PhD in Virology

Context on the VIVACE doctoral Network

While outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIV) in Europe used to be rare and geographically contained, the situation has dramatically changed in the last few years with thousands of outbreaks reported in domestic poultry and wild birds. Vaccination of poultry against avian influenza, which used to be prohibited in the European Union (EU) due to trade restrictions, is now being given full consideration, as it is becoming clear that traditional prevention and control approaches alone will not curb the accelerating pace of occurrence of devastating HPAIV epidemics. However, vaccinating poultry does not come without important challenges. The project VIVAC, gathering 15 leading universities or research institutes and 5 private companies, puts together an ambitious doctoral network to integrate poultry vaccination approaches into efficient management strategies for HPAIV. This interdisciplinary project offers funding for 13 PhD scholarships along the continuum from virology and immunology to spatial and molecular epidemiology, computer sciences and social and behavioural sciences. Irrespective of their background, all doctoral candidates from VIVACE will benefit from a unique international training in these fields, as well as state-of-the-art soft skill development. In doing so, the VIVACE consortium ambitions to train the next generation of scientists with integrated understanding and expertise in avian influenza management.

More information about the project: https://www.inrae.fr/en/news/management-avian-influenza-vaccination-context and https://vivace.hub.inrae.fr/

Description and objectives of the PhD project
The main objectives of the PhD project are to monitor and to understand the impact of poultry vaccination on the antigenic evolution of A(H5) HPAIV. This will be achieved by characterizing the antigenic properties of the main viral surface antigens, the hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA), of A(H5) HPAIV recently isolated in countries where poultry vaccination has been implemented (e.g., Egypt, collaboration with the National Research Center), as well as in countries where vaccination has not been implemented (e.g., the Netherlands). Antigenic characterization will be conducted using antigenic cartography, a bioinformatic tool that enables spatial visualization and quantification of antigenic evolution. Another objective is to understand the breadth of immune responses following bird vaccination, in collaboration with Ceva Santé Animale (France). Finally, the project aims to perform risk-assessment of circulating avian influenza viruses using in vitro and in vivo models. This will involve the molecular and phenotypic characterisation of viruses in relation to mammalian adaptation, zoonotic risk factors, pandemic potential and overall public health risk.

Key publications on the topic

A vaccine antigen central in influenza A(H5) virus antigenic space confers subtype-wide immunity.

Kok A, Wilks SH, Tureli S, James SL, Bestebroer TM, Burke DF, Funk M, van der Vliet S, Spronken MI, Rijnink WF, Pattinson D, de Meulder D, Rosu ME, Lexmond P, van den Brand JMA, Herfst S, Smith DJ, Fouchier RAM, Richard M. bioRxiv [Preprint]. 2024 Aug 6:2024.08.06.606696. doi: 10.1101/2024.08.06.606696.

Characterization of A/H7 influenza virus global antigenic diversity and key determinants in the hemagglutinin globular head mediating A/H7N9 antigenic evolution.

Kok A, Scheuer R, Bestebroer TM, Burke DF, Wilks SH, Spronken MI, de Meulder D, Lexmond P, Pronk M, Smith DJ, Herfst S, Fouchier RAM, Richard M. mBio. 2023 Oct 31;14(5):e0048823. doi: 10.1128/mbio.00488-23. Epub 2023 Aug 11.

Cross-Reactivity Conferred by Homologous and Heterologous Prime-Boost A/H5 Influenza Vaccination Strategies in Humans: A Literature Review.

Kok A, Fouchier RAM, Richard M. Vaccines (Basel). 2021 Dec 10;9(12):1465. doi: 10.3390/vaccines9121465.

Human Clade 2.3.4.4 A/H5N6 Influenza Virus Lacks Mammalian Adaptation Markers and Does Not Transmit via the Airborne Route between Ferrets.

Herfst S, Mok CKP, van den Brand JMA, van der Vliet S, Rosu ME, Spronken MI, Yang Z, de Meulder D, Lexmond P, Bestebroer TM, Peiris JSM, Fouchier RAM, Richard M. mSphere. 2018 Jan 3;3(1):e00405-17. doi: 10.1128/mSphere.00405-17. eCollection 2018 Jan-Feb.

We are looking for a PhD candidate who is enthusiastic, highly motivated and who demonstrates a drive for fundamental research in virology.

• Candidate should hold a MSc degree or equivalent from an accredited academic program in Virology, Microbiology, Biology, Biomedical or Molecular sciences, Immunology, or (Veterinary) Medicine.
• Demonstrable experience with cell culture and various molecular and/or and virological techniques are necessary. Familiarity with cellular/molecular biology techniques is essential, skills in bioinformatics would be advantageous.
• Candidate should have an excellent command of the English language, both oral and written.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, the ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams, and a willingness to work in biocontainment facilities are crucial.
• As the project is part of the VIVACE doctoral network (Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action), candidates must meet mobility requirements by not having resided or conducted their main activities (work, studies, etc.) in the Netherlands for more than twelve months during the three years preceding the start of the PhD project. Candidate is expected to obtain their PhD in 4 years.

The department of Viroscience at Erasmus MC employs more than 110 employees of different disciplines and runs an extensive experimental research program on the epidemiology, pathogenesis, prevention and treatment of infections by human and animal viruses. All necessary equipment to carry out the research proposed is available within the setting of the department. The department of Viroscience harbors well-equipped clinical and experimental virology labs, in which all the virology, molecular biology, pathology and immunology techniques necessary for the project are operational.

You will be part of the team of dr. Mathilde Richard, in which the necessary expertise and experience to receive appropriate training and support is available. Secondment periods at CEVA Santé Animale (France) to study breadth of immune responses in vaccinated birds and at the National Research Center in Egypt to study the antigenic drift of H5 viruses in Egypt in relation to vaccination are planned.