Research Project Manager Energyinformatics

The research group for Algorithms, Models, and Optimization (AMO) specializes in developing and supplying the intelligence that forms the backbone of any modern technical design into the various systems and application domains across VITO’s unit for Water and Energy Transition (WET) at EnergyVille to support the energy transition. The team has a wide range of expertise in mathematical modelling, optimal control, control theory, machine learning and data science, interoperability and semantics; coupled with domain knowledge from different sectors (e.g., low voltage grids, building energy management systems, EV charging). The team develops and maintains a portfolio of Python-based tools/frameworks such as PYSIMOF for optimal control and our black box modelling framework, which has been used in various applications such as forecasting energy demand and generation, and modelling of different systems.

Assignment

• Based on the team’s research roadmap and competence development plan and in constant exchange with your peers in the team, you identify and suggest fitting funding instruments (European, Belgian, Flemish, regional) and align potential contributions and research objectives with your peers;

• Using your scientific and industrial network and support from your peers, you find and join or build strong consortia to propose within the identified calls. Supported by our project office and research office and with contributions from your peers you pull and manage the proposal process for VITO or occasionally as consortium lead, leading to timely submission of highly competitive proposals;

• You manage execution of research projects, keep track of administrative tasks, funding, and the timing of deliverables, and support the organization of events together with VITO and EnergyVille communications;

• As part of the team, you deliver valuable insights and contributions to the teams research roadmap in formal and informal discussion; you keep track of upcoming trends and identify with your peers future challenges and solutions;

• You employ your own research background and experience in contributions to research tasks and deliverables;

• As a team player you support your team, your sister research groups, and your own ambition towards a sustainable future;

• You hold an M.Sc. degree in electrical engineering, computer science, applied mathematics, physics or a relevant similar education. A Ph.D. in a related field is a strong plus;

• You have a track record in the acquisition of European research projects related to energy, digitalization, and transition challenges (such as, e.g., Horizon Europe). Additional experience in Belgian and Flemish funding instruments is a plus;

• You have experience in the execution of international research projects, you have successfully acted as responsible project manager on partner level.

• You have a general interest into the area of sustainability and specifically in the energy transition. You are willing to learn about the energy system and energy-specific challenges;

• You are self-motivated and ready to take ownership. You work well in a team and enjoy contributing and growing in close collaboration with highly skilled peers. You lead by example and with mutual respect;

• You have excellent communication skills verbally and in writing. Proficiency in English is essential.

Offer

• The possibility to work activity based: your activities determine your work place. On average, you are expected at our office in Genk twice a week. Hybrid work arrangements and/or working in a satellite office in Antwerp-Berchem, Leuven, Ghent, Ostend or Mol is possible.

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

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

• Innovation is our core value, we give our employees the opportunity to educate themselves and keep up to date within their field of expertise, moreover, we expect this.