The Institut Pasteur du Cambodge (IPC) is a Cambodian non-for-profit research institution established in 1953, IPC is today a scientific research establishment declared of public utility placed under the high patronage of the Ministry of Health of the Kingdom of Cambodia and under the responsibility of the Institut Pasteur on the scientific and technical levels. The IPC is a member of the Pasteur Network, which brings together 33 institutes present on five continents. It shares the Pasteurian values and the ethical charter to which the Pasteur Institutes are bound. The IPC has more than 300 employees, including about 30 expatriates of 22 nationalities and includes 6 research units. It carries out research activities in health biology, public health and service activities (Medical Biology Laboratory, vaccinations and water and food analyses) and training.
For over 25 years, the Virology Unit (the Unit) at the Institut Pasteur du Cambodge (IPC) is committed to conduct research on, and contribute to the prevention and control of infectious diseases in Cambodia, in Southeast Asia, and around the globe. Emerging and zoonotic infectious diseases pose a significant threat to public health and economic stability in the region and worldwide, and the Unit is uniquely poised to be a global player in endemic and emerging virus (EEV) research and response. The Unit seeks to improve Early Warning (EW) systems using a One Health framework at the human-livestock-wildlife interface.
The Virology Unit aims to become a leading center for research on endemic, emerging and zoonotic infectious diseases in Southeast Asia, contributing to national and global efforts to control and prevent these diseases. Our vision is to improve Early Warning for emerging and zoonotic infectious diseases in Cambodia through One Health surveillance, mechanistic research, response/intervention, contribute to developing new prophylactics and therapeutics, and provision of expertise and evidence-based knowledge.
Why Join IPC?
The Institut Pasteur du Cambodge (IPC) is committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and empowering workplace. We promote transparency, non-discrimination, and professional development for all staff.
By joining IPC, you will:
- Work in an internationally collaborative and respectful environment
- Contribute meaningfully to public health and high-impact scientific research.
- Access continuous learning opportunities tailored to your career path.
- Be part of a team that actively supports gender equality, diversity, and inclusion.
- Join an institution recognized for its integrity, innovation, and global scientific partnerships
Position Overview:
The Virology Unit at Institut Pasteur du Cambodge (IPC) is seeking a talented and motivated Scientist to join our team and contribute to high-impact research on viral pathogens of public health relevance in Southeast Asia and beyond.
The successful candidate will contribute to and lead research projects that address priority public health challenges, particularly in the areas of zoonotic and emerging viruses, viral genomics and evolution, field-based surveillance, and environmental virology. This position emphasizes innovation, cross-sectoral collaboration, and science that informs real-world public health response.
The position is funded for an initial period of up to two years, with strong institutional support to establish or expand an independent research portfolio. The scientist will be expected to develop a sustainable research program and pursue external funding to support continued work.
This opportunity is aimed at early independent stage scientists (have completed some postdoctoral work) who are ready to lead their own research, mentor junior scientists, and contribute strategically to IPC’s mission. However, senior-level, established scientists with a strong research track record and interest in more senior roles are also encouraged to apply. Rank and responsibilities will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.
We are also open to partial secondments or joint appointments, particularly where these strengthen institutional collaborations or contribute to strategic capacity building.
Recruitment conditions:
- Position: Full-time.
- Contract: An initial one-to-two year contract (renewable based on performance and funding).
- Start Date: As soon as possible
- Benefits:
- Private health insurance including family coverage and life insurance.
- NSSF (Health Care, Occupational Risk, Retirement).
- Khmer New Year and Pchum Ben Bonus.
- Annual leave plus an additional day every three years.
- Multicultural environment with staff from 22 nationalities.
- Opportunities for growth and career advancement.
