Security Officer

About VITO

VITO is a leading European research organisation conducting independent, applied technological research with the ambition to create a positive impact for a society in transition. Building on scientific expertise, infrastructure and digital solutions, VITO works with governments, industry and knowledge partners across three impact domains: materials, climate and living environment.

Context

As a research‑driven organisation, VITO works daily with sensitive data, intellectual property (IP), prototypes, algorithms and experimental environments. Protecting these assets against malicious threats—while enabling collaboration and innovation—is essential to VITO’s mission.

Role Purpose

The Security Officer is responsible for the end‑to‑end security of VITO’s critical research assets against malicious internal and external threats. The role combines strategic leadership with pragmatic execution: defining the security vision and architecture, ensuring its effective implementation across the organisation, and embedding security as an enabler of innovation.

The Security Officer leads the VITO Security Office (VSO) and acts as the central coordinator for all security‑related domains, working closely with ICT, Facilities, Human Capital, Legal & Procurement, Risk Management and Executive Management. The VSO reports directly to the CEO.

Key Responsibilities

1. Security Governance & Leadership

• Define and maintain an integrated security strategy and roadmap aligned with VITO’s research activities and risk profile.

• Lead the VITO Security Office and ensure clear roles, responsibilities and collaboration across security domains.

• Act as the primary point of contact for security matters for research departments and corporate services.

• Represent VITO towards national, European and international authorities (e.g. law enforcement, intelligence services, defence and corporate security bodies).

2. Policy, Architecture & Standards

• Develop, maintain and enforce security policies, principles and standards.

• Define security requirements for research laboratories, pilot lines, ICT networks, systems, platforms and data, focusing on protection against malicious threats.

• Drive the security architecture in close collaboration with the Information Security Officer and other stakeholders, ensuring coherence across digital, physical and organisational security.

3. Implementation & Operational Oversight

• Ensure that security measures are effectively implemented, adopted and maintained within the organisation—without centralising all execution.

• Coordinate physical security measures and ensure their integration with digital security controls.

• Provide direction on Zero Trust principles and Identity & Access Management.

• Oversee incident management, security monitoring and follow‑up actions.

4. Risk, Audit & Assurance

• Coordinate security risk assessments and threat modelling together with the Risk Manager.

• Support and coordinate internal and external security audits, initiate required remediation actions and monitor their timely completion.

• Provide assurance to customers and partners that VITO can execute strictly confidential and sensitive projects.

5. Knowledge Security & Awareness

• Safeguard knowledge security, IP protection and security requirements in contracts and collaborations.

• Ensure correct handling of confidential research information across the organisation.

• Raise awareness and build security maturity through targeted communication and sensitisation initiatives.

• Master’s degree or equivalent through experience.

• Proven experience in information security and cybersecurity; familiarity with frameworks such as ISO 27001, NIS2 or equivalent.

• Solid experience in physical security and integrated security management.

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to operate both strategically and hands‑on.

• Excellent communication and advisory skills; able to act decisively under incident pressure.

• Fluent in English and Dutch.

Assets

• Experience in R&D, academic or industrial research environments.

• Familiarity with IP‑sensitive environments, data classification and knowledge security.

• Experience with cloud environments and research platforms.

What VITO Offers

• A key role in a highly innovative research organisation with international impact.

• The opportunity to further build and mature the VITO Security Office.

• A competitive salary package with additional benefits and flexible working arrangements.

• A collaborative environment that values professional growth and responsibility.