Job description and associated tasks

In the framework of a research project funded by the Belgian Federal Science Policy Office, we are looking for a research scientist with a MSc in either Medical Sciences, Movement Sciences, Neuroscience or Psychology.
The Royal Military Academy of Belgium (RMA) is a military institution responsible for the basic academic, military and physical training of future officers and for the continuing advanced training of officers during their active career in the Belgian Defense department. It is fully recognized as a university, fulfilling the same criteria as civilian universities. The Royal Military Academy is also conducting scientific research at university level for projects funded by the Belgian Defense department or external sources.
The research aims at investigating the effect of seasonality and latitude on sleep/wake regulation. We plan to compare the impact of latitude and seasonality on sleep health and circadian rhythms in Antarctic... expeditioners (who have a limited lived experience with habiting in isolated regions) versus Arctic inhabitants (who have a life-long or intergenerational lived experience). Hence, examining the question whether residing in similar higher latitudes has the same impact on the sleep and circadian rhythms of expeditioners than inhabitants. For this purpose, we will re-use existing data of male and female expeditioners that we collected (and are still collecting) during campaigns in Halley and Dumont d’Urville (two Antarctic stations at sea-level, but with very different landscape) and match them in terms of latitude, age, landscape, and psychosocial background to new data that we will collect of male and female Arctic inhabitants.
The research is conducted in collaboration with research teams from other countries in a NATO framework. This position will thus require extensive stays abroad, mostly in Canada. The contract will cover two years of employment by the RMA, as from the start of employment.
The researcher will be integrated in the « VIPER » research unit led by Prof. Dr Nathalie Pattyn and Prof. Dr Ir Xavier Neyt. This research unit is part of the center for LIFE sciences, which encompasses all biomedical research within Defense. The research project is a joint initiative between the Royal Military Academy and the Université de Montréal (Centre d'études avancées en médecine du sommeil).

Main Tasks
Recruitment and communication of the participants on the designed protocols. Data collection in the field. Data analysis. Scientific writing.

More information about the project: Prof. Nathalie Pattyn ((
Technical skills The applicant shall have a Master's degree in Medicine, Movement Sciences, Neuroscience or Psychology. Experience with polysomnography, either ambulatory or in a sleep laboratory. Ability to score sleep recordings according to the current international guidelines.. IT literacy is a must. Personal skills Ability and autonomy to manage data collection campaigns, including the coordination between all relevant stakeholders. Organization and project management at an executing level. Excellent social skills, to motivate participants and ensure attrition stays low. Good written communication skills. Other skills Cultural awareness of Indigenous Arctic people issues. Oral communication skills in both French and English are an added asset
Brussels Belgium

Salary Criteria