Main responsibilities:
- Scientific Leadership:
Lead or co-lead impactful research projects focused on endemic, emerging, and/or zoonotic viruses, contributing to both national and regional research priorities. Provide strategic input to help guide the scientific direction of the Virology Unit, ensuring alignment with evolving global One Health agendas and institutional goals. - Research Development:
Design and implement innovative, methodologically sound research projects that address public health-relevant viral pathogens. Develop experimental protocols using advanced techniques in virology, molecular biology, sequencing, and serology, while integrating emerging scientific tools to strengthen the Unit’s research capacity and impact. - Laboratory Expertise:
Perform and supervise laboratory work involving molecular biology, tissue culture, serology, and sequencing. Oversee the integration and continuous optimization of laboratory protocols and tools, maintaining high standards of practice, biosafety, and data integrity throughout all experimental procedures. - Data Management:
Manage the analysis and interpretation of complex datasets using advanced statistical and bioinformatics tools. Ensure that all data is managed in a robust, transparent, and reproducible manner, enabling the derivation of meaningful scientific insights and the translation of findings into interventions or policy recommendations. - Collaboration & Networking:
Cultivate strong partnerships with national, regional, and international institutions, including scientific collaborators, government agencies, and One Health stakeholders. Promote interdisciplinary collaboration and represent the Virology Unit at technical meetings, scientific conferences, and within global networks. - Dissemination of Research:
Publish research findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals and present results at national and international conferences. Contribute to IPC’s visibility through technical reports, policy briefs, and public communications, and advocate for science-driven policies in public and animal health. - Field Work Experience:
Plan and coordinate field missions for sample and data collection, often in remote or resource-limited settings. Ensure that fieldwork is conducted safely and ethically, in compliance with scientific protocols, and in collaboration with public health partners, local authorities, and affected communities. - Mentorship & Supervision:
Mentor and supervise junior scientists, technicians, and students, fostering a supportive and collaborative working environment. Encourage skill development and innovation within the team, while ensuring the effective execution of both laboratory and field components of research projects. - Staff Management & Capacity Building:
Contribute to the management and technical strengthening of the Virology Unit by supporting staff training, internal workshops, and ongoing learning initiatives. Promote a culture of excellence, inclusiveness, and continuous improvement across the team and the broader research environment. - Funding & Resource Management:
Identify and pursue external funding opportunities from national and international sources. Lead or contribute to the preparation of competitive grant proposals, scientific reports, and project budgets, while ensuring the efficient and compliant use of resources to support sustainable research growth.
Candidate Profile:
- Qualifications: Doctoral degree in Virology, Microbiology, Infectiology, or a related field. Additional degrees in pharmacy, medicine, or veterinary medicine are an asset.
- Experience: At least 3–5 years of postdoctoral experience (or equivalent) in virology or related fields
Demonstrated success in conducting and publishing original research
Experience working with diverse viral families and interdisciplinary teams. - Laboratory Expertise: Proficient in molecular biology, sequencing, serology, and cell culture
Proven ability to manage laboratory projects and ensure quality standards. - Field Experience: Comfortable coordinating or participating in field work in challenging or remote environments. Experience in outbreak or surveillance contexts is a plus.
- Funding & Project Management: Demonstrated ability to attract and execute funded research projects, with proven experience in managing research budgets, including financial planning, resource allocation, and ensuring compliance with funding requirements.
- Mentorship & Management: Demonstrated ability to supervise and mentor scientists and students. Ability to work collaboratively and lead small research teams effectively.
- Language: Very good English language skills required, French language skills desirable.
- Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, with the ability to effectively disseminate complex scientific information to diverse audiences.
- Collaborative Approach: A team player with the ability to foster collaboration and build strong partnerships both internally and externally.
- Adaptability: Ability to adapt to changing research landscapes and to lead teams through challenges in dynamic environments. Successful professional experience in a resource limited setting is a plus.
The complete application includes a cover letter – with salary expectations, copies of diplomas if any, work certificates, curriculum vitae with a recent photo, Identity Card photocopy – all certified documents– are to be sent to the Human Resources department of Institut Pasteur du Cambodge #5, Monivong Blvd, Phnom Penh or by email to: recrutement@pasteur-kh.org and ekarlsson@pasteur-kh.org phone number: 092 777 665.
Moreinfo: https://www.pasteur-kh.org/job-offers
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