The southwestern area of the North Sea contains the remains of a vast landmass that connected continental Europe with the British Isles during periods of sea-level lowstands. Usually referred to as “Doggerland”, the area would have been a heartland of human occupation and central to the process of re-settlement and colonisation of northwestern Europe during the Palaeolithic and Mesolithic periods.
Global warming at the end of the last Ice Age led to the inundation of these lost lands. Today, the North Sea holds a unique and largely unexplored record of prehistoric settlement and colonization. Access to this archaeological resource is hampered by deep water and thick modern
sediments. Whilst archaeological evidence has been recovered, it consists largely of ex-situ chance finds, with limited potential for understanding human settlement within the wider landscape.
Within the SUBNORDICA project, and in close collaboration with colleagues from the UK (University of Bradford) and The Netherlands (TNO), VLIZ will assist in reconstructing the palaeolandscapes of the southern North Sea at a variety of geographical and temporal scales, using existing and newly acquired geophysical and geomorphological datasets. This will provide key input for the partners involved in predictive and behavioural modelling and AI training sets in order to classify areas with archaeological potential and to assess their accessibility for investigation.
The main task of VLIZ in the SUBNORDICA project concerns the analysis of existing offshore data (including commercial (oil/gas, windfarm) data), the collection and analysis of new geophysical and sedimentological data in the southern North Sea, and mapping of the top-Pleistocene (noneroded) surface and its attributes.
OUR OFFER
- We offer you a challenging job in the dynamic environment of the InnovOcean Campus in Ostend.
- A contract for 3 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
- To work out an optimal approach/workflow for the interpretation of geophysical data and mapping of the (non-eroded) top Pleistocene surface, including characterization of its attributes;
- To collate and analyze existing (legacy) geophysical and geological data;
- To process, interpret and visualize new seismic and acoustic (2D) data;
- To plan, perform and develop strategies for the acquisition of data at sea;
- To assist with the collection, analysis and interpretation of sedimentological core data;
- To construct paleogeographic maps at different scales;
- To liaise with TNO for the access and analysis of Dutch survey data;
- To liaise with the University of Bradford for the access and analysis of UK (mega)survey data;
- To liaise with the University of Bradford and TNO for the input of data for (behavioural/predictive) modelling;
- To participate in meetings and interact with SUBNORDICA partners;
- To provide general support to the project including preparation of shiptime applications, (public) presentations, developing information for publication and media, and organization of consortium and stakeholder meetings;
- To actively participate in project meetings and provide project deliverables (e.g. reports);
Your main responsabilities include:
- To maintain research output in the form of high-quality peer reviewed publications;
- To present research findings at public events and national and/or international scientific conferences;
- To provide support and assistance to other (VLIZ) staff members in the completion of duties and programs of work;
- To undertake the duties in such a way as to promote the project and enhance the reputation and public profile of VLIZ;
- To undertake any other relevant duties appropriate to the grade and nature of the post.
For each function, VLIZ considers enthusiastic involvement, service minded, excellent professionalism and integrity as important characteristics.
YOUR PROFILE
- PhD in (marine) geology, geophysics, or earth/marine sciences (or a PhD at the time of appointment) or equivalent research experience.
- Experience in the use of GIS software and specific software packages for the interpretation of seismic and acoustic data.
- Experience in the acquisition and interpretation of high-resolution seismic data.
- Evidence of participation in field surveys, using sub-seabed mapping techniques.
- Experience in analyzing core data.
- Good communication skills in written and oral English.
- Ability to work as an individual and as part of a group.
- Evidence of presentation of research at academic conferences.
- Publication of papers in peer reviewed scientific journals.
- Willingness to assist in group research including fieldwork and external seminar delivery.
- Evidence of critical and creative thinking.
Desirable:
- Post-doc experience in submerged landscape research.
- Knowledge of the North Sea Quaternary geology.
- Experience in processing of geophysical data.
- Experience in the acquisition and interpretation of core data.
- Programming skills (e.g. Python, R).
- Experience in using proxy data for core analyses.
- Evidence of working as part of a larger research project.
- Evidence of experience with public outreach.
- Record of submission of research proposals for external funding.
- Evidence of collaborative research activities.
- Willingness to learn new skills.
- Full current driving license, valid in Belgium.
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
Employment will ideally start as soon as possible, preferably no later than January 1st, 2027.
For more information concerning this vacancy, please contact Ruth Plets: ruth.plets@vliz.be or Tine Missiaen: tine.missiaen@vliz.be
DOES THIS VACANCY APPEAL TO YOU?
Send in your cover letter and CV no later than Sunday 23 August 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 Thursday 17 September or Friday 18 September 2026.