Professor Helminthology

Introduction

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. The ITM is an open and international campus where staff, students and researchers work on new international health challenges.

The Department of Biomedical Sciences is opening a new research unit in the field of pathogen-host-vector interactions, with a particular focus on (vector-borne) zoonotic helminths and their co-infections with co-endemic pathogens. Therefore, the Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp (ITM) is looking for an outstanding scientist with an excellent track record on the biology and immunobiology of zoonotic helminths and co-infections, with a strong scientific network, including partners in Africa, South America and/or South-East Asia.

The Helminthology Unit will focus on biomedical aspects of zoonotic helminths and their co-infection with relevant co-endemic pathogens (parasites, bacteria and viruses). It will study (1) the underlying drivers of zoonotic helminth transmission at the vector-animal-human host interface to develop novel biomedical control strategies, and (2) the impact of helminth and (co-)infections on health and control by advancing the knowledge on pathogen biology and the immunological interplay during co-infections by applying state-of-the-art multi-omics approaches.

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, complementing ongoing research activities on helminthology at ITM and on vector-borne pathogens in the department of Biomedical Sciences, contribute to educational activities within the area of expertise (such as in the Master of Global One Health) and (inter)national reference activities (National Reference Laboratory for Parasites – Trichinellosis, Echinococcosis and Anisakiasis, WHO, etc.).

Your Role

• Develop and apply state-of-the-art methodologies to study (vector-borne) zoonotic helminths at the interface of vector, animal and human host.
• Develop and conduct innovative research on zoonotic helminths and co-infections with co-endemic pathogens to advance biomedical control strategies.
• Develop and apply state-of-the-art immunological and multi-omics analyses to gain novel insights in host immunobiology during co-infections of zoonotic helminths with parasites, bacteria and viruses.
• Establish and foster strong global partnerships.
• Acquire competitive research funding and build up international reputation and visibility.
• Provide expert advice to national and international bodies/stakeholders in the field of helminthology (National Reference Laboratory for Parasites – Trichinellosis, Echinococcosis and Anisakiasis).
• Provide teaching and hands-on training in the field of (zoonotic) helminthology and co-infections at postgraduate, Master (Global One Health MSc) and PhD level, as well as in specialized short courses at ITM. Supervise and mentor MSc and PhD students.
• Build and lead a team of scientific and technical staff, take up management responsibilities.
• Collaborate with other units in the Department of Biomedical Sciences, and with researchers across ITM to develop synergistic research lines on zoonotic pathogens.
• Promote and contribute to the strategic vision of the department and institutional policy and contribute to relevant ITM committees.
• You report to the Head of the Department of Biomedical Sciences.

Profile/Requirements

• A PhD degree in biology, veterinary sciences, biomedical sciences, medicine, or equivalent field.
• An excellent academic track record in the field of helminthology, co-infections and immunobiology.
• A proven track record of successful grant writing and PhD supervision.
• A collaborative spirit to foster interdisciplinary interactions.
• Well-developed skills in field research, in organizing field sampling campaigns, in transferring biological materials from the field to the lab, and in working with scientists and local communities in low and middle income countries.
• A proven track record in capacity transfer and successful collaborative research with other disciplines.
• Experience in academic teaching and training in the field of helminthology is highly valued.
• Excellent communication skills and respectful people management skills.
• Fluent in English and preferably also in French, both in writing and speaking.
• Active knowledge of Dutch is desirable. If you do not have these skills, willingness to acquire a working level of Dutch is requested.
• Knowledge of other languages is an asset. Genuine alignment with ITM values.  

We offer you

The ITM 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 our mission. 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 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 on your profile and professional experience, and supplementary benefits, such as private pension scheme, meal voucher subscription and reimbursement of transport. For candidates eligible for expat status under Belgian fiscal law, relocation, cost of living and other allowances can apply.
• An attractive research starting grant to cover initial personnel, working and equipment costs.
• An immigration and relocation assistance package.
• A collegial research environment and mentorship with attention to work-life balance and individual growth and development.
• Based in the vibrant city of Antwerp, Belgium.  

Excited about this position?

For more information about this position, please contact HR ([email protected]).

Apply via the link on the ITM’s website before March 24th, 2024.

We ask you to add you CV and motivation letter.