Professor Trypanosoma

The Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM) in Antwerp aims at the advancement and spread of science that contributes to infectious disease medicine and to public health globally with focus on low- and middle-income countries, inclusive of their global dimensions. ITM provides fundamental, translational and applied scientific research, delivers advanced education on and provides medical, scientific and societal expert services. ITM is an open and international campus where staff, students and researchers work on new international health challenges.

The Department of Biomedical Sciences is establishing a new research unit dedicated to pathogen–host–vector interactions, with a particular focus on trypanosomes. The unit will be led by a newly recruited Professor (at any academic level) and will build upon and further strengthen ITM’s internationally recognized research on African trypanosomes. Therefore, the Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp (ITM) is looking for an outstanding scientist with an excellent track record in experimental parasitology, molecular biology of Trypanosomes and/or host and vector immunology with a strong scientific network, including partners in Africa, South America and/or South-East Asia.

The main focus of the Trypanosoma Unit will be to:

i) conduct innovative fundamental research on Trypanosoma biology and/or host–Trypanosoma–vector interactions, advancing knowledge of parasite biology and informing potential biomedical applications to combat trypanosomiases; and

ii) maintain and further develop the Unit’s established expertise and capacity in Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT), including biomedical support to ongoing HAT control and elimination efforts.

The newly recruited Professor will be expected to take over line management of the existing Trypanosoma-focused team and to develop a novel and independent research portfolio that complements the Unit’s existing expertise.

This position encompasses the classical academic triad of research, education and service delivery. The candidate is expected to develop an innovative and internationally competitive research programme in the field of experimental parasitology of Trypanosomes, to contribute to educational activities within the area of expertise, including training of Master and PhD students, as well as in specialized short courses at ITM, and to ensure expert advice to national and international bodies/stakeholders in the field of molecular diagnostics and control programmes of diseases caused by African Trypanosomes.

Candidates should have at least four years of relevant postdoctoral research experience. We welcome candidates of any nationality.

Your role:

·       Develop an innovative and internationally competitive research programme on trypanosomes, with a strong foundation in fundamental parasite biology and/or host–parasite–vector interactions.

·       Develop, apply and disseminate state-of-the-art experimental approaches in fundamental research, which may include advanced molecular biology, biochemistry, imaging, cell biology, multi-omics and/or computational methods, according to the candidate’s expertise and research interest.

·       Be willing to take responsibility for and further develop the unit’s existing translational and applied research portfolio, including its contribution to HAT diagnosis, molecular surveillance and control programmes, as well as the scientific use and maintenance of its tsetse fly facility.

·       Establish and foster strong global partnerships and collaborations.

·       Acquire competitive research funding and build up international reputation and visibility.

·       Contribute actively to the development and delivery of the educational portfolio of the Department of Biomedical Sciences and ITM, including supervision of Master students and PhD training.

·       Build and lead a team of scientific and technical staff, take up management responsibilities appropriate to the academic level.

·       Collaborate with other units in the Department of Biomedical Sciences and ITM to develop complementary research lines on vector-borne and protozoan diseases.

·       Contribute expertise to national and international bodies and stakeholders, where relevant to the candidate’s field.

·       Oversee and direct ITM’s WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training on Human African Trypanosomiasis Diagnostics.

·       Promote and contribute to the strategic vision of the department and to relevant ITM committees.

Profile / Requirements

·       A PhD degree in biology, veterinary sciences, biomedical sciences, biochemistry, medicine, or equivalent field.

·       An excellent research profile in experimental/molecular parasitology of Trypanosomatids.

·       Experience with advanced experimental and/or computational approaches relevant to the proposed research programme.

·       A proven track record of successful grant writing and project supervision, in accordance with the candidate’s career stage.

·       A collaborative scientific profile and ability to develop interdisciplinary and international collaborations.

·       Experience in translational or applied research, capacity strengthening, and collaboration with institutions in endemic countries is considered an asset.

·       Prior experience in running a tsetse fly facility is not essential, though an interest in helping to run and utilize the tsetse facilities is considered an asset.

·       Experience in academic teaching and training in the field of parasitology is highly valued.

·       Excellent communication skills and respectful people management skills.

·       Fluent in English. Knowledge of French is an asset. Active knowledge of Dutch is desirable. If you do not have these skills, willingness to acquire a working level of Dutch is requested.

·       You support the mission and values of the ITM.

Offer

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.

We offer:

·       A full-time appointment. Depending on your record and qualifications, you will be appointed

to or tenured in one of the grades of the senior academic staff: assistant professor, associate professor, professor or full professor.

·       A salary package depending or your profile and professional experience, and supplementary

benefits, such as a private pension scheme, meal vouchers and reimbursement of transport

costs. For candidates eligible for expat status under Belgian fiscal law, relocation, cost of living and other allowances can apply.

·       A research starting package, including coaching and training.

·       A strong research environment conducive to high level research (existing national and international research lines and network, Clinical Trials Unit and Centre, travel clinic).

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

·       An immigration and relocation assistance package. We explicitly welcome candidates from low and middle income countries.