Scientific employee

Ghent University; Belgique; Remote; EUR 40,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Ghent University is seeking a researcher for a six-month project in Ethiopia to study the usability of school toilets and hygiene practices. You will conduct systematic observations and behavioural surveys and help report results for international journals.

The candidate should hold a Master’s degree in a relevant field, have strong English skills, and be prepared for extended fieldwork in LMICs; Ghent offers training opportunities and holiday leave.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Public Health, Civil Engineering, Bioengineering, Psychology, Sociology or related field.
• Knowledge of WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene), preferably in school settings.
• Experience with observational research and field data collection.
• Ability to develop behavioural questionnaires.
• Willingness to spend extended periods in LMICs conducting fieldwork.
• Excellent command of English (spoken and written).
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; engaging with diverse communities.
• Experience with scientific writing is an asset.

Responsibilities

• As part of a research project in Ethiopia on school toilets, assess current conditions, functionality and use.
• Investigate how school facilities are used through behavioural surveys and interviews.
• Analyse and report research findings; contribute to manuscripts for publication.

Job description

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

As part of a research project in Ethiopia on the usability and use of school toilets, you will be responsible for:

• Assessing the current condition, functionality, and use of school toilets in and around Jimma Town through systematic observations.
• Investigating how these facilities are used by the local school community through behavioural surveys and interviews.
• Analysing and reporting research findings.
• Writing one to two scientific manuscripts for publication in international peer-reviewed journals.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• You hold a Master's degree in a relevant field, such as Public Health, Civil Engineering, Bioengineering, Psychology, Sociology, or a related discipline.
• You have knowledge of WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene), preferably in school settings and with a specific focus on sanitation facilities.
• You have experience with observational research, field data collection, and the development of behavioural questionnaires.
• You are willing to spend extended periods in low- and middle-income countries conducting fieldwork.
• You have an excellent command of English, both written and spoken.
• You possess strong communication and interpersonal skills and can effectively engage with diverse communities and stakeholder groups.
• Experience with scientific writing is considered an asset.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

• We offer you a contract of definite duration for the period of 6 months
• Your contract will start on 1/02/2027 at 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.

Your application must include the following documents:

• In the field 'CV': your CV and a transcript of your academic record (merged into one pdf file)
• In the field 'Cover letter': your application letter in pdf format
• In the field 'Diploma': a transcript of the required degree (if already in your possession). If you have a foreign diploma in a language other than our national languages (Dutch, French or German) or English, please add a translation in one of the mentioned languages.

Note that the maximum file size for each field is 10 MB.

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 Dr. FIona Vande Velde( [e-mail] , +32(0)9/264 74 07).