Scientific Fellow

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 Unit of HIV and Tuberculosis, of the Department of Clinical Sciences at ITM, is looking for a qualified scientific fellow to manage a clinical and biomedical research capacity-building program linking African and European institutions (SAHRI Fellowship). In addition the Unit of HIV and Tuberculosis provides support to students of the Masters in Tropical Medicine as they develop their thesis in the form of a scientific manuscript.

The SAHRI Fellowship Program develops skilled health researchers in sub-Saharan Africa through partnerships between African institutions (Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Kenya, and Burkina Faso), KULeuven, ITM Antwerp, and BioNTech. The program trains researchers in clinical and biomedical innovation and entrepreneurship, focusing on infectious diseases. Fellows complete:

·       24-month Master of Science in Tropical Medicine (60 ECTS)

·       Systems Thinking in Biotech course at KULeuven

·       Industry internships with BioNTech

·       Structured mentorship from academic and industry experts

·       12-month return-home phase for research projects at African institutions

SAHRI aims to enhance regional research capacity, foster international collaborations, and build self-sufficiency in addressing Africa's health challenges. 

Your Role:

·       SAHRI: Oversee daily operations of the SAHRI Fellowship Program across partner institutions:

o   Coordinate with African partners, KU Leuven, and BioNTech for seamless program delivery;

o   Facilitate partnership coordination,  organize consortium meetings and represent the program at international conferences and professional networks when necessary;

o   Manage EDCTP project requirements, reporting, and compliance;

o   Guide fellows through their 24-month academic and research trajectory;

o   Support placement in programs of partners and internships at BioNTech;

o   Assist fellows during return-home phase and local implementation projects;

o   Assist fellows with protocol development ;

o   Engage in research within SAHRI thematic areas and contribute to joint publications.

·       Broader educational activities:

o   Contribute to curriculum development and quality assurance for the Master's program;

o   Teach on protocol development and thesis writing, including research question, background, methods, data collection and cleaning, and scientific writing, for both on-campus Master students and other distance learners;

o   Contribute to scientific and research capacity by supervising and co-supervising Master and PhD students, supporting their integration in ongoing research projects, and facilitating capacity-building activities for learners both at ITM and in collaborating institutions.

·       Contribute to or lead (depending on your experience) grant writing on topics similar to SAHRI or topics related to the Unit’s interests.

Your Profile:

·       Medical degree (MD) with Master's in biomedical sciences, tropical medicine, or related field (a PhD is a valuable plus).

·       Proven experience managing large-scale international research collaborations, such as EDCTP projects.

·       Strong background in teaching clinical/biomedical research methodologies.

·       Experience in higher education or academic program coordination in global health.

·       Expertise in research processes, clinical research, and data management.

·       Fluency in English (written and spoken); knowledge of French is an asset.

·       Experience with digital learning platforms.

·       Ability to work across multiple time zones and cultural contexts.

Our 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 well-being of employees, students, patients and clients.

·       A full-time position (part-time can be discussed), offered as an initial one-year contract with the intention to extend. Funding is secured for a minimum total duration of 2.5 years.

·       Starting date as soon as possible. A workplace in the heart of vibrant Antwerp, easily accessible by public transport.

·       A salary package depending on your profile and professional experience, including supplementary benefits such as additional private pension scheme, public transport subscription and/or bicycle fee, meal voucher subscription.

·       The possibility of structural telework. Telework is only possible in Belgium.