Epidemiologist for modelling AMR transmission in LMIC

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 Emerging Infectious Disease Unit applies epidemiological methodologies to investigate (zoonotic) transmission pathways, and to enhance integrated surveillance for emerging infectious diseases and prediction of risks of transmission. We are looking for an experienced, enthusiastic infectious disease epidemiologist for an international research consortium that aims to understand transmission dynamics of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in sub-Saharan Africa, and to predict clinical AMR for empiric prescribing, based on innovative One Health surveillance approaches involving metagenomics (the JPI-AMR funded ALARUM project). You will work closely with other partners in this project. We are particularly interested in candidates with an established skillset/expertise in infectious disease modeling.

Assignment
· Analyse epidemiological, microbiological, and metagenomic data from human and environmental sources to estimate AMR gene abundance, and relatedness to clinically relevant AMR profiles.

· In close collaboration with other unit members and project partners, design and validate a model to quantify the relative contribution of environmental sources to community-acquired AMR colonization and infection.

· Provide input to/collaborate with project partners to evaluate the accuracy of predicting resistance patterns in clinical isolates.

· Translate findings to help inform intervention strategies such as infection prevention and control or water, sanitation and hygiene improvements on AMR trends.

· Contribute to scientific publications, grant applications and technical reports focused on modeling the transmission dynamics of AMR.

· Support capacity strengthening through training and mentoring of team members and external partners in AMR modeling techniques.

· Stay updated on the latest scientific advances in AMR epidemiology, infectious disease modeling methods, transmission parameter estimation, and AMR surveillance.

· Communicate complex modeling outcomes effectively to technical and non-technical stakeholders, including policymakers, funders, and the public.

Profile
• You hold an advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in Infectious Disease modeling, Epidemiology, Biomedical Sciences or Biostatistics and a scientific track record in infectious disease epidemiology, supported by peer-reviewed publications.

• You have experience in modeling infectious diseases and disease surveillance. Ideally you also have experience in working with and interpreting metagenomic data.

• You have excellent knowledge of statistics and advanced experience in R. Good knowledge of Python, Julia, Stan or similar programs is an asset.

• You have excellent knowledge of research methods and have analytical and scientific writing skills.

• You speak and write fluently in English. Knowledge of French, Dutch and other relevant languages is a strong asset.

• You are a team player and have an interest in mentoring and teaching, including through international collaboration with partners in low- and middle-income countries

• You have good communication skills and are highly motivated, with a multidisciplinary attitude and affinity with ITM's objectives and spirit.

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.

• An intellectually stimulating, international and socially committed environment, with room for personal initiative.

• A fulltime position for 1 year, extendable to a contract of indeterminate duration depending on funding. Starting date: 1 September 2025.

• A salary package that takes your work experience into account, complemented by several extra-legal benefits: bicycle allowance and/or public transport subscription, meal vouchers, and supplementary pension.

• The possibility of structural telework up to maximum 2.5 days/week. Telework is only possible in Belgium.