Science & Competence Lead: AI & Optimization

VITO; Genk; Hybride; EUR 90 000 - 130 000; Plein temps

Avantages offerts par ce poste

Hybrid work flexibility

Training and development opportunities

Competitive salary package

Diversity & inclusion

Résumé du poste

VITO in Genk, Belgium, invites a scientific leader to shape the AMO domain within WET. You will guide research at the intersection of mathematical optimization, AI and data-driven modelling, mentoring researchers and PhD candidates to grow their skills and deliver high-impact results.

You will also foster collaborations with universities and industry, translate advances into real-world energy, water and environmental solutions, and contribute to international publications and proposals.

Qualifications

• You hold a Master's degree in Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Engineering, Physics or a related discipline, or have equivalent relevant experience.
• You bring strong expertise in one or more areas such as mathematical optimization, operations research, machine learning, artificial intelligence, reinforcement learning, forecasting, digital twins, data-driven control, simulation or decision-support systems.
• You do not need to be an expert in every technology within the domain. What matters is that you combine deep expertise in your own field with the ability to connect disciplines, recognise promising developments and guide multidisciplinary research.
• You have experience applying advanced analytical, mathematical or computational methods to complex real-world problems.
• You are able to translate scientific and technological developments into research opportunities, strategic choices and practical applications.
• You have demonstrated experience in leading, mentoring or coaching researchers or technical experts and enjoy helping colleagues grow professionally.
• You have experience building collaborations and can contribute to the development of successful research and innovation proposals.
• Experience with programming, scientific software development and good software-engineering practices is considered an asset.
• A PhD in a relevant field is highly valued, although equivalent scientific or industrial experience is equally welcome.
• You communicate clearly and can explain complex technical and scientific concepts to both specialised and non-specialised audiences.
• You are comfortable working within international research and innovation networks and collaborating with academic, industrial and public-sector partners.
• You have an excellent command of English.

Responsabilités

• Shape the scientific direction of the domain. You will identify and develop strategic research topics at the intersection of mathematical optimization, operations research, artificial intelligence and data-driven modelling.
• Advance and connect technologies. You will guide the development and application of advanced techniques such as mathematical and combinatorial optimization, machine learning, reinforcement learning, forecasting, digital twins, data-driven control, simulation and intelligent decision-support systems.
• Drive innovation in complex systems. Together with the team, you will translate scientific advances into solutions for real-world challenges in energy, water and environmental systems.
• Strengthen interoperability and knowledge integration. Where relevant, you will explore how semantic technologies, ontologies and interoperability standards can improve data sharing, knowledge representation, digital twins and system integration across AI-driven and cyber-physical systems.
• Ensure scientific excellence. You will support high-quality scientific work and contribute to publications in international peer-reviewed journals, conferences and scientific forums together with researchers and PhD candidates.
• Stay ahead of emerging developments. You will monitor advances in AI, optimization, energy system modelling and related digital technologies and translate relevant developments into new research directions and innovation opportunities.
• Create new research opportunities. You will identify promising research and innovation opportunities, contribute to national and international research proposals and help secure funding for future activities.
• Build strategic collaborations. You will strengthen relationships with universities, research organizations, industry partners and public stakeholders and help expand the scientific visibility and impact of the domain.
• Connect disciplines and people. You will work closely with researchers, engineers, domain experts and PhD candidates across multidisciplinary teams and report to the Program Manager.

Connaissances

mathematical optimization

operations research

machine learning

artificial intelligence

reinforcement learning

forecasting

digital twins

data-driven control

simulation

decision-support systems

Formation

Master's degree in Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Engineering, Physics or related discipline

PhD in relevant field (valued)

Description du poste

VITO in Genk, Belgium, invites a scientific leader to shape the AMO domain within WET. You will guide research at the intersection of mathematical optimization, AI and data-driven modelling, mentoring researchers and PhD candidates to grow their skills and deliver high-impact results.

You will also foster collaborations with universities and industry, translate advances into real-world energy, water and environmental solutions, and contribute to international publications and proposals.