Postdoc in Entomo-virology: Baculoviruses and Crop Protection

This is how you can contribute

• Conducting research for the 'NoctuVir' project on the use of entomopathogenic baculoviruses to control owlet moths
• Developing and testing existing / innovative formulations to improve baculovirus application and efficacy
• Identifying and characterising new baculoviruses of interest, with particular emphasis on their molecular characterisation (genome, diversity, genetic signatures associated with virulence and with the host) and biological characterisation (virulence, infection kinetics, host range, mortality parameters) using laboratory-, microscopy- and high-throughput sequencing diagnostics
• Conducting tunnel trials and evaluating the efficacy of viral solutions in an operational environment
• Collaborating closely with project partners (industry, research institutes, vegetable production sector) and contributing to the development of sustainable control strategies
• Publishing the results in international journals and presenting them at conferences; contributing to third-party and internal projects and to their promotion among practitioners

This makes you unique

• Knowledge of and experience with baculoviruses and/or entomopathogenic viruses
• Doctorate and/or equivalent research experience in entomology, virology and plant protection
• Experience in insect breeding, bioassays and working with biocontrol agents; specific experience with baculoviruses, molecular characterisation of viruses and/or formulations would be a major asset            
• Good knowledge of molecular biology, ideally supplemented by experience in high-throughput sequencing
• Good experimental design skills  (laboratory, tunnel, open air)
• Knowledge of two official Swiss languages and English

In a nutshell

Motivated, independent, rigorous individual who values working as part of a multidisciplinary team and external collaborations. The candidate must supervise and support students or interns and technical staff involved in the project.