Assistant department of Diagnostic Sciences (29477)

→ Apply until 04/01/2026(DD/MM/YYYY) 23:59 (Brussels time)
→Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
→ Department GE32 - Department of Diagnostic Sciences
→AAP temporary appointment - 100%
→ Number of openings: 1
→ Reference number: 202511/GE32/AS/045

ABOUT GHENT UNIVERSITY

Ghent University is a world of its own. Employing 15.000 people, it is actively involved in education and research, management and administration, and technical and social services on a daily basis. It is one of the largest, most exciting employers in the area and offers great career opportunities. With each of its 11 faculties and more than 100 departments offering state-of-the-art study programmes that are grounded in research in a wide range of academic fields, Ghent University is a logical choice for its employees as well as its students.

YOUR TASKS

• At least 50% of your assignment will be spent on academic research in preparation of a doctoral dissertation
• At least 20% of your assignment will be spent on assisting in the teaching activities at the department at bachelor or master level
• You will assist in the internal and external services of the department

Information on the research project:

Orthopaedic implant–related infections are serious complications of orthopaedic surgery. These implants are used for joint replacement (for example, hip prostheses) or for fracture stabilisation to support the healing process. Depending on the primary function of the implant and the clinical context, two main categories of implant-related infections can be distinguished: periprosthetic joint infections and fracture-related infections. In both groups, microbiological results play a crucial role in establishing the diagnosis of infection and selecting the appropriate antimicrobial therapy.

However, many factors can compromise microbiological techniques, such as the patient’s prior use of antibiotics or the presence of a mature biofilm on the implant. As a result, in about half of all cases, classical microbiological techniques do not yield a definitive result.

In this project, we aim to optimise the microbiological diagnosis of both types of infections.
On the one hand, we will focus on culture-based techniques. By improving the culture media and the techniques used, we aim to optimise the specificity and sensitivity of culture.
On the other hand, we will also make use of next-generation sequencing (NGS). Retrospective data from targeted NGS can be compared with the culture results. This will allow us to define the added value of NGS alongside traditional culture. This knowledge is important for the further development of diagnostic protocols for microbiological laboratories responsible for diagnosing such infections.

In addition, by using shotgun NGS as a complement to the optimised culture techniques, we will formulate an integrated workflow combining both approaches. The ultimate goal is to establish an optimal workflow that provides the best possible sensitivity and specificity with a sound cost-benefit profile

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• You hold a degree of Master of Medicine in Medicine or Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences. The degree requirement needs to be fulfilled at the start of your appointment
• For diplomas awarded outside the European Union, a certificate of equivalence (NARIC) must be submitted
• You are interested in academic and/or project-based research and services
• Any teaching experience or participation in extra training, conferences, etc. is recommended
• You have excellent teaching and communication skills
• You are precise and punctual.
• You can work independently, but at the same time you are also a team player.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

• We offer you a two-year appointment, which may be renewed twice for two years, on condition that the previous term was given a positive evaluation. Attention: If you have been previously appointed as a junior assistant or doctoral fellow at a university within the Flemish Community, this appointment will be deducted from the maximum term of appointment, which is six years at the most according to the Codex of Higher Education
• Your appointment will start on 1 March 2026 at the earliest
• Your remuneration will be determined according to salary scale AAP3. 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 paid leave, bicycle commuting reimbursement, ecocheques, etc. A complete overview of all our fringe benefits

INTERESTED?

Apply online through the e-recruitment system before the application deadline (see above). We do not accept late applications or applications that are not sent through the online system.

Your application must include the following documents:

• In the field ‘Cv’: your cv and an overview of your study results (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
• In the field ‘Certificate of equivalence’: only for diplomas awarded outside the European Union a certificate of equivalence (NARIC) must be submitted (if already in your possession, if not, you need to be able to provide proof that you have applied for a certificate of equivalence at the start of your appointment). The certificate can be requested via www.naricvlaanderen.be/en. For diplomas awarded in the UK before January 31st of 2020, a certificate of equivalence is not required

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 Prof. Jerina Boelens ([emailprotected], +32 9 332 19 69).

Do you have a question regarding the online application process? Please read theFAQ or contact us via [emailprotected].