Become our new Data Manager and help the world decode the oceans for a sustainable future at the VLIZ Marine Data Centre.
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.
We are currently looking for a Data Manager to join our Data Engineering (DE) team. This team drives innovation in marine data by building model data systems, formalizing and organizing data elements and relationships between them, and implementing these systems by creating software to work with data following defined models. Their expertise spans the application of software engineering best practices to data systems, develop tools to work with these systems, automate and optimize data management processes, and support data managers. The team is involved in several EU and global data networks and projects (e.g. E=MCM, George, ICOS, Tricuso).
Within these projects we design, prototype and demonstrate a single scalable system of systems coordinating unmanned autonomous toolboxes through intelligent platforms and decision-support. With this, we support both the planning and operations of our missions that deploy these "robotics" platforms. Additionally our expertise is employed in the development of digital support systems in the challenging domains like the capturing of human activity data from AIS and the processing of underwater acoustics.
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 after an induction period.
- Opportunities for personal development (training).
YOUR TASKS
- Co-managing and co-creating data management workflows within the context of our projects, connecting new data to existing data systems.
- You will work on data coordination, quality control, and data submission mechanisms.
- You will work closely with those producing the data (scientists) and those developing data systems (developers).
- You take the lead on the design and implementation of maintainable solutions to support the data management activities of VMDC and its projects.
- You will be communicating with and supporting data providers (external and internal, including our robotics division), and partners in our projects.
- You will work on metadata harmonization, FAIR principles, and interactions with other international data services (e.g. EMODnet, (Eur)OBIS, GBIF, ODIS, SeaDataNet).
For each function, VLIZ considers enthusiastic involvement, service minded, excellent professionalism and integrity as important characteristics.
YOUR PROFILE
- You hold a Master degree in Applied Sciences (e.g. software engineering, bioinformatics), Data Science, or a related field; (or equivalent experience).
- You have at least 3 years of relevant experience.
- Experience with handling scientific data and metadata, understanding of FAIR data principles and their implementation. Specific knowledge of marine data landscape is a plus.
- Experience with handling environmental and other diverse sensor data is a plus.
- Experience with Python programming is a plus.
- Coordination and organizational skills (meetings, workshops).
- You have a sharp and analytical mind and possess a healthy dose of strategic insight. An ability to see the bigger picture and still pay attention to detail.
- You have the ability to work collaboratively in a team and communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders (in particular with other data managers and scientists).
- You are eager to work in an international context.
- Proficient knowledge of English.
- Willing to work in a dual use context.
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.
DOES THIS VACANCY APPEAL TO YOU?
Send in your cover letter and CV no later than Thursday 21 May 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 first round (introduction – 30 minutes) of interviews will take place on Tuesday 9 June 2026 and will be online. The second round (in-depth – 45 minutes) will take place in the offices of VLIZ or online on Tuesday 16 June 2026.