R&D Engineer Circular Economy

As a top European research centre, VITO and its 1,300 employees turn scientific insights into ground-breaking technological innovations, AI solutions and policy advice. We do so with a single objective: to help our world thrive for at least 1,000 more years.

Within the MatCh (Materials & Chemistry) unit at VITO, we focus on utilizing non-fossil, mineral, and circular resources to make industry more sustainable and enable new value chains. Additionally, existing industrial processes are re-evaluated with a focus on energy and material efficiency.

At the ADVANCE team, we aim to unlock the potential of the circular economy by providing targeted advice based on methodologies, models, and tools. We work on assignments for both governments and companies, with our research projects operating in Flemish, European, and international contexts (e.g., Horizon Europe). For each project, we map the underlying mechanisms of the circular economy, analyze the economic, ecological, and social impacts of circular strategies, and assess the role of technology within the relevant ecosystem. The insights and conclusions we generate support policymakers and businesses in evaluating current strategies and estimating the impact of future policies.

To strengthen our team, we are looking for an R&D Engineer:

• Together with the team, you will map out the mechanisms of the circular economy.

• You will use tools and methods to analyze the impact of circular strategies and evaluate the role of technology. These tools and methods may be both qualitative and quantitative.

• You will critically assess existing methods and tools and remain up to date with scientific developments in this field.

• Alongside the team, you will formulate proposals for improving existing or developing new methods to evaluate the impact of the circular economy. You will drive innovation in our field, focusing on the advancement of lifecycle analysis and circularity methodologies, scenario analysis, digitization, and/or data processing.

• You will further develop your international network to identify new opportunities for VITO in the circular economy domain. You will also contribute to preparing proposals for governments and industrial clients.

• You will translate results into practical advice for governments and industrial clients. You will present and publish project results at (inter)national forums and ensure knowledge-building on this theme within your team.

Some examples of projects we have been working on:

• In projects for the European Space Agency (ESA), we analyze the environmental impact of space missions, identify hotspots, and formulate ecodesign measures to reduce this impact. This is done for entire missions as well as specific components (e.g., electronics).

• For the European Environment Agency (EEA), we investigate how circular business models can scale. Through case studies, interviews, and statistical analyses, we identify the conditions that enable circular business models to grow or replicate.

• In collaboration with sector federations, we address specific questions from circular start-ups and manufacturing companies to evaluate whether and how their business ideas can generate positive economic, ecological, and social impacts. This combines expertise in (social) lifecycle analysis and business-economic analyses.

• The FUTURAM project (https://futuram.eu/) aims to strengthen the circular economy by improving information about the availability and recoverability of secondary raw materials (SRMs) and critical raw materials (CRMs) within the European Union. VITO contributes to developing a comprehensive knowledge database that integrates data on SRMs and CRMs. This database helps model current stocks and flows of these materials, considering various factors such as economic, technological, geopolitical, regulatory, social, and environmental aspects.

• You hold a Master’s or PhD degree in (Bio-)Engineering Sciences and preferably have business-economic knowledge or experience.

  Candidates with a (business-)economic Master’s or PhD degree are also eligible, provided they have sufficient experience or knowledge of the circular economy.

• Experience with scientific programming languages (Python, R, etc.) or enthusiasm to learn them is a plus.

• Experience in one of the following sectors is an advantage: textiles, electronics, aerospace, plastics.

• You are a strong communicator, able to express yourself clearly in English, both verbally and in writing. Knowledge of Dutch is an advantage.

You are motivated to contribute in a context of sustainability and circular economy. You have a client-oriented mindset and an eye for opportunities. Enthusiasm and entrepreneurship define your approach. Additionally, you are a creative, flexible thinker and doer, guided by a scientifically critical attitude.

Offer

• You will have real impact by seeking innovative solutions for today’s and tomorrow’s challenges.

• You will be supported by excellent, helpful, and fun colleagues eager to share their expertise in the field.

• You will be part of an organization where we demonstrate integrity and always strive for mutual benefit in close cooperation with all stakeholders.

• VITO is an international organization: people from 40 different nationalities work with us.

• We work ‘activity-based’: our activities determine our workplace. On average, we meet 2 days per week in our office in Mol. For the other days, you can work remotely from home or at one of our satellite offices in Antwerp-Berchem, Genk, Gent, Ostend or Leuven, depending on the activity's needs.

• We offer an attractive salary package supplemented with extra-legal benefits such as allowances, insurances and a modular holiday package.

• You will engage in lifelong learning and further develop your skills by working with cutting-edge technologies, which you can test in the market yourself.