Postdoc position (Sophia Antipolis, France)

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.

Keywords

Plant disease, crop protection, epidemiological modeling, hybrid dynamical systems, behavioral models, socio-ecological dynamics, game theory.

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)

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

Conditions

• Starting date: Fall 2025 (flexible)
• Duration: 24 months
• Location: M2P2 team at UMR ISA (INRAE, Université Côte d'Azur). Sophia Antipolis, France. The team is common with the MaCBES team at Inria Sophia Antipolis.
• Qualification: PhD in mathematical modeling applied to life sciences
• Salary: 3100 euros/month (gross)
• The position will be supervised by Ludovic Mailleret and Frédéric Grognard. Close collaborations are expected locally with members of M2P2 and MaCBES, and with other participants of the BEEP project.

To apply

• Please submit your CV and a motivation letter, detailing your previous research experience and professional goals, and contact information for 2 referees, to: ludovic.mailleret@inrae.fr

More information

• https://jobs.inrae.fr/en/ot-25936