Call for Applications to Join the Pasteur Network Scientific Working Groups

The Pasteur Network is delighted to announce the call for applications to join Scientific Working Groups. This initiative marks a pivotal moment in our journey towards fostering a global community dedicated to advancing public health, biological research, and scientific excellence to work together better.

Composition of the Scientific Working Groups

The Scientific Working Groups will be composed of one representative from each member institute of the Pasteur Network, ensuring a broad spectrum of insights and expertise. This structure aims to reflect the diverse scientific pursuits and challenges across our network, promoting a collaborative approach to innovation public health, and research. Each institute will be represented in at least one Scientific Working Group, with the option for multiple individuals from each institute to apply and participate actively in these groups (see detailed description below).

Criteria for Participation

Eligibility:

• Applicants must not hold directorial or department head positions within their respective institutes.
• The participating institute must support the applicant’s involvement, including covering travel expenses for an annual in-person meeting as well as allowing time to participate in virtual discussions.

Desired Qualities and Expectations:

• Commitment to achieving gender, regional, and subject area balance, in alignment with 9 key thematic areas: (1) Mother & Child Health (2) Vector-Borne Diseases impacted by Climate Change (3) Antimicrobial Resistance (4) R&D&I on Vaccines (5), on Therapeutics and (6) on Diagnostics, (7) Science Equity, (8) Epidemic Preparedness (9) Ethics.
• Proficiency in English is preferred, although automatic translation will be available for virtual meetings.
• A CV (no longer than 5 pages) highlighting relevant experiences and achievements.
• Responses to two cover letter questions, focusing on the applicant’s unique contributions and visions aligned with the Pasteur Network’s strategic pillars.

 Selection Process

Applications will be reviewed by a selection panel. The panel will aim for a balanced and diverse composition. Final candidates will be approved by the Board of the Pasteur Network.

Roles and Responsibilities

Members of the Scientific Working Groups will actively contribute to meetings, participate in working groups, and serve as liaisons with their respective institutes for a three-year term, renewable on a voluntary basis. The Chair of the Working Groups will be voted from among its members. The Chair will support the Working Groups to organize meetings, act as the primary contact point for the members of the Scientific Working Groups and with support from the Pasteur Network will provide an annual report on the deliberations, discussions, and plans of each Working Group. The mandate of the Chair is for 3 years, with the possibility of renewal.

Application Submission

Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications on the Flexigrant platform (https://calls.pasteur-network.org/startapplication.aspx?id=14254). The application must include a short CV and written responses to the specified cover letter questions outlined in the application form. The selection process will honor the principles of balance, diversity, and excellence.

This opportunity represents not only a chance to contribute to the global health community but also to help shape the future of scientific research, public health and innovation within the Pasteur Network. We look forward to receiving your applications and welcoming our new Working Group members.

Deadline for Application Submission: 15 January 2025

For more details or help to submit your application, please contact: renaud.Vatrinet@pasteur.fr

Description of the Scientific Working Groups

1. Mother & Child Health

This SWG focuses on advancing research in maternal and child health. It aims to unify experts from diverse research domains to address key health challenges in mothers, infants, and children, including both communicable and non-communicable diseases.  

2. Vector-Borne Diseases Impacted by Climate Change

This SWG unites researchers focused on vector-borne diseases affected by climate change, emphasizing the changes in vector distribution, seasonality, and disease intensity due to warming temperatures and environmental shifts.

3. Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)

This SWG addresses the critical public health threat of antimicrobial resistance through strategic reflection, fostering enhanced collaboration, increased visibility, and capacity building. Its efforts range from AMR surveillance to comprehensive molecular studies of resistance mechanisms.

4. Research, Development & Innovation (R&D&I) on Vaccines

Focusing on vaccine research, development, and innovation, this SWG covers the entire vaccine development pipeline, from basic research to manufacturing and clinical trials.

5. Research, Development & Innovation (R&D&I) on Therapeutics

This SWG fosters strategic reflection on collaboration and capacity building to advance new therapeutic options for infectious diseases. It supports the entire continuum, from basic research through therapeutic manufacturing and clinical trials, with a particular focus on emerging infections and neglected diseases.

6. Research, Development & Innovation (R&D&I) on Diagnostics

This SWG fosters collaboration and capacity building to create and enhance diagnostic tools for detecting infectious diseases accurately and rapidly. The group will collaborate on initiatives to facilitate the development of accessible, reliable diagnostics, particularly for regions where disease burden is high, and resources are limited.

7. Science Equity

In line with the Pasteur Network’s pillar of equity, this SWG aims to promote fairness in research funding, visibility, and career development opportunities across all network members. It emphasizes equitable access to research resources, training, and recognition, ensuring that all members, especially those from underrepresented regions and early-career researchers, can fully participate and benefit from the network’s activities.

8. Epidemic Preparedness

Focused on enhancing epidemic preparedness, this SWG includes activities such as surveillance, intelligence gathering, and rapid response planning, by integrating knowledge from multiple disciplines (e.g., virologists, epidemiologists, public health professionals, and data scientists) and the expertises of the members.

9. Ethics This SWG brings together experts in bioethics, legal frameworks, and public health ethics to address ethical challenges arising in infectious disease research and public health activities. It will also address emerging ethical concerns related to data sharing, biobanking, and international research collaboration.