Research Assistant Geospatial

The Department of Public Health of the Institute of the Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM) conducts public health research of international standing, delivers postgraduate education of high quality, and engages in service delivery to advance public health. The department is organized into multidisciplinary research groups, including public health specialists, epidemiologists, and social scientists. Within the Department of Public Health, the Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) group aims to contribute to the improvement of sexual, reproductive, and maternal health of populations primarily (but not only) in low resource settings, by collaborations in innovative research, advanced education, policy support and capacity-strengthening. We use quantitative, qualitative and mixed method inter-disciplinary approaches (e.g. epidemiology, sociology, anthropology, psychology, demography) to understand risks and vulnerability as an evidence base towards improving outcomes.

The SRH Group has two units: the HIV and Sexual Health unit and the Reproductive and Maternal Health unit. Within the dynamic and interdisciplinary Reproductive and Maternal Health unit, there is an exciting opportunity for a researcher in spatial and statistical analysis to support ongoing projects working on understanding the complex dynamics of maternal care provision and use in sub-Saharan African cities.

Assignment:

·       You provide spatial and statistical support in the assembly and pre-processing of a wide variety of maternal health indicators from household survey data, such as Demographic and Health Surveys.

·       You offer spatial and statistical support in the assembly and pre-processing of health indicators based on environment, climate, population and infrastructure data from open data portals.

·       You conduct geospatial modelling and analyses to examine the variation of maternal health indicators across space and time.

·       You interpret spatial and temporal patterns in maternal health indicators.

·       You apply related statistical and advanced spatial analyses to determine and understand maternal health vulnerability in urban areas.

Profile:

·       You have a Master's degree in the field of geospatial/spatial sciences, epidemiology, or data science.  

·       At least 1 year of experience in analytical health geography.

·       Experience (1-3 years) with ArcGIS Pro or similar GIS software, such as QGIS.

·       You have had exposure to household survey data, especially from the DHS Program or MICS.

·       Proficient in scripting with R and STATA or other programming languages.

·       Ability to write clearly and concisely in a scientific style.

·       You have an excellent knowledge of English.

·       You have good organisational and analytical skills, you are a team-player, that can work across cultures respectfully, and you are open-minded.

·       You are in possession of the necessary work permit for Belgium, as the starting date is as soon as possible.

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 wellbeing of employees, students, patients and clients.

We offer you:

·       A position at 80% with a contract of definite duration till end 2027, with possibility of extension, depending on the funding of the project.

·       Starting date: as soon as possible in 2026.

·       A collegial working environment, with attention to work-life balance, individual growth and development.

·       A workplace in the centre of the vibrant city of Antwerp, easily accessible by public transport.

·       A salary package depending on your profile and professional experience, and supplementary benefits, such as a private pension scheme, meal voucher subscription and reimbursement of transport.