Organisation/Company: Universidad Pontificia Comillas
Research Field
Engineering » Chemical engineering
Researcher Profile
First Stage Researcher (R1)
Positions
PhD Positions
Country
Spain
Application Deadline
9 Dec 2025 - 12:00 (Africa/Abidjan)
Type of Contract
Permanent
Job Status
Full-time
Funding
Not funded by a EU programme
Research Infrastructure
No
Offer Description
Influenza viruses and coronaviruses have caused some of the deadliest pandemics in humans, with pigs acting as natural reservoirs. Swine influenza A viruses (swIAV) and porcine respiratory coronavirus (PRCV) are enzootic in pigs, infecting airway epithelial cells, but differ in pathogenicity and immune response. Cattle are the natural host for influenza D virus (IDV), which has recently emerged in swine (swIDV), with its pathogenesis still unknown. The genetic diversity of swine influenza viruses is vast and growing, with numerous reassortant genotypes co-circulating and posing zoonotic threats with pandemic potential. The pandemic potential of PRCV and swIDV remains unknown.
This project aims to enhance understanding through an integrated mathematical model of viral replication, transmission, pathogenesis, and immune control, combined with statistical and machine learning techniques. These approaches will help identify key events in virus-host interactions to inform control strategies.
Our results will contribute to predicting the zoonotic potential, transmission dynamics, and pathogenicity of both existing and emerging swIVs and PRCVs.
Qualifications include a graduate degree in Physics, Mathematics, or Engineering, with a master's degree qualifying for Doctorate studies, and expertise in mathematical modeling, simulation, and statistical inference.
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