More than staff members at the Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM) contribute every day to improving the health of millions of people worldwide. Our researchers conduct more than scientific projects in the fields of tropical medicine and international health. Our teaching staff welcomes more than professionals from around the world each academic year to attend our highly regarded medical courses. Tens of thousands of travel and STI consultations take place in our clinic each year, and our internationally recognized reference laboratories examine many hundreds of thousands of samples.
There is only one way we can accomplish these very diverse tasks: thanks to a great passion for our mission. Does the ITM appeal to you as a workplace? If so, we would be delighted to welcome you as a Research Fellow at the Unit of Virology of the Department of Biomedical Sciences.
The Unit of Virus Ecology has a particular interest in unravelling rodent and vector-borne viruses in their wildlife hosts. We are interested in obtaining a multi-scale understanding of the viral transmission process, focusing on three main areas: developing advanced diagnostic tools for detecting viruses in wildlife; using these tools to enhance field research design and outcomes; and applying our findings to develop control strategies from a One Health perspective. The Unit is running collaborative research and capacity building projects on wildlife viruses and on the evaluation of new diagnostic tests with partners in DR Congo and Tanzania.
The Unit is recruiting a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to investigate the transmission of rodent- and vector-borne diseases in African wildlife. This role will involve overseeing laboratory screening of samples, developing innovative diagnostic techniques for wildlife screening—such as multiplex serology and metagenomics—and working closely with African partners to implement these assays.
Assignment
· You will be responsible for supervising sample screening (PCR, serology) and sequencing in the unit.
· You will be responsible for the project management and communication with the project partners.
· You will conduct molecular biology, immunology and sequencing analysis.
· You will write high-quality publications for scientific journals.
· You will present research results at different levels and for different audiences.
· You will contribute to the scientific discussion and help training and supervising Master and PhD students.
Profile
· You hold a PhD in Virology, or a related field.
· You have strong expertise in molecular biology and HT sequencing approaches.
· You have an interest in rodent and vector-borne diseases, immunology and bioinformatics.
· Previous experience in working in low- and middle-income countries is preferred.
· You show a high level of enthusiasm and motivation, and you are scientifically curious.
· You have excellent scientific writing and oral communication skills in English (and preferably in French).
· You have excellent organisational skills.
Offer
The Institute of Tropical Medicine is committed to building a diverse, equitable and inclusive institute. We strive for excellence and relevance, integrity, sustainability and persistence and fairness. Your assignment contributes to the socially relevant mission of the ITM. We value human dignity and diversity, academic creativity and a critical spirit, solidarity and cooperation, and the well-being of employees, students, patients and clients. We offer you:
· A fulltime contract as a research fellow within the novel Unit of Virus Ecology. A contract with a duration of 2 years, extendable. Starting date: as soon as possible.
· A collegial working environment with attention to work-life balance and individual growth and development
· Opportunities to interact with other ITM units and departments comprising an excellent group of scientists with a wide range of interests and expertise in tropical infectious diseases. The Institute and department comprise state-of-the-art facilities within the heart of the vibrant city of Antwerp, Belgium.
· Continuous training, co-supervision of junior staff/students and collaboration with colleagues from inside and outside the Institute.
· A salary set according to the pay scales of ITM and to your work experience with supplementary benefits, such as private pension scheme and meal voucher subscription.