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The Experimental Immunology unit is an essential link in the triangle vector-pathogen-host within the fundamental research of the Biomedical sciences department. The unit will focus on the interactions of the human host immune response with vector-borne pathogens (e.g. focus on emerging virus-es/arboviruses) during the acute/early and established/chronic infection stages, interlinking with different departmental units (Veterinary Protozoology, Virology, Malariology, Entomology, Molecular Parasitology). The unit will exploit the (vector)-pathogen-host immune response interactions for identification/experimental validation of potential candidates for vaccine-based targeting. This would link with ongoing applied activities on vaccinology in Clinical Sciences and create momentum to explore potential future vaccine-oriented research in Public Health. Importance of the vector in these different lines: (i) vector components (saliva) as source of immunogens and immunomodulator, (ii) vector for natural challenge (vs syringe) of vaccine candidates.
Therefore, the Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM) is on the outlook for an outstanding scientist with experience in the field of experimental immunology of vector-borne diseases. The focus of the Experimental Immunology unit will be on the immunology of arthropod-borne virus infections. The candidate will be expected to develop a comprehensive, competitive and innovative research programme, in collaboration with the units of Virology and Entomology, and Clinical Immunology and in line with the departmental and institutional research priorities. This will be closely linked to our training and capacity strengthening activities.
Your role
– You set up and conduct innovative experimental research in the field of the immunology of vector-borne viral diseases, with the aim to unravel innate and adaptive immune responses in the hu-man or animal host after natural transmission by the vector, and to explore possible tar-gets for vaccination.
– You develop and manage a state-of-the-art technical and experimental immunology platform that is also accessible by researchers from other units working on host-pathogen relationships (Veterinary Protozoology, Molecular Parasitology and Malariology) and departments.
– You provide teaching and training in the field of immunology of vector-borne diseases at postgraduate, Master and PhD level as well as in specialized short courses at ITM. You contribute to the development of new teaching modules, including distant and blended learning.
– You acquire competitive internal and external research funding and build up international reputation and visibility.
– You provide expert advice to national and international bodies/stakeholders in the field of immunology of vector-borne (viral) diseases.
– You take up hierarchic responsibilities regarding management, safety and quality.
– You collaborate with Clinical Immunology and other units to develop one or more synergistic research lines.
– You contribute to the vision, strategies and departmental and institutional policy development.
You have/are
– A Doctoral degree in biology, biomedical sciences, (veterinary) medicine, or equivalent field.
– A strong academic track record in the field of immunology of vector-borne viral diseases, including successful grant writing and PhD supervision.
– Sound knowledge of, and proven work experience in experimental immunology.
– Strong interest in collaborative research and a track record in successful collaborative research with other disciplines.
– Fluent in English, written and spoken. Active knowledge of Dutch and French is desirable; if not, willingness to acquire a working level of knowledge of both is requested.
You might also have
– Experience with vaccine design and early development.
– Experience in teaching or training in the field of immunology.
Working experience in/with tropical and/or low and middle-income countries.
– Knowledge of other languages.
Our offer
– The ITM is an open and international campus where staff, students and researchers work on the new international health challenges. Your assignment contributes to our mission.
– We strive for excellence, integrity, specificity and efficiency. 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. Together we ensure a pleasant working atmosphere with attention to work-life balance and opportunities for training.
– The ITM is located in the middle of the bustling city of Antwerp.
– A fulltime tenure appointment in the initial rank of assistant, associate or (full) professor, de-pending on your qualifications.
– Core support in terms of research staff, facilities and international collaboration.
– A salary set according to the pay scales of ITM and the Flemish universities and to your work experience with supplementary benefits:a public transport subscription and/or bicycle fee, private pension scheme and meal voucher subscription. ITM also offers an immigration and relocation assistance package
Excited about the role?
For more information contact prof. Jean-Claude Dujardin, Head Department of Biomedical sciences (jcdujardin@itg.be). Send the ITM application form with your letter of motivation to recruitment@itg.be before June 8th, 2020.
