Application Guide

How to Apply for Postdoctoral position for the development of an interactive tick identification key

at Pasteur Institute

🏢 About Pasteur Institute

The Pasteur Institute is a world-renowned biomedical research center with a 135-year legacy of groundbreaking discoveries in infectious diseases, including Louis Pasteur's rabies vaccine. As a remote postdoc here, you'd join a globally respected institution at the forefront of public health, working within their Ecology and Emergence of Arthropod-borne Pathogens team—a unique opportunity to contribute to their mission of preventing diseases that affect millions worldwide.

About This Role

This postdoctoral position focuses on developing an interactive tick identification key to enhance global disease surveillance and prevention. You'll conduct research within a specialized team on arthropod-borne pathogens, directly contributing to scientific advancements in tick classification methodologies that could improve outbreak response and public health strategies.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day involves analyzing tick morphological data or pathogen associations, coding or refining the interactive key's features, and collaborating remotely with team members on research design. You might also review literature on tick-borne diseases, validate key accuracy with specimen data, and contribute to manuscript preparation for scientific publications.

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🎯 Who Pasteur Institute Is Looking For

  • Holds a recent PhD in entomology, ecology, parasitology, or a related field with dissertation work involving arthropod vectors or disease ecology
  • Has hands-on research experience with tick species, morphology, or pathogen interactions, demonstrated through publications or thesis work
  • Possesses technical skills in developing interactive scientific tools (e.g., using platforms like Xper3, Lucid, or custom coding for taxonomic keys)
  • Demonstrates a strong understanding of arthropod-borne disease systems and surveillance applications, ideally with fieldwork or lab experience

📝 Tips for Applying to Pasteur Institute

1

Highlight specific experience with tick identification or related arthropods in your CV—mention species worked with, techniques used (e.g., morphological keys, molecular ID), and any prior tool development

2

Tailor your research statement to the Pasteur Institute's focus: emphasize how your work aligns with their mission in disease prevention and the team's research on arthropod-borne pathogens

3

Provide examples of interactive scientific tools you've developed or contributed to (e.g., digital keys, databases, visualization tools), even if in academic projects

4

Mention any remote collaboration experience, as this role is remote but requires coordination with a Paris-based team

5

Reference the Ecology and Emergence of Arthropod-borne Pathogens team's published work to show familiarity with their research direction

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Explain how your PhD research directly relates to tick ecology, identification, or arthropod-borne pathogens, with specific examples', 'Detail your experience in developing interactive tools or keys, including technologies used and outcomes (e.g., usability, accuracy improvements)', "Connect your work to the Pasteur Institute's public health mission, emphasizing how your contributions could enhance disease surveillance", 'Describe your ability to work independently in a remote setting while collaborating effectively with an international team']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review publications from the Ecology and Emergence of Arthropod-borne Pathogens team (led by Dr. Karen McCoy) to understand their focus areas
  • → Explore the Pasteur Institute's recent initiatives in global health surveillance and digital tools for disease prevention
  • → Study existing tick identification keys (e.g., traditional dichotomous keys, digital tools) to identify gaps or improvement opportunities
  • → Look into the Institute's remote collaboration culture and resources for distributed research teams

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Discuss your experience with tick morphological identification and challenges in distinguishing medically important species
2 Explain your approach to designing an interactive key—usability considerations, technical platforms, and validation methods
3 Describe a past research project on arthropod-borne pathogens and its implications for disease ecology or surveillance
4 How would you ensure the key is accessible to field epidemiologists or non-specialists in diverse global settings?
5 What synergies do you see between your research and the Pasteur Institute's work on emerging infectious diseases?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic application without mentioning ticks, arthropod-borne diseases, or interactive tool development
  • Overemphasizing unrelated research (e.g., plant ecology or mammalian pathogens without vector connections)
  • Failing to demonstrate how your work aligns with the Pasteur Institute's public health mission or the specific team's focus

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

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Good luck with your application to Pasteur Institute!

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