Climate Impacts Researcher

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 are 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

 Within the Environmental Intelligence unit, about 350 motivated employees are committed to monitoring our “Planetary Boundaries” and “Human Boundaries.

Together we work to monitor, research and analyze our environment (land, climate, air, water ...) and our health.

We combine data and advanced technologies to develop and share valuable information, insights and models with governments, other research institutions, businesses, ...

Are you passionate about tackling climate challenges using cutting-edge technologies?

Join our dynamic team as a Climate Impacts Researcher, where you’ll apply your expertise in AI, sensor networks, data analytics and ICT to drive climate-robust solutions across the globe. If you have a background in climate data manipulation, AI, and sensor network implementation, we’d love to hear from you.

Your role:

As a Climate Impacts Researcher, you will:

• Develop innovative "climate services" for governments, international organizations, and companies.

• Process and interpret large datasets, transforming raw climate data into actionable insights for diverse sectors including agriculture, health, and urban planning.

• Integrate advanced technologies, including sensor networks, AI, and neural networks, into innovative research approaches.

• Design, deploy, and manage advanced sensor networks for environmental monitoring.

• Create and refine models to study climate phenomena and evaluate adaptation measures.

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to integrate expertise into impactful projects.

• Analyze model outcomes and present findings through reports, presentations, and publications.

You are an ideal candidate if you:

• Hold a Master’s or Ph.D. in applied sciences, engineering, or a related field. Experience with AI is highly encouraged.

• Are pro-active, have a solution-oriented mindset and have a passion for working on climate and ecological problems.

• Analyze and process datasets into actionable insights.

• Bring hands-on experience in setting up measurement campaigns and working with sensor devices.

• Design, implement, and refine climate models, quantifying the impacts of climate change across sectors such as industry, health, agriculture, ecosystems, and society.

• Are experienced with programming languages such as Python.

• Possess excellent communication skills in English or Dutch (French is a bonus).

• Are enthusiastic about working in multidisciplinary contexts and meeting project deadlines.

• Have a passion for fieldwork and are open to international travel.

Offer

• We work 'activity-based', our activities bring us to our location. Our headquarter is in Mol. Hybrid work arrangements and/or working in a satellite office in Antwerp-Berchem, Ostend or Genk is possible.

• A competitive salary with a range of benefits, including allowances, insurance, and a modular package of holidays.

• Innovation is our asset, so it goes without saying that we give our employees the opportunity to take additional training courses and stay up-to-date in their field. You will always have the opportunity to broaden your knowledge and discover new technologies.

• You will have the opportunity to be part of an organization with an international reputation, known for its cutting-edge technological research and scientific consultancy.

• With us, you will contribute directly to sustainable developments at local, national and global level through your innovative applications. You provide answers to contemporary societal challenges.

• Moreover, we highly value a good work-life balance at VITO! This is achieved by adopting a flexible attitude depending on your specific needs.