Program Manager Electrochemistry

About VITO

VITO is a technological research organization in the field of sustainable development. We perform breakthrough research to accelerate the transition towards a more sustainable society. To maximize our impact, we focus our innovation in three domains:

• Accelerate the circularity of the economy.
• Improve the living environment of people.
• Adapt and mitigate climate change

VITO's 1300 talented visioneers provide industry and governments with excellent technological solutions, digital applications, (pilot) infrastructure and policy advice on a local and international level.

Join us to build a better future.

Within the MatCh (Materials & Chemistry) unit, we investigate the use of non-fossil, mineral and circular raw materials to make industry more sustainable and enable new value chains.

Also, existing industrial processes are reconsidered to make them more cost, energy, and material efficient. Advanced material shaping, separation technologies, chemistry, electrochemistry, and bioprocess technology are the key focus areas to enable this.

We are convinced that besides technological innovations, broader societal innovations among policymakers and companies are crucial in this transition.

In line with this vision, VITO is looking for the Program Manager of the Electrochemistry Excellence Centre (ELEC). The Program Manager will report directly to the Unit Director of the MatCh Unit.

Function description

You will be responsible for driving innovation in the design and optimization of electrodes, catalysts, electrochemical processes, and cell designs. You will also spearhead projects in areas such as water electrolysis for green hydrogen, CO₂ reduction, and the development of new electrochemical systems.

As the Program Manager, you will manage a team of around 40 scientists, engineers, and (lab-) technicians; The team consists of 3 sub-teams, 2 sub-teams are headed by a team manager, who will report to you. You provide strategic input to ensure the successful definition and execution of R&D programs. This function is ideal for a technical expert with strong leadership skills and a passion for advancing the field of electrochemistry.

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership & Team Management:

• Lead, mentor, build and manage a team of scientists, engineers, and researchers in the field of electrochemistry.

• Set research objectives, provide technical guidance, and ensure the team delivers conform targets and agreements.

• Foster a collaborative, innovative, and high-performance culture within the group.

• Research & Development:

• Oversee the design, development, and optimization of new electrode materials, catalysts, and electrochemical cells.

• Coordinate the portfolio of projects related to water electrolysis, CO₂ reduction, and other emerging electrochemical processes.

• Innovation & Project Management:

• Identify emerging trends and opportunities in electrochemistry and related fields to guide R&D focus.

• Develop and manage R&D project roadmaps, timelines, and budgets.

• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to align research initiatives.

• Engage in collaborative research with external partners, universities, and industry experts.

• Communication & Collaboration

• You represent the team both internally within VITO and externally and set up strategic collaborations.

• You are a member of the management team of the MATCH unit. You work closely together with the other Program Managers both on the development and marketing of products and services and on the optimization of business processes. You report to the Unit Director.

Qualifications & Skills

• Education: PhD or Master’s degree in Electrochemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of R&D experience in electrochemical processes, including water electrolysis, CO₂ reduction, or similar fields.  Proven track record in managing research teams and leading successful R&D projects.

• Technical Expertise: Knowledge of electrochemical systems, electrode design, and catalyst development, and characterization methods such as cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and surface analysis techniques.
• Leadership Skills: Strong ability to lead and motivate a multidisciplinary team, fostering innovation and collaboration. Team player.
• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex scientific concepts to various audiences.
• Collaboration: Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional team environment and build relationships with external partners. Effective networker.

What can we offer you?

• The opportunity to lead a team doing pioneering work in the field of circular economy. Moreover, you will be part of an organisation with an international reputation known for its cutting-edge technological research and scientific advice.
• A competitive salary complemented by various fringe benefits including allowances, insurances and a modular package of holidays.
• Innovation is our main asset, therefore it goes without saying that we give our employees the opportunity to learn & develop themselves both on the job and through training.
• We work activity-based: our activities lead us to our location. Hybrid working and/or working in a satellite office in Antwerp-Berchem, Ghent, Ostend or Genk is possible. Because of your role as people manager, it is obviously important to be frequently present in Mol, your team's main location.