Location: Antwerp, Belgium
Institution: Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM)
Department: Clinical Sciences – Clinical Immunology Unit
Opportunity type: Postdoctoral Position
Contract: Full-time, 3 years
Salary: From €6,416.44 gross/month
Deadline: August 28, 2026
Start: As soon as possible, before mid-October 2026
APPLICATION STATUS: OPEN
The Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM) in Antwerp, Belgium is seeking a Postdoctoral Scientist to support the evaluation of vaccines and therapeutics during the ongoing Bundibugyo ebolavirus (BDBV) outbreak response in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The position is based within ITM’s Clinical Immunology Unit and will play a key role in vaccine immunogenicity research supporting Phase II/III clinical trials conducted during the outbreak response.
About the position
The successful candidate will lead the development, qualification and implementation of immunogenicity testing activities in collaboration with international partners.
The role combines clinical immunology, vaccinology, laboratory research and outbreak response, with an important international component.
Main responsibilities
The postdoctoral scientist will:
- Coordinate laboratory activities supporting Phase II/III vaccine clinical trials.
- Establish and optimize sample collection, processing, storage and shipment procedures in the DRC.
- Develop and implement immunogenicity testing strategies.
- Work with platforms including ELISA, Luminex, virus neutralization assays, ELISpot, IGRA and flow cytometry.
- Contribute to assay harmonization with international partners.
- Support technology transfer and laboratory capacity strengthening in the DRC and internationally.
- Ensure compliance with quality assurance systems and Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP).
- Contribute to scientific publications and grant applications.
- Represent the unit in scientific and technical working groups and international meetings.
- Mentor students, laboratory staff and junior scientists.
Who can apply?
Applicants must hold a PhD in biomedical sciences, immunology, microbiology, virology, vaccinology, infectious diseases or a related life sciences discipline.
The essential profile includes:
- Demonstrated expertise in vaccine immunology and immunogenicity assessment.
- Experience with techniques such as ELISA, Luminex, VNT, ELISpot, IGRA or flow cytometry.
- Strong understanding of biosafety and quality management systems.
- At least 4 years of postgraduate laboratory experience.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Fluency in English.
- Professional proficiency in French is required for activities and deployments in the DRC.
- Willingness and ability to travel internationally, including to tropical and outbreak-affected regions.
Additional assets
Experience in areas such as GCP/GCLP, ISO-accredited laboratories, clinical trials, emerging infectious diseases, outbreak response, technology transfer, laboratory capacity strengthening, grant writing and team supervision will be considered an advantage.
Contract and salary
The position is offered as a full-time 3-year contract.
The position is classified in Hay scale 18, with a minimum gross salary of:
€6,416.44/month
The salary package is based on relevant professional experience.
Additional benefits include bicycle compensation or leasing, public transport support, meal vouchers, supplementary pension benefits and access to professional training. Teleworking from Belgium may also be possible on a sporadic or structural basis.
Location
The position is based at the Institute of Tropical Medicine in Antwerp, Belgium.
The role includes international travel and potential deployments related to outbreak response activities in the DRC and other tropical or outbreak-affected settings.
Why this opportunity may be interesting
This is a particularly strong opportunity for researchers working at the intersection of:
Vaccinology · Immunology · Infectious Diseases · Clinical Trials · Emerging Infections · Global Health
The position offers the opportunity to contribute directly to vaccine research during an active Ebola outbreak response, while working with international research partners and public health stakeholders.
It is therefore much more than a conventional postdoctoral laboratory position: the role combines research, clinical immunology, laboratory systems, international collaboration and outbreak response.
How to apply
Applicants should submit:
- CV
- Motivation letter
- Additional supporting documents, if relevant
Applications must be submitted through the ITM recruitment portal.
Deadline
August 28, 2026
⚠️ Closing very soon. Interested candidates should apply as soon as possible.
Official source
Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM)
Antwerp, Belgium
View the official vacancy and apply
Last checked: August 27, 2026