PhD position open at CIRI, Lyon, France
“Understanding host-pathogen interaction processes that control Orthonairovirus transmission”
Date of publication: 30th October 2025
Deadline for application: 31st January 2026
The team HEAL – Hepatotropic and Emerging Agent Laboratory – at CIRI is welcoming applications from
enthusiastic and independent PhD candidates to start research projects on the cellular and molecular aspects
of “Orthonairovirus: molecular determinants of transmission”. Orthonairovirus are emerging, tick-borne
viruses such as the Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus. In humans, CCHFV causes a hemorrhagic
disease with a 30% mortality rate and is classified as a BSL-4 virus. In animals (including cattle, a natural host
of the virus) infection is asymptomatic. We have identified host factors from bovine and human with
differential activity against CCHFV. The aim of the PhD candidate will be to understand how CCHFV is
affected by these host factors and unraveled the molecular basis explaining the difference observed between
the bovine and human orthologs. Using different approaches (such as cellular biology, molecular biology,
microscopy, cytometry, western blot, RT-qPCR) identified host factor candidates will be analyzed for their
role during CCHFV (and other Orthonairoviruses) cell entry, replication/transcription/translation and
assembly/secretion of the viral cycle.
Environment:
The host team is part of the CIRI – International Center for Infectiology Research
(https://ciri.ens-lyon.fr), in Lyon, France. The laboratory provides state-of-the-art facilities for cellular and
molecular biology, biochemistry and top-level research virology with levels 3 and 4 laboratories and animal
housing. It is located on the Campus Charles Mérieux, a research environment endowed with strong basic
biology sciences and a particular dedication to research on infectious diseases. The lab has cofounded the
LabEx (Laboratory of Excellence) Ecofect (http://ecofect.universite-lyon.fr/) on Eco-evolutionary dynamics
of infectious diseases. The host lab has a particular interest in translating its basic science discoveries in
translational research in immunotherapy.
Candidates:
The applicants are expected to have a strong background in molecular and cellular biology. The
ideal candidates should be highly motivated, curious, and enthusiastic to work in a highly collaborating team.
Prior experience in molecular virology and international training will constitute an advantage. Proven ability
to identify research objectives and meet agreed deadlines, self-motivation, flexibility, and assistance to other
ongoing research work is essential. Excellent written and communication skills in English are required.
Application:
Candidates are invited to contact Vincent LEGROS (vincent.legros@ens-lyon.fr) for further
details. Please send an application with the following:
- Cover letter
- Concise summary of previous activities
- Curriculum vitae including contact details for 2-3 referees
Recent publications related to the position:
– Gautam et al. 2024. The PACS-2 protein and trafficking motifs in CCHFV Gn and Gc cytoplasmic domains
govern CCHFV assembly. Emerging Microbes and Infections
– Ritter et al. 2024. The low-density lipoprotein receptor and apolipoprotein E associated with CCHFV particles
mediate CCHFV entry into cells. Nature Communications
– Freitas et al. 2022. Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever: a growing threat to Europe. Comptes Rendus Biologies
– Freitas et al. 2020. The interplays between Crimean-Congo helorragic fever virus (CCHFV) M segment-
encoded accessory proteins and structural proteins promote virus assembly and infectivity. PLoS
Download the full call: PhD CCHFV CIRI 2025