Scientific Assistant (50%) Infection Prevention & Control

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, and provides medical, scientific and societal expert services. The ITM is an open and international campus where staff, students and researchers work on the new international health challenges.

The Department of Clinical Sciences strives for optimal diagnostics and treatment of tropical and globalized infectious diseases with the aim to promote the health of the individual patient. Over the past decade, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has become a topic of increasing scientific interest in the department. The Unit of Tropical Bacteriology implements clinical bacteriology in reference laboratories and referral hospitals in low resource settings. This activity is currently extending to healthcare infection prevention & control. For these activities, we are looking to recruit a half-time scientific assistant.

You initiate and implement capacity building, training, and operational research in the field of hospital infection prevention and control in low resource settings, more specifically:

You initiate and coordinate training and educational activities in ITM North and South projects (videoclips, skillslab).

• You coordinate the 3-weeks AIM short course on containment of antibiotic resistance at ITM.
• You coach professionals from international partners in short courses, master, and PhD tracks.
• You develop with our South partners field-adapted evidence-based best practice guidance tools.
• You conduct operational research on effective, affordable, and acceptable interventions and policies.
• You provide support for the unit’s other AMR activities: clinical bacteriology and antibiotic stewardship.
• You build solid (inter)professional networks including professional associations.

• You contribute to writing relevant papers and attracting external research funding.
• You work closely with ITM interdepartmental, education and policy teams addressing AMR.
• You report to the head of unit, prof. Jan Jacobs.

• You are a Medical Doctor, MSc or certified in hospital infection prevention and control.
• You have qualifications and expertise in clinical microbiology and healthcare infections.
• You have at least 4 years of professional experience (expert training included); working experience in healthcare settings in low-resource settings is an asset.
• You are competent in education and proficient in guiding professionals, healthcare staff and trainees.
• You master English and French, proficiency of other relevant languages is an asset.
• You have the flexibility to travel to low resource settings.
• You are a team player and a strong communicator, able to build strong multi-disciplinary networks.
• You are independent, service minded, have excellent organizational skills and not afraid of the new.
• You are receptive to and human and sociocultural aspects of healthcare in low resource settings.

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:

• A half-time position of 1 year. Starting date as soon as possible.
• A collegial working atmosphere with attention to work-life balance and individual growth and development. ITM is located in the middle of the vibrant city of Antwerp and is 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.
• An immigration and relocation assistance package (if applicable).

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

Send your CV together with your letter of motivation to recruitment@itg.be before 15th of January 2022.

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