ORGANISATIE
Departement: Huisartsgeneeskunde en Bevolkingsgezondheid
Regime Deeltijds
Let’s shape the future - University of Antwerp
The University of Antwerp is a dynamic, forward-thinking university. We offer an innovative academic education to more than 20000 students, conduct pioneering scientific research and play an important service-providing role in society. With more than 6000 employees from 100 different countries, we are helping to build tomorrow's world every day. Together we push back boundaries and set a course for a future that you can help shape.
The Global Health Institute (GHI), supported by the Centre for the Evaluation of Vaccination (CEV), of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at University of Antwerp (UAntwerp) is looking for a Science Communication Officer (80–100% full-time equivalent) related to mpox research, vaccine trial(s) and antimicrobial resistance projects conducted in collaboration with our international clinical research teams (e.g. in sub-Saharan Africa).
Over the past years, the GHI and the CEV joined hands to conduct phase 2 Ebola vaccine trial and phase 3 mpox trial in Boende, a remote and rural location of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Additionally, the Global-PPS team, initiated by the University of Antwerp in 2014, provides a standardized surveillance method and freely available web-based application for assessing antimicrobial prescribing practices, healthcare associated infections and resistance patterns across hospitals worldwide. The program allows identifying trends and misuse of antimicrobials, and identifies areas for antimicrobial stewardship improvement.
FUNCTIE
We are looking for a creative and detail-oriented Science Communication Officer to support the development and delivery of clear, engaging, and accurate science communication materials. This hands-on role is ideal for someone who enjoys translating complex scientific information for diverse audiences and has a strong interest in media, writing, digital content, and public engagement.
The position includes the following tasks:
Create and implement communication strategies to raise awareness and distribute research results
Create accessible, audience-appropriate content, including articles, blog posts, social media content, videos, infographics, and newsletters.
Collaborate with scientists and researchers to gather technical information and translate it into engaging narratives.
Assist in organizing outreach activities, events, and exhibitions aimed at public engagement and stakeholder communication.
Manage social media platforms and keep website content up to date with the latest scientific news and stories.
Support media outreach, including drafting press releases and liaising with journalists.
Track and analyse communication metrics (e.g., website traffic, social media engagement) to refine messaging strategies.
Ensure content accuracy and maintain consistency with organization’s tone, branding, and style.
PROFIEL
Bachelor’s degree in science, communication, journalism, or a related field.
1–5 years of experience in science communication, media, or outreach. Experience in medical science communication is a real asset.
Strong writing and editing skills, with the ability to adapt tone and complexity for different audiences.
Proficiency in digital tools and platforms (e.g., content management systems, social media scheduling platforms, graphic design tools, MailChimp, Illustrator). Experienced in using WordPress.
Comfortable working with scientists and translating technical content.
Strong interest in working on development and/or research projects in low- and middle-income countries
Willing (if appropriate and relevant) to travel abroad, i.e. Africa
Experience in creating multimedia content (e.g., video, podcast, or interactive content).
Event coordination or public speaking experience.
Familiarity with graphic design or data visualization tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Illustrator, or similar).
AANBOD
We offer a temporary contract for a period of 1 years (0.8FTE), with the possibility of renewal.
You will receive a gross monthly salary within pay band 4.1.-6.1 of the pay scales of the Administrative and Technical Staff. Your entry-level grade depends on your qualification and relevant professional experience. If you work parttime, your salary is calculated proportionally on the basis of your employment percentage.
You will receive meal vouchers, ecocheques, Internet-connectivity allowance, a group insurance, an income protection insurance, and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
We offer flexible working hours.
You will have 40 days of annual leave and collective leave for 1 week when the university is closed, between Christmas and New Year.
You will do most of your work at Campus Drie Eiken Campus, based at the Global Health Institute, a dynamic, international and interdisciplinary research environment, with room for personal initiative.
Find out more about working at the University of Antwerp here and discover all the other benefits.
INTERESSE?
You can apply for this job through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform up to and including 2 June 2025 (by midnight Brussels time). Click on the 'Apply' button and complete the online application form. Be sure to include the following attachments:
a letter of motivation
a recent CV
The selection committee reviews all applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. As soon as a decision is made, we will notify you. If you are still eligible after the pre-selection, you will be informed about the possible next step(s) in the selection procedure.
If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the Frequently Asked Questions or send an email to jobs@uantwerp.be. If you have any questions about the job itself, please contact Prof. Jean-Pierre Van geertruyden, jean-pierre.vangeertruyden@uantwerpen.be (head of GHI), Prof. Pierre Van Damme, pierre.vandamme@uantwerpen.be (head of CEV) or Prof. Erika Vlieghe (Erika Vlieghe, Erika.Vlieghe@uza.be (Head EMT team).
The University of Antwerp is a sustainable, family-friendly organisation which invests in its employees’ growth. We encourage diversity and attach great importance to an inclusive working environment and equal opportunities, regardless of gender identity, disability, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse characteristics to apply.