PhD position/Full-time Research and Teaching Assistant in Applied Medical Biotechnology – Ghent University Global Campus, Korea

Ghent University Global Campus (GUGC) is an integrated campus of Ghent University, Belgium, and the first European university to be part of the Incheon Global Campus (IGC) in Incheon, South Korea. Ghent University Global Campus currently offers Bachelor of Science programs in Molecular Biotechnology, Environmental Technology, and Food Technology. Ghent University is one of the top 100 universities in the world (ARWU 74th , and in the Life Sciences subjects taught at GUGC, Ghent University ranks even higher.
 
Please visit the Ghent University Global Campus homepages to learn more about our organization: http://www.ugent.be/en and http://www.ghent.ac.kr.

Job Summary

Job Position
Ghent University Global Campus, South Korea, has a vacancy for a full-time teaching assistant position, possibly leading to a PhD graduation in the area of Applied Medical Technology, starting from August 15th 2024. It concerns a 6-year (1+1+2+2 maximum) full-time position.
 
The candidate will work under the supervision of Prof. Radwanska at the Center for Biomedical Research, in close collaboration with Prof. Magez of the Brussels center for Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium. The selected candidate is expected to teach undergraduate practical courses, as well as design and perform high-quality scientific research at Ghent University Global Campus, South Korea.
 
The PhD research topic will start focus and will start with analysis of nanobody based diagnostics in combination with monoclonal antibodies for the detection of Trypanosoma brucei and the various subspecies of this parasite. The PhD will focus on recombinant protein production (target antigens as well as Nbs) and the development and optimization of the sandwich antigen diagnostic test.
 
Teaching Assistant tasks include:
Practical course support:

• Providing oversight for students during exercise sessions and practical courses of Immunology and Molecular Biology and providing support for the courses Animal Biology and Microbiology;
• Organization of exercise sessions and practical courses;
• Support and supervision during examination sessions.

Research center support:

• Execution of research center projects;
• Support for laboratory experiments and facility;
• Management of the laboratory stocks and inventories.

Required Skills

• Master degree in Sciences, Biotechnology or Bio-engineering with MSc thesis covering one of the fields: Immunology, Molecular Biology or an equivalent.
• Background knowledge of Immunology and host-parasite interactions. Knowledge of experimental trypanosome models will be considered to be an asset.
• Knowledge of recombinant protein expression technology and bioinformatics data processing will be considered as an advantage.
• Strong English communication and presentation skills in both speaking and writing, while proven teaching experience will also be considered as an asset.
• Knowledge of the Korean language is an asset, as it will enable you to mediate communication with Korean companies, equipment/reagent providers, and outsourcing partners.
• Excellent service-oriented mind and a pro-active attitude with the maturity to deal with stressful situations and a strong sense of responsibility.
• The ability to work independently, have strong self-learning ability, and maintain an excellent team spirit as well as strong working ethics.
• Willingness to work flexible working hours from time to time and participate in events outside of regular working hours can be required. 

Application Documents

1. Motivation letter and maximum 2-page research plan related to the advertised PhD topic and research conducted currently in the lab.
2. Full resume (CV), including at least 3 references
3. Copy of the BSc and MSc degrees
4. Transcripts (overview of study results)
5. A PDF version of the master’s thesis (on request)

All required documents must be submitted in English. The documents must be merged intoa single PDF file, mentioning your name in the file title, and sent to Prof. Dr. Stefan Magez stefan.magez@ghent.ac.kr (subject line: Full-time Research and Teaching Assistant). The candidate will receive an e-mail confirming receipt of the application.
 
Application Process and Interview

• Interviews will take place in stages from the first available time, possibly via Skype or Zoom.
• Applicants are encouraged to apply immediately as the position will be filled upon finding the right candidate

 
We reserve the right to hold applications on file for potential future job openings.
  
Selection Process

• CV Screening -> Interview -> Internal committee -> Approval -> Acceptance Notice to the candidate selected. 

 Compensation & Benefits for the candidate selected

• Basic Term of the Contract

- Initial 1 year-contract term, with possible extensions after positive evaluations in every end of the contract terms.

• Salary

- Base salary is on a European-rated scale. The candidate is placed in the scale according to years of relevant teaching experience and progresses with timely predetermined increments.

• Bonuses

- Additional two bonuses in June (92% of monthly salary) and December (100% monthly salary) on a pro-rata basis.

• Housing unit or Housing Allowance

- A single unit of Dormitory operated by Incheon Global Campus (IGC) is provided for foreigners. If the selected candidate is a permanent resident holder or has a Korean nationality, the housing unit shall not be provided by IGC, but an equivalent monthly Housing Allowance is provided.

• Two round-tickets to Hometown (For foreigners only)

- The selected candidate with foreign nationality, shall have two round-tickets to home town per year (up to 4,000,000 KRW).

• National Insurance & Severance

- Four social insurances are covered

- Severance shall be paid when the contract ends and if the candidate works more than one year.

• Private Health Insurances

- Marsh private health insurance provided, including basic medical reimbursements

• Extensive annual paid leave and holidays

- The selected candidate shall have 35 days paid annual leave per year.
- Additional holiday from Christmas (Dec 25) to New Year (Jan 1)