Predoctoral candidate

Introduction

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 Department of Clinical Sciences within ITM strives to improve diagnostics and treatment of tropical and globalized infectious diseases with the aim to promote the health of the individual patient. The Department of Clinical Sciences has an renowned expertise in conducting clinical trials in low to high income settings, and dealing with (re-)emerging epidemics. Within the department, the Clinical Immunology Unit conducts patient immunosurveillance studies in several neglected tropical diseases (i.e., leishmaniasis, rabies) and (re-)emerging diseases (i.e., Mpox, Ebola). The focus of these studies include biomarker discovery, immunodiagnostics, immunotherapy, vaccine development and host-pathogen interactions. We are looking for a motivated junior researcher willing to pursue a PhD trajectory in vaccine development for leishmaniasis.

Assignment

·       During this predoc year, you will develop and compete for an individual PhD fellowship (e.g. FWO) in vaccine development for leishmaniasis while training the necessary skills.

·       You will assist in the set-up and coordination of an observational cohort study in Ethiopia, in close collaboration with our partnering institutions in Gondar and Addis Abebe.

·       You will perform and analyze several immunological assays on blood and skin samples of the above study, both at ITM and our Ethiopian partner labs.

·       You will partly analyze and co-author scientific papers

·       You will regularly present your ideas/findings and participate in unit and departmental meetings.

·       You will develop essential documents required for a clinical study including Standard Operating Procedures.

·       You will work closely with the leading post-doctoral scientist and report to the head of the Clinical Immunology Unit.

Profile

·       You have a Master’s degree in the field of (bio)medical sciences or other related life sciences.

·       Previous working experience is an asset, but you have no more than 14 months of scientific working experience after your Master’s degree.

·       Previous scientific publications and affinity with good clinical (laboratory) practices are considered assets.

·       You have a good background in immunology and cellular immunity assays (e.g. PBMC isolation, flow cytometry, ELISpot, histology) or are willing to further expand your knowledge.

·       You are independent and are willing to travel to Ethiopia.

·       You have good organizational skills and eye for detail.

·       You have a team-focused emphatic personality and can easily adapt to new environments.

·       You communicate clearly and have transparent communication lines

·       You are passionate to work in a laboratory and want to pursue a PhD trajectory

·       Coaching and/or training skills are an asset.

·       You speak and write English fluently. Multilingual knowledge is considered an asset.

·       You have good analytical and scientific writing skills.

The Institute of Tropical Medicine is committed to building a diverse, equitable and inclusive institute. We strive for excellence and relevance, integrity, sustainability, 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. We take care of the well-being of employees, students, patients and clients. 

The ITM offers you:

·       A full-time contract of 1 year. Starting date: as soon as possible.

·       A workplace in the middle 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 private pension scheme, meal voucher subscription and reimbursement of transport.A pleasant working atmosphere with attention to work-life balance and individual growth and development.

·       Relevant trainings at ITM or at external institutes.