International Call for the Recruitment of a Team Leader in Virology at CIRI
The International Research Center on Infectious Diseases (CIRI; https://ciri.ens-lyon.fr/) is a multi-trustee public research institute (INSERM, CNRS, ENS, UCBL1, HCL) based in Lyon (Rhône-Alpes), one of France's most dynamic cities and a strategic crossroads in Europe. CIRI brings together over 450 collaborators, equally distributed across the departments of Virology, Bacteriology, and Immunology, fostering an exciting mix of scientists, professors, and physicians, thanks to its strong connections with HCL Lyon Hospitals.
The Virology department consists of 11 research teams focused on studying a broad spectrum of viral human pathogens, including emerging and highly pathogenic viruses in both acute and chronic infections. This includes BSL4 viruses, arboviruses, respiratory viruses, hepatitis viruses, retroviruses, and more. The department employs a variety of cutting-edge experimental approaches and methodologies, such as fundamental cellular and molecular biology, the development and use of appropriate animal models or organoids/organ-on-chip systems, spatiotemporal transcriptomics, metabolomics, and more. These tools are utilized to investigate pathogens, their interactions with host organisms, and the pathophysiology and clinical aspects of human infections. Additionally, CIRI is actively involved in translational research aimed at developing diagnostic methods, antivirals, and vaccines to combat these diseases.
We are seeking for an outstanding group leader in Virology focused on the study of human BSL3/BSL4 (re)emerging viruses; special considerations will be given to projects involving BSL-4 viruses.
Applicants of any nationality are welcome to apply. The selected candidate will be provided with office and laboratory space, as well as access to state-of-the-art on-site core facilities, including BSL3 facilities for in vitro and in vivo studies, a BSL4 laboratory, various types of microscopy, imaging, flow cytometry, and “omics” facilities, among others (see https://www.sfr-biosciences.fr/).
CIRI is committed to gender equality and is dedicated to support women in leadership positions, as such we strongly encourage the applications from female scientists. Special consideration will be given to candidates eligible for start-up programs, such as the ERC Starting/Consolidator Grants, ATIP-Avenir, ANR JCJC, or equivalent programs. Support will be provided to help secure research funding.
Applications, in English, should include a CV (3 pages), a brief description of achievements and records of self-financing (2 pages), a research project (5 pages), and the names and contact information of 3 referees.
Applications will be reviewed by the CIRI Scientific Advisory Board.
Application material should be sent as a single pdf to david.durantel@inserm.fr (Coordinator of Virology department) and dimitri.lavillette@cnrs.fr (CIRI Director).
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: March 31st 2026. Short-listed candidates will be invited for an on-site visit and interview starting in April/Early May 2026