Research associate in medical terminologies and semantic interoperability

Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG); Oost-Vlaanderen; On-site; EUR 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

1-year contract

Starting 1/12/2026

Staff benefits: training, 36 days’ hol

Bicycle allowance

Job summary

Ghent University seeks a Research associate to advance medical terminologies and semantic interoperability. You will work at the intersection of health informatics, ontologies, and AI to map SNOMED-CT to classifications like ICPC-3 and ICF, improving data interoperability for clinical and research use.

The role offers a 1-year definite contract starting 1/12/2026, with extensive staff benefits including training opportunities, 36 annual leave days, bicycle allowance and eco vouchers.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Health Sciences, Medicine, Health Informatics, Computer Science or equivalent.
• Strong interest in medical information standards and terminologies.
• Strong analytical skills with precise, structured work.
• Ability to work independently and in multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Assets: knowledge of SNOMED-CT, ICPC-3, ICF, ICHI and Semantic Web technologies.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to research on medical terminologies and semantic interoperability.
• Develop methods/tools for semantic mapping between SNOMED-CT and international classifications (ICPC-3, ICF, ICHI).
• Support interoperability of health data in clinical practice and research.

Skills

Analytical skills

English communication

Independent work

Teamwork

Education

Master's degree in Health Sciences/Medicine/Health Informatics/CS

Job description

Research associate in medical terminologies and semantic interoperability

Job ID: 30477

ABOUT GHENT UNIVERSITY

Ghent University is a world of its own. Employing more than 15,000 people, it is actively involved in education and research, management and administration, as well as technical and social service provision on a daily basis. It is one of the largest, most exciting employers in the area and offers great career opportunities. With its 11 faculties and more than 80 departments offering state-of-the-art study programmes grounded in research in a wide range of academic fields, Ghent University is a logical choice for its staff and students.

YOUR TASKS

You will contribute to research projects focusing on medical terminologies, international classification systems and semantic interoperability of health data.

The position is situated at the intersection of health informatics, medical terminologies, ontologies and artificial intelligence. You will contribute to the development of methods and tools that enable semantic mapping and interoperability between SNOMED-CT and international classification systems such as ICPC-3, ICF, ICHI and other WHO classifications. The overall goal is to improve the interoperability, secondary use and analysis of health data in both clinical practice and research settings.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• You hold a Master's degree in one of the domains of Health Sciences, Medicine, Health Informatics, Computer Science, Informatics, or an equivalent qualification
• You have a strong interest in scientific research related to medical information standards and medical terminologies
• You possess strong analytical skills and work in a precise and structured manner
• You are able to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
• You have excellent written and spoken communication skills in English
• The following knowledge and experience are considered strong assets:
  • Medical terminologies and classification systems (e.g. SNOMED-CT, ICPC-3, ICF, ICHI, ...)
  • Semantic interoperability in healthcare
  • Ontologies, knowledge representation and Semantic Web technologies
  • Relevant programming languages and technical skills required for the execution of project tasks
• Experience with WHO classifications and participation in (inter)national terminology projects is considered an advantage

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

• We offer you a contract of definite duration for the period of 1 year
• Your contract will start on1/12/2026at the earliest
• All Ghent University staff members enjoy a number of benefits, such as a wide range of training and education opportunities, 36 days of holiday leave (on an annual basis for a full-time job) supplemented by annual fixed bridge days, bicycle allowance and eco vouchers. Click here for a complete overview of all the staff benefits .

As Ghent University maintains an equal opportunities and diversity policy, everyone is encouraged to apply for this position.

MORE INFORMATION

For more information about this vacancy, please contact prof. dr. Pascal Coorevits ( [e-mail] ) . Important: do NOT send your application by email, but apply online.

Do you have a question regarding the online application process? Please read the FAQ or contact us via [e-mail].