Lead Scientist, AI & Optimization for Sustainable Systems

VITO Research; Belgique; Hybrid; EUR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work flexibility

Competitive salary package

Training and development opportunities

Strong international network

Job summary

VITO Research is seeking a scientifically strong leader to define and develop the AI, optimization and data-driven modelling roadmap for the Water & Energy Transition domain. You will mentor researchers and PhD candidates, foster collaboration, and steer multidisciplinary projects toward impactful, real-world outcomes.

Your role includes advancing techniques like mathematical optimization, machine learning and digital twins, while connecting with universities and industry partners to create

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience.
• PhD in a relevant field is highly valued, though equivalent experience is welcome.
• Strong expertise in optimization, AI and data-driven modelling.
• Experience leading researchers or technical experts is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Shape the scientific direction at the intersection of AI, optimization and infrastructure.
• Guide development of advanced techniques and digital twins for real-world systems.
• Translate research advances into innovative solutions for energy, water and environment.
• Mentor researchers and engineers, fostering collaboration and high-quality work.
• Build strategic collaborations with universities, industry and public partners.
• Publish in international journals and conferences to raise domain visibility.
• Identify opportunities and secure funding through proposals and networks.
• Monitor AI and optimization advances and translate into new research directions.

Skills

Mathematical optimization

Operations research

Machine learning

Artificial intelligence

Reinforcement learning

Forecasting

Digital twins

Data-driven control

Simulation

Decision-support systems

Education

Master's degree

PhD preferred

Tools

Python

MATLAB

R

C/C++

Job description

VITO Research is seeking a scientifically strong leader to define and develop the AI, optimization and data-driven modelling roadmap for the Water & Energy Transition domain. You will mentor researchers and PhD candidates, foster collaboration, and steer multidisciplinary projects toward impactful, real-world outcomes.

Your role includes advancing techniques like mathematical optimization, machine learning and digital twins, while connecting with universities and industry partners to create