Research Assistant Geospatial

Introduction

The Department of Public Health of the Institute of Tropical Medicine in Antwerp (ITM) conducts public health research of international standing, delivers postgraduate education of high quality, and engages in service delivery to advance public health. The department is organized into multidisciplinary research groups, including public health specialists, epidemiologists, and social scientists. Within the Department of Public Health, the Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) group aims to contribute to the improvement of sexual, reproductive, and maternal health of populations primarily (but not only) in low resource settings, by collaborations in innovative research, advanced education, policy support and capacity-strengthening. We use quantitative, qualitative and mixed method inter-disciplinary approaches (e.g. epidemiology, sociology, anthropology, psychology, demography) to understand risks and vulnerability as an evidence base towards improving outcomes.

The SRH Group has two units: the HIV and Sexual Health unit and the Maternal and Reproductive Health unit. Within the dynamic and interdisciplinary Maternal and Reproductive Health unit, there is an exciting opportunity for a junior researcher in spatial analysis to support ongoing projects in order to understand the complex dynamics of maternal care provision and use in sub-Saharan African cities.

Assignment:

· Provide geospatial support for modelling and mapping of maternal health indicators

· Perform advanced GIS analyses and other technical tasks for urban maternal health

· Provide support in processing a wide variety of geospatial data including climatic, socio-demographic, infrastructure and related data

· Assisting in the assembly and mapping of geospatial covariates linked to maternal health

· Ability to write clearly and concisely

Profile:

· You have a Master’s degree in a geospatial related health, for example Geographical Information Sciences or Geo-Information Science And Earth Observation, or a relevant Bachelor's degree and at least two years’ experience in a similar role

· Experience (1 – 3 years) with ArcGIS Pro or similar GIS software such as QGIS.

· 2 years of experience in geospatial science and health data.

· Proficient in scripting with R (or other programming languages) for geospatial data processing

· An understanding of geospatial data management and analysis principles.

· You have had exposure to geospatial health research, such as secondary data analysis, and/or scientific report writing.

· Good communication skills for collaborating within the team.

· You have an excellent knowledge of English.

· You have good organisational and analytical skills, are a team-player that can work across cultures respectfully, and are open-minded

· You are in possession of the necessary permits.

Offer:

The Institute of Tropical Medicine is committed to building a diverse, equitable and inclusive institute. We strive for excellence and relevance, integrity, sustainability and persistence and fairness. Your assignment contributes to the socially relevant mission of the ITM. We value human dignity and diversity, academic creativity and a critical spirit, solidarity and cooperation, and the well-being of employees, students, patients and clients.

We offer you: 

· A full-time position % with a contract of definite duration (12 months). Starting date: as soon as possible in .

· A collegial working environment with attention to work-life balance and individual growth and development.

· A workplace in the centre of the vibrant city of Antwerp, easily accessible by public transport. 

· A salary set according to the pay scales of ITM and to your work experience with some supplementary benefits, such as private pension scheme and meal voucher subscription.