Epidemiologist or biostatician to Support Mpox and Ebola Outbreak Research in Africa and Europe

Introduction

The Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM) in Antwerp is a leading independent academic centre for research and innovation, education, and clinical services in public health, global health and tropical medicine. Founded in 1906, ITM’s research today focuses on Disease Prevention, Control and Elimination, Emerging Infections and Outbreaks, and Sustainable and Equitable Health Systems, with antimicrobial resistance embedded across all research themes.

One of ITM’s key areas of expertise is Mpox and Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers. Since 2020, the research group of Laurens Liesenborghs has been studying mpox and its clinical and epidemiological impact. In close partnership with Congolese and international collaborators, the group launched a large research program on mpox transmission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC): the mpox Biology, Outcome, Transmission and Epidemiology (MBOTE) Project (Mbote means “hello” in Lingala, one of the local languages in the DRC). Have a closer look at the project: www.mbote-mpox.com.

The MBOTE consortium has led several studies on the epidemiology, clinical presentation, prevention, and treatment of mpox in both Europe and Africa. A major milestone was the discovery and clinical characterization of the novel Clade Ib variant in the DRC, which drove the 2024 global mpox outbreak. In parallel, the group has initiated multiple studies on mpox in Belgium.

Since May 2026, the group has been heavily involved in the response to the current Ebola outbreak in the DRC. In collaboration with Congolese colleagues, the unit is actively researching the clinical presentation of the Bundibugyo virus and supporting a clinical treatment trial.

The unit of Laurens Liesenborghs specializes in multidisciplinary outbreak research, clinical epidemiology and clinical trials. They are now looking for a biostatistician or epidemiologist to join a multidisciplinary team of 3 clinicians, a biologist, an epidemiologist, and a lab specialist.

Your main responsibilities:

·       Analyzing and interpreting clinical and epidemiological data from ongoing cohort studies and outbreak investigations.

·       Designing and conducting epidemiological and clinical studies on mpox and Ebola in collaboration with international partners.

·       Contributing to grant writing and the development of new research projects within the group.

·       Coordinating research activities in Belgium and, with support of collaborating institutions, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and other partner sites.

·       Supporting outbreak investigations and field research, including occasional travel to study sites when needed.

·       Leading and contributing to scientific publications, conference presentations, and research reports.

·       Supervising junior researchers, students (PhD, master) and research assistants involved in the project.

·       Gradually developing an independent research portfolio aligned with the group’s research priorities and global health objectives.

Required qualifications and key competencies:

·       You have a master’s diploma in epidemiology, biostatistics, or a related discipline.

·       Having a PhD is an asset.

·       Demonstrated experience in clinical research, epidemiology, or infectious disease research.

·       Strong data analysis skills (e.g., R, Stata, Python, or similar statistical software).

·       Proven ability to publish scientific work in peer-reviewed journals.

·       Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.

·       Good oral communication skills in French, enabling effective interaction and collaboration with partners in francophone settings.

·       Strong cross-cultural competencies and ability to work effectively in international research collaborations.

·       Ability to work independently, as well as in multidisciplinary and international teams.

·       Willingness to travel and participate in field research in low-resource settings, including sub-Saharan Africa.

·       Flexible, pragmatic, and solution-oriented, with the ability to work under time pressure and manage complex or challenging situations.

·       Experience with grant writing and research funding applications.

The Institute of Tropical Medicine is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment. Through your role, you will contribute to ITM’s socially relevant mission. 

We highly value human dignity and diversity, academic creativity, and a critical mindset, with a strong focus on solidarity and collaboration. The wellbeing of our staff, students, patients, and clients is central to everything we do. 

Our offer:

·       An exciting position at the forefront of mpox and Ebola research, contributing to work with clear public health impact.

·       Opportunities for field research and international collaboration.

·       A stimulating interdisciplinary global research environment.

·       Support for scientific career development.

·       A full-time contract of 1 year, renewable. Renewal is not guaranteed and will depend on the availability of funding.

·       Starting date: as soon as possible.

·       A salary based on your relevant professional experience. ITM applies Hay salary scales. This position is classified in Hay scale 16 (researcher fellow ), with a minimum gross salary of 5014,85 euro.  

·       Additional benefits include bicycle compensation, bicycle leasing and/or public transport subscription, meal vouchers, and a supplementary pension scheme. 

·       An immigration and relocation assistance, if applicable.

·       We are a collaborative team and value collegiality, openness, and mutual respect among us and with our partners.