R&D Expert Digital Tools for Energy Efficiency Buildings and Districts

Are you an data science expert with an analytical mind and a strong affinity for independent work? Do you find it challenging to develop client-focused solutions and provide advice in a dynamic environment? If so, we have the ideal opportunity for you.

About us                                                                                              

As a top European research center, VITO, with 1,300 employees, translates scientific insights into groundbreaking technological innovations, AI solutions and policy advice. Our mission is clear: to create a sustainable and promising future for our world. Join us in making this vision a reality!

With the Strategic Planning for Energy Efficient Districts (SPEED) team, we provide science-based advice for sustainable renovation of homes and neighborhoods. By using comprehensive datasets and models, we create digital tools that generate scenarios for optimization in energy efficiency, renewable energy share, CO2 reduction, best-fit technologies, CAPEX, and/or OPEX, among others. These tools also support the implementation of energy communities, PEDs (positive energy districts), heating and cooling networks, as well as climate mitigation and adaptation measures.

Based on our knowledge and tools, we provide advice to private players in the construction and energy sectors, as well as to (local) governments. We also implement these recommendations in practice, exemplified by oPEN Lab | Open Thor. In this way, we give the energy transition more than just a boost. Learn more about our research: Buildings and districts | EnergyVille.

Job description

As an Expert in Digital Tools for Energy-Efficient Buildings and Districts, you’ll be at the forefront of creating innovative, practical solutions that help governments, cities, and companies make smarter decisions for a sustainable future. You will help translate cutting-edge research and real-world needs into intuitive digital tools and platforms that support energy performance and carbon reduction across buildings and entire districts.

This role offers more than technical challenge — it’s a chance to make a difference. You’ll have the freedom to take initiative, shape your own direction within the team’s mission, and develop yourself further in one of today’s most relevant and fast-evolving domains. You’ll work closely with multidisciplinary experts and stakeholders to design, improve, and scale impactful digital solutions that accelerate the shift toward net-zero built environments.

Your responsibilities:

• As an expert within the SPEED team, you develop and execute projects independently with a focus on client-oriented solutions.

• You proactively contribute to the development of digital platforms and applications by translating research results and client feedback into practical functionalities.

• You act as the first point of contact for one or more tools and models. You work closely with domain experts within the team and with the central software development and deployment team to bring robust solutions to the market.

• You convert knowledge of the research domain into tools for targeted advice towards governments and companies.

• You contribute to acquiring new projects by writing proposals and engaging in discussions with potential clients.

• You hold a Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., data science, engineering, computer science, etc.).

• You have over 5 years of relevant work experience, in the field of computer science, data science and/or energy in buildings.

• You have strong proficiency in programming (Python, SQL), machine learning, and data visualization. Experience with GIS or BIM are a plus.

• You have experience working with product-oriented teams.

• You’re able to convert research-grade code into robust and professional code for our tools.

• Affinity with energy in buildings is essential; experience with Flemish and/or European energy performance regulations (EPB/EPC/EPBD) is a plus.

• You have a strong affinity for independent work and problem-solving.

• You are client-oriented, both towards private parties and local/regional governments.

• You are communicative and can express yourself fluently in English. Knowledge of Dutch is a plus.

Offer

• We work 'activity-based', our activities bring us to our location. The team’s core location is in EnergyVille, Genk. Hybrid work arrangements or working in a satellite office in Antwerp-Berchem, Leuven, Ostend or Mol is possible.

• You will be part of a growing research organization with an international reputation, known for its cutting-edge technological research and scientific based advice.

• You will contribute directly to sustainable developments at local, national and global level through breakthrough innovative applications. In this way, you help to provide answers to contemporary grand societal challenges.

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

• Innovation is our most important asset, so it goes without saying that we give our employees the opportunity to learn and further develop themselves both on the job and through training. 

• VITO provides great deal of freedom and flexibility in your job that enables you to achieve an attractive work-life balance.