Team Lead – Land Cover Monitoring

VITO is a Flemish independent research organization in the field of cleantech and sustainable development. Our goal? Accelerating the transition to a sustainable world.  

To maximize our impact, we focus on further strengthening our thought leadership in the field of sustainability and innovation, in line with global, European and Flemish challenges. This expertise and impact is located in the following three domains:  

1. an economy based on sustainable use of raw materials  

2. solutions for climate adaptation and mitigation  

3. a sustainable living environment  

-The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it-  

​Within the Environmental Intelligence unit, our vision is a world ​in which the power of science, intelligence and technology is harnessed ​to create a resilient and sustainable future for our society, the environment, and the economy. Our mission is to provide ​real-world answers to ​real-world challenges, ​to safeguard our planetary boundaries, our health ​and our well-being.  

We are convinced that besides technological innovations, broader societal innovations among policymakers and companies are crucial in this transition. In this context, VITO develops, maintains and operates Land Monitoring Services for customers such as the European Commission, European Environment Agency and the European Space Agency.  

In line with this vision, VITO is looking for a ‘Team Lead – Land Cover Monitoring’.  The Team Lead will report directly to the Programme Manager of the Remote Sensing Applications team.  

Job Description  

• As a team leader your focus will be on the scientific management of the Land Cover Monitoring team. This team comprises of approximately 10 researchers, IT engineers and project managers, assisted by a team of business developers.  

• Coaching, guidance and supervision of your team members will be key in this. You will be responsible for the scientific development of your team, ensuring each member can thrive according to their unique talents.  

• You work in close collaboration with the project managers, who are responsible for the projects executed by the team, and with the business development managers, who are responsible for acquiring new projects in line with the strategy.  

• You will oversee the follow-up of R&D projects within your team. You support the programme manager with the allocation and scheduling of team members for project needs, considering capacity, knowledge, skills and experience. The programme manager remains in charge of the line management of the team.  

• Together with your team, you will define the future and strategy of our well-known land cover monitoring applications. Your role involves performing in-depth scientific analyses together with the relevant scientists and applying findings to strategic development, consolidating project proposals and valorization plans to ensure alignment with the organizational goals. The proposals are coordinated by the business development managers assisting your team.

• By monitoring market developments and social trends, you will make strategic choices and contribute to the decision-making together with the team experts and the programme manager. Translating these strategic choices into actionable roadmaps will guide the development of new and existing services and products.  

• Expanding and maintaining a network of internal and external contacts, including international connections, will be essential. Utilizing this network, you will achieve excellence, defend VITO’s interests, and represent your team in various forums, cultivating relationships beyond the immediate specialist field.  

What can we offer you?  

• You will have the opportunity to lead a team engaged in pioneering work within the research area, being part of an organization internationally renowned for its cutting-edge technological research and scientific advice.   

• We offer a competitive salary complemented by various fringe benefits, including allowances, insurances, and a flexible holiday package.  

• Innovation is our main asset, so we provide our employees with opportunities to learn and develop both on the job and through training.   

• We work activity-based, allowing our activities to determine our location. Hybrid working and the option to work in satellite offices in Antwerp, Ghent, Ostend, or Genk is possible. However, we adopt the good practice to gather at least twice a week in the office with the team members.  

Requirements  

• You have a Master's degree, PhD, or equivalent in a relevant scientific/engineering field and can combine this with a proven track record in needs analysis, project acquisition, and scientific research management.  

• You have a demonstrated ability to lead and motivate an R&D team and can inspire this team with your strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.  

• You have proven expertise in the field of Land Cover Monitoring applying optical and/or radar satellite data.  

• You have significant experience with Earth Observation services such as Copernicus and deep understanding of industry-specific challenges and opportunities. You’re eager to stay up to date of market trends, social trends, and transitions within the field of Earth Observation research and development.  

• You have strong communication & networking skills, as well as a growth mindset with the ability to effectively persuade, negotiate, and collaborate at various organizational levels. You can easily adapt to changing circumstances and act as a promoter and facilitator for both internal and external collaborations.  

• You have a proactive and results-oriented approach with a strong focus on continuous improvement of procedures, guidelines, and efficiency.