Scientific Researcher - Applied AI and Intelligent Systems (30459)

Ghent University; Belgique; On-site; EUR 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

36 days holiday

Training opportunities

Diversity policy

Job summary

Ghent University, Belgium, seeks a researcher to support ISyE research activities in AI, UAVs, and industrial demonstration projects. You will mentor SMEs, develop AI-enabled manufacturing use cases, and coordinate research with international partners.

You will work on adaptive decision systems, data platforms, and lab demonstrations, emphasizing responsible deployment and robust results. English communication is essential.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Mechanical/Industrial Engineering or closely related field.
• Strong background in mechanical engineering is preferred.
• Proven proficiency in operations research, AI, and data-driven optimisation for industrial contexts.
• Specialised training in Trustworthy AI including reliability and explainability.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical mentorship to SMEs in AI applications for manufacturing and industrial use-case development.
• Coordinate research activities and follow-up with industrial and academic partners.
• Contribute to UAV, robotic systems, and AI-based autonomous decision-making projects and demos.
• Support documentation, reporting, and knowledge transfer related to these activities.

Skills

Operations Research

Industrial AI

Optimization

Scientific communication

Independent working

Education

Master's in Mechanical Engineering

PhD in related field

Tools

UAV operations

MOVE data platform

SAAL lab tools

Job description

Organisation/Company Ghent University Research Field Computer science » Other Engineering » Aerospace engineering Engineering » Control engineering Engineering » Industrial engineering Engineering » Mechanical engineering Engineering » Other Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Application Deadline 30 Oct 2026 - 22:59 (UTC) Country Belgium Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

• Faculty of Engineering and Architecture
• Department:EA18 - Industriële Systemen en Productontwerp
• Occupancy rate:100%
• Number of positions:1
• Type of employment:Contract of limited duration
• Term ofassignment:3 months
• Wage scale:WM1 to WM4 or PD1 to PD4 (master degree or doctoral degree)
• Required diploma:Master or PhD

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.

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