The VLIZ Marine Data Centre (VMDC) is an international hub for marine and coastal data, connecting scientists, policymakers, and innovators worldwide. It manages vast collections of high-quality datasets, tools, and services that support cutting-edge ocean research and sustainable marine management. By working at VMDC, you contribute to advancing open science and support tackling global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and ocean health. The VMDC is built on collaboration, innovation, and a passion for the sea, offering a stimulating environment for professionals who want to make an impact. Joining VMDC means becoming part of a dynamic, international team dedicated to unlocking knowledge for a sustainable future of our oceans.
The VLIZ Open Science Team takes a technical (engineering, coding, standardization, automating) approach to facilitate practical Open Science Data sharing. Open access and data sharing principles have been an integral part of the VLIZ DNA since its inception. Our team's challenge is to translate that eager vision into (technical) scalable solutions as well as (social) solid and broadly shared collaborative methods and standards.
We take our cues from the many topical «open» movements (open source, open data, open access, ...), the well-known FAIR Principles; and the EOSC association. Day-to-day interactions with local scientists, sharing end-user expertise as well as international collaborations in the context of EU Horizon 2020 projects, and Research Infrastructures like EMBRC and LifeWatch tune these further into practical solutions.
The core outset of our approach is data agnostic. A stance that aims to achieve an elevated level of semantic interoperability to breach the existing domain-barriers. In practice, being embedded in the Marine domain, a lot of the handled data gravitates around biodiversity, genomics, climate, ecology, habitat changes and invasiveness.
Our technical toolchain blends typical data-science elements with industrial software engineering techniques and takes up many influences from core (semantic) web architecture, linked-open-data, and knowledge graph technologies.
The person we are looking for has practical software engineering skills and some experience in open-source development. They should be eager to learn about the linked-open-data technologies we embrace and the specific and international marine research context we operate in. Next to being able to build up your skills and techniques on-the-job, your day-to-day tasks will consist of collaborating with direct colleagues and external partners through creating design documents, patches, reviews and tests on a mix of python modules, Jupyter notebooks, webcomponent widgets, web-services, triple stores and work-flow-execution platforms.
OUR OFFER
- We offer you a challenging job in the dynamic environment of the InnovOcean Campus in Ostend.
- A contract for 2 years, with the possibility of extension, and a competitive remuneration package based on the candidate's qualifications and experience according to the salary scales set forth by the Flemish Government on 01-01-2009.
- Additional benefits: holiday allowance, end of year allowance, meal vouchers (€8 per day worked), bicycle allowance, free public transport between home and work.
- A good work-life balance through a generous leave package and flexible working hours within a 38-hour working week.
- The possibility to work partly from home (meaning from your legal home address in Belgium) after an induction period.
- Opportunities for personal development (training).
YOUR TASKS
- Design and implement maintainable solutions to support the VLIZ Marine Data Centre (VMDC)’s Open Science projects.
- Collaborate with the Open Science team to define and prioritize data engineering needs.
- Document new and existing components and data flows.
- Troubleshoot and resolve issues with the operational systems.
- Continuously improve the efficiency and scalability of the data infrastructure.
- Participate in project meetings and occasionally present work and results in national and international context.
For each function, VLIZ considers enthusiastic involvement, service minded, excellent professionalism and integrity as important characteristics.
YOUR PROFILE
- A Bachelor or Master's degree in Applied Sciences (e.g. computer science, software engineering, bioinformatics), Data Science, or a related field.
- For the Senior opening we expect at least 2 years of relevant experience.
- For the Junior opening we suggest your post projects or internships show exposure and appetite to the relevant technologies and aspects.
- Practical knowledge of different forms of data storage: from different file formats over classic RDBMS to NoSQL systems.
- Strong programming skills, including experience with Python.
- Familiar with the intrinsic workings of the world-wide-web, and the knowledge which aspects of the design are essential to its success.
- Affinity with relevant (marine) software, systems, data formats and technologies (e.g. RDF, Geoserver, ERDDAP, OGC, Darwin Core, ...) is a plus.
- Experience with code version management systems and platforms (e.g. git, github, gitlab, …).
- Practical usage of container platforms (e.g. docker, …).
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team and communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Proficient knowledge of English.
- Willing to work in an international context. Including occasional travel.
ABOUT US
Over the last 25 years, the Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ) has become a knowledge institution indispensable to the marine research landscape. What started as an institute focusing on science support, has evolved into a national and international point of contact for marine research. VLIZ initiates and carries out multidisciplinary research and supports marine experts by providing
research infrastructure, data, information and knowledge. VLIZ supports the blue economy and reaches out to a broad public. VLIZ further broadens its marine horizons and aims at becoming a world player in the field of marine and coastal research.
A stimulating working environment forms the base of our flourishing knowledge institute. The wellbeing of our employees comes first. VLIZ is looking for colleagues who, with their passion and knowledge, want to strengthen our growing institute and face the blue challenges of the future.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
For more information concerning this vacancy, please contact Marc Portier: marc.portier@vliz.be or 0032 476 47 36 33.
DOES THIS VACANCY APPEAL TO YOU?
Send in your cover letter and CV no later than Sunday 26 July 2026 by filling in this form.
VLIZ promotes equality and diversity in the workplace. You will be recruited based on competencies.
Qualities of people are decisive, regardless of gender, religion, ethnic origin, age, sexual orientation or any disability.
Do you have a disability? Please attach a document to your application so that we can adapt our selection procedure where necessary. This information will be handled with discretion.
PROCEDURE
Based on the received cover letters and CV’s, a select group of candidates will be invited for a job interview. You will be informed by email. The interviews will take place in the offices of VLIZ or online on Friday 7 August 2026.