Senior Expert in Structured Materials

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!

Our Coating and Shaping Technologies (CAST)-team leads the development of advanced materials via smart shaping and surface modification techniques. By leveraging cutting-edge platforms like 3D printing, microsphere synthesis, and surface modification technologies, VITO creates hierarchically structured materials that deliver superior performance while consuming fewer resources and less energy, contributing to sustainable industrial production across various sectors.

To accelerate our ambitious goals, we are looking for a Senior Expert in Structured Materials to join our dynamic team.

Your role

• Innovate with technology: Design and develop porous structured materials using advanced techniques like 3D printing, coating, and granulation. Optimize porous architectures and test their applications, scaling concepts from lab to pilot scale.

• Collaborate globally: Lead and participate in high-profile international research projects with top industrial and academic partners, expanding your expertise and network.

• Translate ideas into impact: Bridge theoretical concepts with practical, economically viable solutions tailored for industrial applications.

• Drive scientific progress: Develop patentable ideas and publish your groundbreaking research in leading scientific journals.

• Present globally: Represent VITO and your work at international conferences, positioning yourself as a thought leader in the field.

• Collaborate and grow: Work closely with a multidisciplinary team of researchers, contribute to internal and external project reviews, and be responsible for the recruitment, execution and coordination of scientific research projects.

What you bring

• You have a PhD in Engineering or Sciences (Chemistry, Material Sciences, Bioscience Engineering) with a proven track record of at least 5 years in a relevant domain.

• You have a strong basic knowledge of inorganic chemistry.

• You have experience in material synthesis, surface modification, powder processing or design of structured materials.

• You have research experience, preferable in (industrial) R&D.

• You have strong communication skills and are able to work in (international) networks.

• You have a customer-oriented attitude and an eye for opportunities. You are defined by your entrepreneurial spirit and proactive initiative.

• You have excellent project management and organizational skills.

• You are a flexible team player who can also work independently.

What can we offer you?

• 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.

• We highly value a good work-life balance at VITO. This is achieved by adopting a flexible attitude depending on your specific needs.