Scientific employee (30501)

Academic Positions; Belgium; On-site; EUR 33,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Holiday leave

Bicycle allowance

Eco vouchers

Job summary

Ghent University is seeking a First Stage Researcher (R1) to join a 6-month project in Ethiopia examining the usability and use of school toilets. You will assess conditions, conduct behavioural surveys, and contribute to reporting findings for international journals.

The position requires a Masters degree in a relevant field, strong English skills, and willingness to conduct fieldwork in low- and middle-income settings, with a contract starting 1/02/2027.

Qualifications

• Experience with observational research and field data collection.
• Development and deployment of behavioural questionnaires.
• Excellent command of English, written and spoken.

Responsibilities

• Assess current condition, functionality, and use of school toilets in and around Jimma Town through systematic observations.
• Investigate how facilities are used by school communities through behavioural surveys and interviews.
• Analyse and report research findings.
• Write one to two scientific manuscripts for publication in international peer-reviewed journals.

Skills

Observation methods

Behavioural surveys

Interviews

Communication skills

Education

Masters degree

Job description

Psychological sciences » Behavioural sciences

Sociology » Other

Technology » Environmental technology

Organisation/Company Ghent University Research Field Engineering » Civil engineering Engineering » Other Environmental science » Other Medical sciences » Other Psychological sciences » Behavioural sciences Sociology » Other Technology » Environmental technology Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Application Deadline 17 Nov 2026 - 22:59 (UTC) Country Belgium Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer 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 Masters 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.