Scientific employee

**Apply before 17/11/2026 (DD/MM/YYYY) 23:59 (Brussels Time)** * **Faculty of Veterinary Medicine** * **Department: DI04 - Translationele Fysiologie, Infectiologie en Volksgezondheid** * **Occupancy rate:100%** * **Number of positions: 1** * **Type of employment: Contract of limited duration** * **Term of assignment: 6 months** * **Wage scale: WM1 to WM4 (master degree)** * **Required diploma:Master** **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. * Your remuneration will be determined by salary scale WM1 to WM4 (if you hold a Master’s degree) or salary scale PD1 to PD4 (if you hold a doctorate). Click here for more information about our salary scales. * 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.