Join the VLIZ Marine Observation Centre and become a key contributor to innovative marine biodiversity monitoring and data-driven ocean science.
The Marine Observation Centre is dedicated to performing essential, long-term and multidisciplinary observations of the marine environment. Its mission is to enhance understanding of the dynamics and functioning of marine and coastal ecosystems by developing, operating and optimizing innovative, integrated and cost-effective observation systems that deliver high-quality data for marine research, policy and innovation.
In the coming years, MOC will further develop the VLIZ marine biodiversity observatory, connect biodiversity observation activities to European Digital Twin of the Ocean developments, and contribute to large-scale European and global observation networks such as EMO BON, ARMS MBON and MBON Europe. MOC will also continue to advance AI-supported plankton imaging, marine genomics, eDNA-based biomonitoring and reusable workflows for data processing and analysis.
We are looking for a colleague with a solid scientific background, sound professional judgement and strong project management skills. The selected candidate will take a leading role in European projects at the interface of marine biodiversity monitoring, data flows, modelling, mapping and digital innovation.
A key responsibility will be the project management of DTO-BioFlow, a European project focused on the integration of biodiversity monitoring data into the Digital Twin Ocean. In addition, the candidate will act as work package lead for DTO-BioFlow WP3: Enabling sustained flows of biodiversity monitoring data in the DTO, and for MARCO-BOLO WP5: Modelling and Mapping Coastal and Marine Biodiversity.
OUR OFFER
- We offer you a challenging job in the dynamic environment of the Marine Station Ostend in Ostend.
- A contract running until the end of 2027, 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 after an induction period.
- Opportunities for personal development (training).
YOUR TASKS
You will work within the Marine Observation Centre and in close collaboration with VLIZ research,
data, ICT, infrastructure, policy and innovation teams. You will also interact with national and international project partners, research infrastructures, observation networks and stakeholders.
This position contributes directly to the MOC agenda on long-term marine biodiversity observations,
biodiversity data workflows, digital twins, AI-supported monitoring, plankton dynamics, marine genomics and European-scale biodiversity assessments. It also supports MOC’s ambition to connect the VLIZ marine biodiversity observatory to European Digital Twin of the Ocean developments and broader ocean observation initiatives.
You will coordinate and manage VLIZ commitments in European projects related to marine biodiversity data observation, data flows, digital innovation, modelling and mapping.
Your tasks will include:
- You take responsibility for the project management of DTO-BioFlow, including planning, internal coordination, follow-up of deliverables and milestones, reporting, risk management and communication with project partners. Document your work, used processes and decision-making in a detailed manner.
- You lead DTO-BioFlow WP3: Enabling sustained flows of biodiversity monitoring data in the DTO, ensuring progress towards sustained, reliable and interoperable biodiversity data flows for Digital Twin Ocean applications. Share your acquired experiences with your team members, thereby assisting them in improving specific data flows and optimizing training material.
- You lead MARCO-BOLO WP5: Modelling and Mapping Coastal and Marine Biodiversity, coordinating work related to modelling approaches, mapping products, biodiversity assessments and their scientific and stakeholder relevance.
- You coordinate internal VLIZ contributions across MOC, the VLIZ Marine Data Centre, ICT, research infrastructure, marine robotics, biodiversity research, policy and innovation teams.
- You help translate marine biodiversity observations into reusable data workflows, scientific outputs, project deliverables, policy-relevant products, modelling applications and digital twin services.
- You contribute to the development and implementation of workflows for marine biodiversity data processing, analysis, integration and valorization.
- You organize, participate in and report on project meetings, work package meetings, workshops, stakeholder consultations, conferences and network activities.
- You coordinate and, where relevant, contribute to measurement campaigns, sampling campaigns, experiments, data collection and scientific analysis.
- You contribute to scientific publications, project reports, technical documentation, communication outputs and stakeholder-oriented products.
- You stay up to date with scientific and technological developments in marine biodiversity observation, marine ecosystem research, biodiversity modelling and mapping, Digital Twin Ocean developments, AI-supported monitoring and marine data systems.
- You contribute to the development of new project ideas, project proposals and funding applications in line with the MOC strategy and the VLIZ research agenda.
- You help identify strategic opportunities for MOC in European and international research, innovation and infrastructure programs.
- You contribute to outreach and stakeholder engagement in line with the VLIZ communication strategy.
For each function, VLIZ considers enthusiastic involvement, service minded, excellent professionalism and integrity as important characteristics.
YOUR PROFILE
- You have a PhD or master’s degree, or equivalent experience, in marine sciences, biology, ecology, bioscience engineering, environmental sciences, oceanography, bioinformatics, data science or a related field.
- Professional fluency in English is mandatory. Knowledge of Dutch is a plus.
- You have a strong scientific background or demonstrated interest in marine biodiversity, marine ecology, biological oceanography, plankton research, marine genomics, eDNA, biodiversity monitoring, biodiversity modelling, mapping or related observation technologies.
- You have experience in coordinating complex research and innovation projects, preferably in a European or international context.
- You are able to lead work packages, coordinate partners, follow up deliverables and milestones, and maintain an overview of scientific, technical and administrative project requirements.
- You have strong affinity with the mission and activities of the Marine Observation Centre, including long-term marine observations, biodiversity observatories, digital innovation, marine data flows, Digital Twin Ocean developments, modelling and mapping of marine biodiversity.
- You are an excellent organizer and communicator, capable of working with multidisciplinary teams and international consortia.
- You can work autonomously while actively contributing to a collaborative team environment.
- You have strong writing skills and are able to contribute to scientific publications, project deliverables, reports, proposals and stakeholder-oriented outputs.
- You are willing to work in an international context and to travel for project meetings, workshops and conferences.
Following skills or experiences are considered an asset:
- Experience with European research and innovation projects, including Horizon Europe projects.
- Experience as a work package leader, task leader or project coordinator.
- Experience with project writing, proposal development or acquisition of external research funding.
- Knowledge of Digital Twin Ocean developments, EDITO, marine data infrastructures or biodiversity data standards.
- Experience with marine biodiversity observation networks such as MBON, EMO BON, ARMS MBON, EuroGOOS or related initiatives.
- Experience with biodiversity modelling, spatial analysis, habitat mapping, species distribution modelling or ecosystem assessment.
- Experience with plankton imaging, AI-supported image classification, marine genomics, eDNA workflows or automated biodiversity observation technologies.
- Experience with data management, data flows, FAIR data principles, workflow development or data analytics in R, Python or similar environments.
- Experience in stakeholder engagement, policy support or science-to-policy communication.
- A relevant international scientific network in marine biodiversity, ocean observation, biodiversity modelling or marine data systems.
- Sea-going or fieldwork experience.
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 Klaas Deneudt: klaas.deneudt@vliz.be
or 0032 479 66 02 76.
DOES THIS VACANCY APPEAL TO YOU?
Send in your cover letter and CV no later than Sunday 14 June 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 25 June 2026.