Science & Competence Responsible – Algorithms, Models and Optimization

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

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work flexibility

Competitive salary package with extras

Training & development opportunities

Strong work-life balance

National/international research &行业伙伴网

Diversity and inclusive culture

Job summary

VITO Genk seeks a scientific leader to define and develop the roadmaps at the intersection of AI, mathematical optimization and sustainable infrastructure. You will guide researchers and PhD candidates, fostering collaboration and high-quality research across multidisciplinary teams.

You will advance technologies such as optimization, ML, forecasting, digital twins and intelligent control, translating research into real-world energy, water and environmental solutions.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in CS, applied mathematics, engineering, physics, or related discipline.
• PhD in a relevant field is highly valued, though equivalent experience welcome.
• Strong expertise in optimization, AI, and data-driven modelling.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary research teams.
• Excellent English (written and spoken).

Responsibilities

• Shape the scientific direction of the domain at the intersection of AI, optimization, and sustainable infrastructure.
• Develop strategic research topics at the intersection of optimization, operations research, AI and data-driven modelling.
• Guide the development and application of advanced techniques such as optimization, ML, RL, forecasting, digital twins, data-driven control and decision-support systems.
• Translate scientific advances into solutions for real-world energy, water and environmental challenges.
• Lead and coach researchers and PhD candidates to grow professionally.
• Build collaborations with universities, research organizations, industry partners and public stakeholders.
• Publish in international peer-reviewed journals, conferences and forums.
• Monitor AI and optimization advances and translate into new research directions and opportunities.
• Report to the Program Manager and collaborate across multidisciplinary teams.

Skills

Mathematical optimization

Operations research

Machine learning

Artificial intelligence

Reinforcement learning

Forecasting

Digital twins

Data-driven modelling

Simulation

Decision-support systems

Education

Master's degree in Computer Science

Master's degree in Applied Mathematics

Master's degree in Engineering

Master's degree in Physics

PhD (relevant field)

Tools

Programming

Scientific software development

Software-engineering practices

Job description

As a leading European research center, VITO brings together more than 1,300 employees to translate scientific insights into technological innovations, AI-driven solutions, and policy advice with real societal impact. Our mission is clear: to create a sustainable and promising future for our world. Join us in making this vision a reality!

About the team

The Algorithms, Models & Optimization (AMO) team within the Water & Energy Transition (WET)-unit develops advanced AI, data science and optimization technologies to support the transition towards sustainable energy, water and environmental systems.

We combine scientific expertise with real-world applications in areas such as smart energy grids, building energy management, water systems, electrification and circular economy. Our work spans mathematical optimization, machine learning, forecasting, digital twins, intelligent control and decision-support systems.

By combining data-driven methods, advanced modelling and optimization, we help improve the performance, resilience and sustainability of complex physical infrastructures and support better decision-making under uncertainty.

Your role

Together with the Program Manager, you will define and develop the scientific and technological roadmap of the domain. You will identify promising research directions, strengthen key competences within the team and ensure a high level of scientific and technological excellence.

You will act as a scientific leader and coach for researchers, engineers and PhD candidates, helping them grow professionally while creating an environment that encourages collaboration, curiosity and high-quality research.

Your responsibilities include:

• 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.

What makes this role unique

• This role gives you the opportunity to shape a scientific domain at the intersection of AI, optimization and sustainable infrastructure.

• You will have the freedom to influence the research agenda, develop new competences and technologies, coach talented researchers and build collaborations around challenging real-world problems.

• You enjoy leading through technical expertise, scientific vision and coaching and are motivated by turning advanced research into solutions with tangible societal and industrial impact.

You are a scientifically strong and original thinker who enjoys combining technical depth with leadership, collaboration and real-world impact.

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.

Offer

• Hybrid work flexibility – Your activities determine your workplace! You’ll primarily work from our EnergyVille Genk office, but remote work and other VITO locations (Antwerp or Leuven) are possible.

• Competitive salary package, including extra-legal benefits such as allowances, insurance, and modular holiday options.

• Innovation is at our core – We invest in training and development, ensuring our team remains at the forefront of the industry.

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

• An established national and international network of research and industry partners enabling us to conduct applied research with real impact.

• At VITO, we are committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and equitable work environment. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, or cultural identity.