Be part of a vibrant team within VLIZ and pioneer with us in Marine Research & Innovation!
At VLIZ, we are dedicated to giving marine research societal added value. Are you passionate about marine research and innovation (R&I) and do you want to make an impact with professional end-users in the Blue Economy and marine policy? VLIZ is looking for a Science Officer in the field of marine conservation and restoration to strengthen the vibrant team of the Policy and Innovation division. We guarantee a diverse job with plenty of growth and learning opportunities in an exceptionally dynamic and international environment.
Our offer
- A contract for immediate employment with a fixed term until the end of 2025 (with a positive outlook for extension) in a vibrant and international environment at the InnOvocean Campus in Ostend.
- 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.
- A good work-life balance through a generous leave package, flexible working hours within a 38-hour working week and the possibility to work partly from home (after an induction period).
- Additional benefits: holiday allowance, end of year allowance, meal vouchers, bicycle allowance, free public transport between home and work, working from home allowance.
- Opportunities for personal development (training).
Your tasks
VLIZ assumes an active role at the intersection of marine research and professional end-users in the Blue Economy and marine policy/governance. This results in a growing number of research and innovation (R&I) projects and initiatives in close collaboration with an international network of research institutions, companies, policy/governance, and innovation actors. The current vacancy is part of this work.
We are looking for a new colleague who is enthusiastic about contributing to various (European) dossiers, projects, and initiatives with the aim of making an impact on marine policy and/or the Blue Economy. Within the Policy and Innovation division (Valorisation and Innovation department), you will perform the following tasks, among others:
- The substantive follow-up of several projects and initiatives related to marine conservation and restoration (including management and monitoring of marine protected areas) in collaboration with relevant actors from the science community, Blue Economy and/or marine policy.
- Staying up to date with the scientific state of the art in the field of marine conservation and restoration and related fields such as marine spatial planning.
- Overseeing, and executing activities and tasks within international, European, and local projects in which VLIZ is involved. More specifically this includes:
- Conducting and coordinating in-depth analyses of case studies by screening publicly available (policy) documents and scientific publications, and interviewing experts in the field.
- Writing the results of your work in clear and scientifically-underpinned project reports and publications (e.g. project deliverables, policy briefs, research reports), in close consultation with the team members of the Policy and Innovation division.
- Supporting the project management team with project administration and overseeing the technical reporting of projects.
- Assisting in the development of valorisation opportunities within the institution under the guidance of colleagues within the Policy and Innovation division (e.g. project proposals).
- Acting as a VLIZ ambassador within the marine and maritime research and innovation network.
- Collaborating within a team to fulfill the core objectives of the Policy and Innovation division, such as writing policy-informing briefs, further developing activities related to valorisation and innovation within VLIZ and contributing to the development of the Compendium for Coast and Sea.
For each function, VLIZ considers enthusiastic involvement, service minded, excellent professionalism and integrity as important characteristics.
Your profile
- You hold a master's degree (in natural sciences, social sciences, (bio)engineering, etc.) and have an affinity for marine research and/or policy.
- Knowledge about marine environmental policy, governance and/or management, particularly related to marine protected areas, is considered an advantage.
- You are a motivated team player who can manage ongoing tasks independently.
- You are eager to learn and willing to work on various topics (e.g., understanding the policy landscape relevant for marine conservation and restoration, marine spatial planning, and the transition towards a resilient and sustainable blue economy).
- You are comfortable engaging with different target groups (science, society, policy, industry).
- You are motivated to delve into large amounts of information and summarize this in a concise and scientifically underpinned manner.
- You can write fluently and communicate clearly in English.
- You have a sharp and analytical mind and possess a healthy dose of strategic insight.
- A sense of humor is appreciated.
We encourage motivated candidates to apply for this position even if they do not meet one or more of the abovementioned criteria.
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, informs marine policy 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 well-being 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 about this vacancy, please contact Fien De Raedemaecker:
- by phone: +32 (0)472 87 32 32
- by email: fien.de.raedemaecker@vliz.be
Does this vacancy appeal to you?
Send in your cover letter and CV no later than 23 February 2025 by email to jobs@vliz.be with subject "2025_003_Marine Conservation and Restoration"
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 CVs, a select group of candidates will be invited for a job interview. You will be informed by email. The job interviews take place in the offices of VLIZ mid March.