Scientific researcher in aquaculture (27110)

   →  Apply before 15/05/2024 (DD/MM/YYYY) - 23:59 (Brussels Time)
   →  Department: Animal Sciences and Aquatic Ecology
   →  Occupancy rate: 100%
   →  Type of employment: Contract of definite duration
   →  Term of assignment: 2 years
   →  Wage scale: WM1 to WM4 or PD1 to PD4
   →  Required diploma: Master or PhD

ABOUT GHENT UNIVERSITY

Ghent University is a world of its own. Employing more than 15,000 people, it is actively involved in education and research, management and administration, as well as technical and social service provision on a daily basis. It is one of the largest, most exciting employers in the area and offers great career opportunities. With its 11 faculties and more than 80 departments offering state-of-the-art study programmes grounded in research in a wide range of academic fields, Ghent University is a logical choice for its staff and students.

YOUR TASKS

This assignment is part of three European projects: ULTFARMS, EUP AH&W and BLUECONNECT.

• ULTFARMS : Within the Belgian pilot of ULTFARMS, you will have the opportunity to participate in innovative monitoring of shellfish diseases, which is crucial for the well-being of both cultivated and wild animals. We utilize eDNA technologies to conduct this monitoring. Additionally, you will be involved in an exciting multi-use research, investigating oyster restoration and cultivation within a wind farm. This provides a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research that not only promotes biodiversity but also enables a sustainable future for our ecosystems.

• The European Partnership on Animal Health and Welfare (EUP AH&W) is dedicated to:

  • Combatting infectious diseases in both land and aquatic animals,

  • Reducing zoonotic risks, including tackling antimicrobial resistance,

  • Promoting animal welfare to ensure sustainable animal production. Given the intricate connection between animal health, animal welfare, and human well-being, the One Health-One Welfare perspective holds a central position in the EUP AH&W.

  • Our Partnership's Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (https://lnkd.in/eZVPsHQk), crafted over two years with insights from numerous stakeholders and scientific experts, prioritizes both short-term applied research and long-term strategic objectives. Our goal is to address immediate challenges while paving the way for sustainable solutions that benefit animals, ecosystems, and society as a whole.

  • For the ARC-lab, the focus lies in determining antimicrobial resistance through MIC-trials, studying disease epidemiology, and enhancing aquatic health.

• BLUECONNECT : The BLUE CONNECT project responds to the pressing need for safeguarding and rejuvenating marine habitats and ecosystems, aligning with ambitious EU and global protection and restoration targets set for 2030. Collaborating with Marine Protected Area (MPA) managers, authorities, industries, and local communities across 12 Demonstration sites and beyond, BLUE CONNECT is actively shaping, advocating, and demonstrating a systematic approach to marine conservation planning and management. As part of the Belgian pilot, you will play a crucial role in piloting active restoration methods within Belgian Natura2000 sites. Your involvement will complement ongoing efforts aimed at restoring historically significant gravel beds within the framework of an MPA. Disease monitoring via higher mentioned eDNA methods will be very important.

• You will be involved in project and stakeholder management, carefully monitoring progress and reporting (in writing and through presentations) on the results. Additionally, you will be responsible for communication during partner meetings and public events of the Belgian pilot within these projects.

• Flexibility in working hours is required for work at sea and other sampling campaigns.

• You will contribute to the application for and management of (scientific or policy) projects.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• You hold a master's or doctoral degree (preferably in Bioscience Engineering, Veterinary Medicine, Marine Biology, or an equivalent).

• You have at least five years of relevant scientific experience in project and stakeholder management.

• The diploma requirement must be met at the time of appointment. For diplomas obtained outside the European Union, an equivalence certificate from NARIC must be provided.

• You have conducted research in the field of aquatic animal health, preferably with various aquatic species (fish and shellfish) and their larval and juvenile stages. You can also demonstrate experience in shellfish monitoring and research. Experience in research within marine protected areas (MPAs) is a plus.

• You have distinguished yourself as a promising and versatile researcher during your scientific work and can demonstrate this in your application.

• You have relevant scientific publications on aquatic animal health (primarily fish and shellfish) and shellfish monitoring and research in international and national scientific journals with broad dissemination and expert peer review. Demonstrating multidisciplinary research is important.

• You have significant experience in applying for and managing (scientific or policy) projects and can demonstrate this in your application.

• You are a team player, enthusiastic, and passionate about the aquatic research conducted at the Laboratory of Aquaculture and Artemia Reference Center.

• You can communicate fluently (written and spoken) in English and possess excellent communication skills.

• You are willing to play an active role in the communication of these projects.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

• We offer you a contract of definite duration for the period of 2 years.

• Your contract will start on 15/06/2024 at the earliest.

• Your remuneration will be determined by salary scale WM1 to WM4 (if you hold a Master’s degree) or salary scale PD1 to PD4 (if you hold a doctorate).  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 (in Dutch).

INTERESTED?

Apply online through the e-recruitment system before the application deadline 15th of May 2024 (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 CV, an overview of your study results and an overview of your relevant scientific publications (merged into one pdf file)

• In the field ‘Cover letter’: your application letter in pdf format. In addition to your motivation, this letter should clearly highlight your relevant research experience, as well as your experience in project writing and management.

• In the field ‘Diploma’: a transcript of the required degree. 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 “other documents”: Language proficiency certificate in English, a reference letter, academic transcripts, documents demonstrating your excellence in your field, and your experience in project and stakeholder management.

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. Annelies Declercq via Contact_ARC@UGent.be. Important: do NOT send your application by email, but apply online.

Do you have a question regarding the online application process? Please read our FAQ or contact helpdesk (dpo@ugent.be - tel. 09/264 98 98).