R&D Expert Energy Market Modelling

Are you excited by the challenge of shaping tomorrow’s energy markets through advanced modelling?
Do you enjoy translating complex, real‑world energy questions into clear quantitative insights with real impact? Then you’re the person we are looking for.

At VITO/EnergyVille, we develop scientific and technological solutions that support the transition towards a sustainable, climate‑neutral energy system. Within this mission, the GEMS (Grid and Energy MarketS) team plays a key role in shaping the future of energy systems and energy markets.

The GEMS team combines deep expertise in energy market design and modelling with practical impact. We work on the design, modelling and real‑life demonstration of innovative energy and flexibility market concepts. Our quantitative decision‑support tools are used by a wide range of stakeholders, including industry players, system operators and regulators across Belgium and the EU.

Our activities cover areas such as the integration of distributed and large‑scale flexibility into energy systems and electricity markets, grid and market decision support, forward‑looking strategic analyses to optimise energy costs and revenues, wholesale and balancing market design, flexibility mechanisms, TSO‑DSO coordination, and decentralised energy market concepts such as peer‑to‑peer trading and energy communities.

To support this work, the team continuously maintains, applies and further develops state‑of‑the‑art in‑house energy market and system models.

To strengthen our team, we are looking for an R&D Expert Energy Market Modelling.

Your role

As an R&D Expert Energy Market Modelling, you act as a modelling specialist within research projects, consultancy assignments and in‑house tool development. You translate complex energy market challenges into robust models and actionable insights that support real‑world decision‑making.

Your responsibilities

• You are responsible for modelling and implementation activities within the projects you are involved in.

• You translate real‑world energy market questions into modelling needs and define relevant scenarios.

• You further develop in‑house energy market and system models where needed.

• You assemble, clean and structure input data and generate quantitative and analytical results.

• You link modelling outcomes to practical implementation pathways and solutions.

• You interpret and communicate modelling results to stakeholders as clear, actionable recommendations.

• You communicate research and project results in high‑quality reports, papers and presentations.

• You actively expand your professional network to strengthen the team’s impact, valorisation portfolio and scientific excellence.

• You hold a master’s degree in economics, engineering or another relevant field, preferably combined with at least three years of relevant experience.

• You have factual knowledge of how today’s energy markets are organised in Belgium and the EU.

• You are proficient in Python.

• You are familiar with energy market models or power system models.

• You have advanced optimisation skills.

• You are fluent in English.

• You are fluent in Dutch or French.

A competitive edge

• A PhD degree.

• Experience with data‑driven or AI techniques applied to energy markets.

• Professional experience working with stakeholders across the energy market value chain.

Offer

• Hybrid work flexibility – Your activities determine your workplace! You’ll primarily work from our EnergyVille Genk office, but remote work and other VITO locations (Mol, Berchem, Kortrijk, Ostend) are possible.

• Competitive salary package, including extra-legal benefits such as allowances, insurance, and modular holiday options.

• As an R&D Expert Energy Market Modelling you can expect a job with freedom, flexibility, and continuous growth opportunities in technical skills, leadership, and responsibility.

• Innovation is at our core – We invest in training and development, ensuring our team remains at the forefront of the industry.

Does this sound like your next challenge? We’d love to hear from you!