well as microscopy. We work in a variety of experimental systems such as bulk solutions, an aerosol chamber and an electrodynamic balance to study individual aerosol particles.

Profile

We are looking for candidates with a PhD in virology or a related field. Prior experience in (electron and/or fluorescence) microscopy and an interest in aerosol science and public health is beneficial. The successful applicant will closely collaborate with PhD candidates a technician in LEV, as well as with our collaborators at University of Zurich, ETHZ and Emory University. A good command of both spoken and written English is essential.

To apply , please send a complete application file containing :

• a letter of motivation
• your CV including publication list
• the name and contact information of at least two references

Informations

Contract Start Date : 09/01/2025 - Starting date as soon as possible

Activity Rate Min : 100.00

Activity Rate Max : 100.00

Contract Type: CDD

Duration: 1 year renewable

Reference: 1697

We offer

A stimulating international research environment, good research infrastructures and resources, a competitive salary, and the opportunity to live and work along the shores of beautiful Lake Geneva .

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