R&D Expert Building & District Energy Modelling

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.

As an expert in Building & District Energy Modeling, you will work on research projects focused on energy efficiency, carbon neutrality, and climate resilience of buildings, districts, and non-residential areas. You will develop models and tools for energy simulations and data enrichment techniques for buildings and districts, both independently and as part of a team.

Your Responsibilities

• You work on research projects related to the energy performance of buildings and districts.

• You contribute to the development of algorithms, data-driven applications, models, and tools for evaluating energy efficiency and renewable energy generation at the building and district levels.

• With the support of experienced colleagues, you are responsible for advising companies and government agencies in these areas.

• In this position, you also contribute to project acquisition and the writing of research proposals with the goal of securing future research funding.

• You are responsible for collaboration in national and international consortia, and you build a network with relevant Belgian and international stakeholders and clients.

• You hold a Master's degree in a relevant field (e.g., engineering sciences, architecture, construction, energy, etc.).

• You have at least 2 years of demonstrable work experience in the energy, construction, and/or data science sectors.

• You have an interest and affinity for scientific research; a doctoral degree is a plus.

• You possess basic knowledge of programming (Python, SQL), machine learning, and data visualizations. Knowledge of data systems such as GIS and BIM is an asset.

• You have excellent knowledge of energy technologies and building physics aspects related to buildings. You have experience with dynamic building simulations (e.g., EnergyPlus, Modelica) and are familiar with Flemish and/or European guidelines regarding energy performance regulations (EPC/EPB/EPBD).

• You are proactive and able to adapt to changing circumstances.

• You find a good balance between teamwork and tackling tasks independently.

• You have strong communication skills and can express yourself fluently in English (written and spoken). 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.