Scientific Researcher - Applied AI and Intelligent Systems

Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG); Gent; Remote; EUR 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Ghent University is seeking a Scientific Researcher in Applied AI and Intelligent Systems to support ISyE team activities, mentor SMEs, and drive AI adoption strategies in manufacturing and industry.

The role focuses on research coordination, UAV-based demonstrations, and collaboration with academic and industrial partners, in an international environment with English as the working language.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in engineering with relevant expertise in AI, OR and data-driven optimisation.
• Experience with trustworthy AI and responsible deployment in industrial contexts.
• International research experience and collaboration with diverse teams.

Responsibilities

• Support research and coordination within the ISyE team at Ghent University.
• Mentor SMEs on AI applications in manufacturing and industry use cases.
• Contribute to UAV, robotic systems and AI-based autonomous decision-making projects.
• Prepare technical documentation, reports, and knowledge transfer materials.

Skills

Operations Research

Artificial Intelligence

Data-driven optimisation

Trustworthy AI

International collaboration

Project coordination

English communication

UAV competency

Industrial data platforms

Education

Master's degree or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or closely related field

Tools

MOVE data platform

SAAL lab environment

Job description

Scientific Researcher - Applied AI and Intelligent Systems

Job ID: 30459

ABOUT GHENT UNIVERSITY

Ghent University is a world of its own. Employing more than 15,000 people, it is actively involved in education and research, management and administration, as well as technical and social service provision on a daily basis. It is one of the largest, most exciting employers in the area and offers great career opportunities. With its 11 faculties and more than 80 departments offering state-of-the-art study programmes grounded in research in a wide range of academic fields, Ghent University is a logical choice for its staff and students.

YOUR TASKS

The selected candidate will support the research, innovation, and coordination activities within ISyE team at Ghent University, with the following responsibilities:

• Provide technical mentorship to SMEs within the AID4SME project, focusing on the identification, assessment, and implementation of AI applications in manufacturing, including industrial use-case development, feasibility analysis, and AI adoption strategies, leveraging UGent's MOVE data platform and Smart and Agile Assembly Lab (SAAL) as low-TRL experimentation and validation environments.
• Support the organisational and scientific coordination of the Adaptive Decision Systems Lab, including research activities, project follow-up, and collaboration with industrial and academic partners.
• Contribute to research and development activities involving UAVs, robotic systems, and AI-based autonomous decision-making, including industrial applications, technical evaluations, and demonstrations.
• Support technical documentation, project reporting, and knowledge transfer related to these activities.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• You hold a Master's degree or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline, preferably with a strong background in mechanical engineering.
• You have demonstrated proficiency in Operations Research, Artificial Intelligence, and data-driven optimisation, particularly in industrial and manufacturing applications.
• You have completed relevant education or specialised training in Trustworthy AI, including aspects of AI reliability, explainability, robustness, and responsible deployment.
• You hold a valid UAV remote pilot competency certificate or licence relevant to UAV piloting and operations, with practical experience in UAV-based research, regulatory and technical applications.
• You have international research experience, including collaboration with multidisciplinary research teams and international academic or industrial partners.
• You have experience in applied AI research, industrial use-case development, and technical collaboration with SMEs or industrial stakeholders.
• You are familiar with industrial data platforms, experimental manufacturing environments, and the use of research demonstrators for AI validation and technology transfer.
• You possess strong organisational, scientific communication, and project coordination skills, and can work independently in an international research environment.
• You have excellent written and spoken English communication skills.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

• We offer you a contract of definite duration for the period from January, 16th, 2027 till April 15th, 2027.
• Your contract will start on 16/01/2027 at the earliest.
• All Ghent University staff members enjoy a number of benefits, such as a wide range of training and education opportunities, 36 days of holiday leave (on an annual basis for a full-time job) supplemented by annual fixed bridge days, bicycle allowance and eco vouchers. Click here for a complete overview of all the staff benefits .

As Ghent University maintains an equal opportunities and diversity policy, everyone is encouraged to apply for this position.