Research Assistant NCD

More than 480 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 200 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 pass-sion for our mission. Does ITM appeal to you as a workplace? If so, we would be delighted to welcome you as a Research Assistant at the Unit of Non-Communicable Diseases of the Department Public Health.

Within ITM, the Unit of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) is dedicated to address the rising burden of chronic NCDs, including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer globally. The Unit’s research and academic activities relate to the prevention and control of NCDs, particularly among vulnerable groups, and from a public health perspective, and emphasizing the identification of the determinants of NCD development, and the formulation of effective strategies to address them.

We are looking for an outstanding postgraduate to join the NCDs Unit and contribute the project “A novel life course microsimulation model linking diet to NCDs” sponsored by Research Foundation – Flanders (FWO) project. The main aim of the project is to develop a state-of-the-art life course obesity-diabetes-CVD-cancer microsimulation model that links diet to NCDs across the life course. The model will be developed and validated for Belgium, using representative data and established resources, and used to quantify diet-related NCDs burdens in Belgium, accounting for population’s heterogeneity.

As a Research Assistant you will join a multi-disciplinary team of public health experts, epidemiologists, biostatisticians, and modelers, and will also have the opportunity to interface with international experts and stakeholders. Foreseen tasks include:

• Prepare and harmonize model inputs, including risk prediction equations
• Model development, input incorporation, and continuous update of the model
• Document research process thoroughly and consistently
• Preparation of project reporting and related documents
• Lead and contribute to abstract and manuscript preparation, and present research at national and international scientific meetings
• Collaborate in the preparation of research proposal for competitive funding
• Contribute to the Unit’s coaching and teaching on NCDs at ITM

• Master’s level degree in relevant data sciences (e.g. biostatistics, applied computation, biomedical/health informatics, applied mathematics, epidemiology, or health Economics)
• Advanced knowledge of computational programming, and statistical software (R, phyton, c++)
• Experience working in mathematical models, particularly probabilistic, multi-state and/or microsimulation models, and ability to solve technical problems in these areas
• Strong writing and oral communication skills, demonstrated through Master’s thesis work, scientific publication, abstract communication, or lecturing in the above-mentioned areas
• Team spirit and openness to multi-disciplinary interactions
• Fluent in English. Knowledge of Dutch is an asset.

ITM 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 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. We offer you:

• The assignment concerns a full-time position for one year, extendable. Starting date as soon as possible. Preliminary starting date November 1, 2022.
• A collegial working environment with attention to work-life balance and individual growth and development.
• A workplace in the middle of the vibrant city of Antwerp, easily accessible by public transport.
• A salary set according to the pay scales of ITM and the Flemish universities and to your work experience with some supplementary benefits, such as private pension scheme and meal voucher subscription.

Apply for this post and send your letter of motivation and CV to recruitment@itg.be before 01/09/2022 of September.

For more information about this position, please contact HR (recruitment@itg.be).

Only applications with CV and letter of motivation will be accepted.

You are an ITM-colleague and ready for a new challenge? Do not hesitate to contact HR about this position. Your candidacy will be handled strictly confidential.

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