Researcher

• Apply before 15/01/2026 (DD/MM/YYYY) 23:59 (Brussels Time)
• Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
• Department: GE32 - Diagnostische Wetenschappen
• Occupancy rate:50%
• Number of positions: 1
• Type of employment: Contract of limited duration
• Term of assignment: 1 jaar
• Wage scale: WM1 to WM4 (master degree)
• Required diploma:Master

ABOUT GHENT UNIVERSITY

Ghent University is a world of its own. With over 15,000 employees engaged in teaching, research, management, administration, technical, and social services, it is one of the region's largest, most dynamic, and future-oriented employers. The university comprises 11 faculties and over 80 departments, offering high-quality, research-driven academic programs across all scientific disciplines.

YOUR TASKS

You will be appointed to work on the following scientific research project:
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a ubiquitous herpesvirus transmitted both horizontally and vertically. While often asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals, CMV persists lifelong and can reactivate or reinfect hosts with different strains. During pregnancy, vertical transmission may result in congenital CMV infection (cCMV), the most prevalent congenital infection globally, affecting 0.2–6.1% of all live births. Despite its frequency and potential severity, cCMV remains underdiagnosed and underrecognized, especially in regions where routine prenatal and neonatal screening is not performed. In Flanders, CMV testing is currently limited to neonates with suggestive clinical symptoms, failed newborn hearing screening, or documented maternal seroconversion. Consequently, many cases—especially asymptomatic at birth—are missed. Data from the Flemish cCMV Registry indicate that approximately 8% of diagnoses occur retrospectively due to late-onset complications such as sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) or developmental delays. Moreover, the current testing strategy excludes neonates born to mothers with pre-existing CMV immunity, despite emerging evidence suggesting that non-primary maternal infections may account for a significant portion of symptomatic cCMV cases. This indicates a substantial underestimation of disease burden and highlights critical gaps in public health surveillance.
This multidisciplinary, multicenter research project aims to reduce the healthcare impact of cCMV in Flanders by generating robust epidemiological data and developing evidence-based clinical pathways. The study is structured into three dedicated work packages:
WP1 investigates the impact of second and third trimester primary CMV infections on fetal outcomes.
WP2 focuses on non-primary infections during pregnancy, a poorly understood but increasingly recognized contributor to cCMV.
WP3 aims to establish optimized pre- and postnatal diagnostic and follow-up protocols for early detection and intervention.
The study will enroll pregnant women during the first prenatal consultation. The project builds on the infrastructure of the Flemish cCMV Registry, founded in 2007, which has already included over 1,200 children and is one of Europe's largest cCMV cohorts. The project is planned in close collaboration with Ghent University Hospital (UZ Ghent) as well as with the three general hospitals in Ghent: AZ Jan Palfijn, AZ Maria Middelares, and AZ Sint-Lucas.
By providing accurate incidence data and clarifying the role of non-primary infections, this project will inform new clinical guidelines and public health strategies. It will support earlier diagnosis, timely intervention, and improved long-term outcomes for affected children. Ultimately, the findings will contribute to international efforts to reduce the burden of congenital infections and promote child health equity.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• Master's degree in Medicine, Biomedical Sciences, or Pharmaceutical Sciences.
• Demonstrated interest in laboratory diagnostics, infectious diseases, pediatrics, gynecology, neonatology, or public health is a strong asset.
• Experience with clinical or epidemiological research is recommended.
• Basic knowledge of virology, immunology, and/or perinatal medicine.
• Interest in, and preferably experience with, prospective cohort studies and clinical follow-up.
• Proficiency in statistics and experience with data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, RedCap) is an advantage.
• Ability to perform molecular tests, specifically PCR at a minimum. Practical experience in molecular biology is a stron asset.
• Ability to write scientific texts and reports in both Dutch and English.
• Willingness to present scientific findings at national and international conferences.
• Readiness to collaborate in a multidisciplinary team including gynecologists, pediatricians, neonatologists, clinical biologists and neurologists.
• Strong organizational skills and accuracy in data collection and documentation.
• Ability to work independently while also functioning effectively as part of a multidisciplinary research team.
• Critical thinking skills and scientific curiosity.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, in Dutch and English.
• Adherence to ethical standards and strict confidentiality in handling patient data and informed consent procedures.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

• We offer you a contract of definite duration (50%) for the period of one year within a dynamic, clinically and socially relevant research project with direct implications for public health and health policy.
• Supervision and mentorship by a multidisciplinary team of experts in pediatrics, virology, and epidemiology.
• Opportunities for international collaboration, academic publications, and participation in scientific conferences.
• Appointment starting no earlier than 1 February 2026.
• Your remuneration will be determined by salary scale WM1 to WM4. 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. Click here for a complete overview of all the staff 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 submitted through the online system.

Your application must include the following documents:

• In the field 'CV': your curriculum vitae
• In thefield ' Cover Letter' : your cover letter
• In the field 'Diploma': a copy of the required diploma (if already obtained)
• In the field 'Other documents': a letter of reference, academic transcripts, etc.

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 further information about this vacancy, please contact Prof. E. Padalko , /

Do you have a question regarding the online application process? Please read the FAQ or contact us via