Researcher Tuberculosis

More than 500 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 100 scientific projects in the fields of tropical medicine and international health.

Our teaching staff welcomes more than 500 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.

The Unit of Tuberculosis, of the Department of Clinical Sciences at ITM, is looking for a motivated and experienced researcher in the field of human tuberculosis (TB), to drive the implementation of EDCTP-funded trials in TB diagnosis and treatment conducted in African countries. These include CAD LUS4TB (computer-assisted diagnosis with lung ultrasound) and TASP (extensive drug-resistant TB). You will be responsible to monitor the implementation, in collaboration with country-level monitors of these projects. You will be based in Belgium, and travel regularly to implementing countries.

Your role:

• Study monitoring: In CAD LUS4TB, you will be responsible to design the study database together with different investigators leading different work packages, monitor study implementation - in collaboration with country-level monitors in Benin, Mali and South Africa-, and oversee quality data collection.

• Study implementation: In TASP, you will support implementation in one country (either Mozambique, Nigeria, or South Africa).

• Research: You will be stimulated to develop you own research track, to build a long-term future within the Unit of TB. You will get dedicated time for grant writing.

• Capacity strengthening: Depending on your profile, you may also take on a mentoring role for Master’s and/or PhD students working on topics aligned with your expertise, some of whom will be involved in the EDCTP projects mentioned above.

• Education: You will share the expertise you develop during our yearly course on clinical decision-making and drug-resistant TB.

Your profile

·       Medical Doctor; having a PhD in Health Sciences or related is an asset. If you do not hold a PhD, we will offer the possibility to obtain a PhD degree.

·       Experience with working on human TB related research topics.

·       Experience with designing a database; experience with REDCap and R  statistical software is an asset.

·       Experience with study implementation / monitoring / data management, preferably in a global health context.

·       Experience in education; if in a global health context this is an asset.

·       Strong organizational, intercultural, and communication skills.

·       Proficiency in English; good knowledge of French.

Our offer:

The Institute of Tropical Medicine ITM 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. 

The ITM offers

·       A full-time position (part-time can be discussed), initial contract for a one-year period, with the intention to extend (EDCTP funding is available for 4 years). Start date as soon as possible.

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

·       A salary set according to the pay scales of ITM and to your work experience, with some supplementary benefits, such as private pension scheme and meal voucher subscription. 

·       Possibility of working from home.