Scientific Employee – School Toilets Project, Ethiopia

About the role

Ghent University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, is recruiting a scientific employee for a 6-month research project in Ethiopia on the usability and use of school toilets. The project is based in the Department of Translational Physiology, Infectiology and Public Health. The contract is of limited duration, starting on 1 February 2027 at the earliest, with a wage scale of WM1 to WM4 for a master's degree.

Key responsibilities

• Assess the current condition, functionality and use of school toilets in and around Jimma Town through systematic observations.
• Investigate how the facilities are used by the local school community through behavioural surveys and interviews.
• Analyse and report the research findings.
• Write one to two scientific manuscripts for publication in international peer-reviewed journals.

Required profile

• Master's degree in a relevant field such as Public Health, Civil Engineering, Bioengineering, Psychology, Sociology or a related discipline.
• Knowledge of WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene), preferably in school settings and with a focus on sanitation facilities.
• Experience with observational research, field data collection and the development of behavioural questionnaires.
• Willingness to spend extended periods in low- and middle-income countries conducting fieldwork.
• Excellent written and spoken English; strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with scientific writing is an asset.

What we offer

• A 6-month contract of definite duration, with remuneration on salary scale WM1 to WM4 (master's) or PD1 to PD4 (doctorate).
• Training and education opportunities, 36 days of holiday leave per year plus fixed bridge days, bicycle allowance and eco vouchers.

Applications are made online through the university's e-recruitment system by 17 November 2026, including a CV and academic transcript, a cover letter and a diploma transcript. Applications sent by email are not accepted.