Scientific employee

UNIVERSITEIT GENT; Oost-Vlaanderen; Vor Ort; EUR 36.000 - 47.000; Vollzeit

Benefits dieser Stelle

36 days of holiday leave

Training and education opportunities

Bicycle allowance

Eco vouchers

Zusammenfassung

Ghent University is seeking a researcher to join a field study in Ethiopia focusing on school toilets, usability, and WASH practices. You will lead observational work, behavioral surveys and data collection in LMIC settings, and contribute to scientific reporting.

The role requires a Master’s degree, strong English, and excellent communication skills. A 6-month contract with substantial staff benefits is offered to support fieldwork and publication opportunities.

Qualifikationen

• Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Public Health, Civil Eng, Psychology).
• WASH knowledge, preferably in school settings.
• Experience with observational research and field data collection.
• Excellent command of English, written and spoken.

Aufgaben

• Assess school toilets: condition, functionality, use in Jimma Town.
• Conduct behavioural surveys and interviews with school communities.
• Analyse and report research findings.
• Write one to two scientific manuscripts for publication.

Kenntnisse

WASH knowledge

Observational research

Behavioural questionnaires

English proficiency

Communication skills

Scientific writing

Fieldwork in LMICs

Stakeholder engagement

Ausbildung

Master’s degree in a relevant field

Jobbeschreibung

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