Scientific Researcher - Applied AI and Intelligent Systems

Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG); Oost-Vlaanderen; On-site; EUR 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Ghent University seeks a Scientific Researcher to advance applied AI and intelligent systems, supporting the ISyE team with industry-focused AI adoption, UAV research, and cross-institution collaboration.

The role emphasizes coordinating research activities, developing industrial AI use cases, and contributing to technical documentation and knowledge transfer in an international setting.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Mechanical/Industrial Engineering or closely related field.
• Proven expertise in Operations Research, AI, and data-driven optimization for industrial settings.
• Competence in Trustworthy AI concepts including reliability, explainability, robustness and responsible deployment.
• Valid UAV remote pilot certificate with practical UAV research experience.

Responsibilities

• Mentor SMEs on AI applications in manufacturing within the AID4SME project and develop industrial use cases.
• Coordinate research activities and collaborations within the Adaptive Decision Systems Lab with industrial/academic partners.
• Contribute to research and demonstrations involving UAVs, robotics, and AI-based autonomous decision-making.
• Support technical documentation, project reporting and knowledge transfer.

Skills

Operations Research

Artificial Intelligence

Data-driven optimization

English proficiency

Education

Master's or PhD in Mechanical/Industrial Engineering

Tools

UAV Remote Pilot Certificate

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.