Data Scientist

Are you passionate about innovating with data science and AI techniques for a better sustainable world?

At VITO, a top European research center, 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.

In a data-driven research organization like VITO, data is collected, processed, analyzed, and used for data-driven research to gain new knowledge and accelerate the research cycle.  The VITO Data & Analytics Competence Center designs, develops, tests, and valorizes data-intensive technologies, processes, and algorithms to develop sustainable solutions in the domains of Energy, Materials Management, Chemistry, Health, and Land Use.  The D&A team works transversally and is active across the different research domains of VITO, focusing on:

• strategy development around data science, AI and data management at the corporate level;

• multidisciplinary data-intensive projects;

• supporting and coaching staff on the technical aspects and algorithms in data science and AI;

• co-developing knowledge and reusable software and increasing their TRL (technology readiness level).

The results of this research are presented both internally and externally.

Your tasks and responsibilities

• You focus on researching and developing data-driven and AI solutions.

• You are familiar with the principles of good data management and data engineering technologies.

• You design and develop reusable solutions in which data science plays a central role, ranging from deep-technical programming tasks to high-level strategic AI related topics.

• You make use of high-performance computing facilities where needed.

• You’re a team player, collaborating with your direct colleagues within the D&A team and domain researchers.

• You guide employees within the various VITO departments regarding the use of data science techniques and best practices in data management and analysis.

• You work within the framework of VITO’s new data governance strategy and contribute to its further development into a fully FAIR-compliant data platform.

• You participate in training, education, and coaching of employees within the different VITO departments.

• You expand your knowledge and expertise and keep up with trends in the data science and AI field.

• You publish research results (in collaboration with PhD students) and present them at international forums.

• You actively participate in writing research proposals and acquiring new projects.

• You contribute to identifying new IP (intellectual property) opportunities and valorization initiatives.

• You have a master's degree in an (applied) mathematical field such as computer science, engineering, statistics, … A PhD and experience in a research environment are considered a plus.

• You have a thorough knowledge of data science techniques, and particularly one or more of the following areas: machine learning, deep learning, statistical modeling, (Generative) AI. Experience with NLP, LLM and Agentic AI are a plus.

• You can work efficiently with different database technologies such as relational, graph, and NoSQL databases, and you are familiar with the landscape of modern data engineering technologies. Experience with cloud technology is a plus.

• You have hands-on experience with programming (in particular, Python and relevant code libraries such as Pandas, GeoPandas, Scikit-learn, PyTorch, TensorFlow are a plus) and are familiar with good software development practices. Familiarity with modern DevOps and MLOps technology is a plus: Linux, git, CI/CD, docker, MLFlow.

• You enjoy a multidisciplinary approach and are convinced that data science is an important asset for a more sustainable society.

• You are a team player with good communication skills and can effectively convey your ideas to people from various backgrounds.

• You find satisfaction in productive collaborations with other research institutions, universities, and industrial partners.

• You are alert to opportunities and easily make connections within national and international networks

• You are fluent in Dutch or English.

Offer

• A motivated team of colleagues who support each other.

• A competitive salary with salary package supplemented with extra-legal benefits such as allowances, insurances and a modular holiday package.

• Flexible working hours and location. We work 'activity-based': your activities determine your workplace. On average, you are expected at our office in Mol, together with flex working in a satellite office in Antwerp-Berchem, Leuven, Ghent, Ostend or Genk are possible.

• Innovation is a key principle at VITO, reflected in opportunities for further training and keeping up with the state of the art in your field.

• You are part of an internationally renowned organization, known for high-level technological research and scientific excellence. You actively contribute to the transition towards a sustainable society at local, national, and international levels.