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VLIZ recruits: Science Officer - Marine Environmental Policy and Pollution
VLIZ - Flanders Marine Institute
Posted on Jan 30, 2025
Be part of a vibrant team within VLIZ and pioneer with us in marine Research & innovation!
At VLIZ, we are dedicated to giving marine research societal added value. Are you passionate about marine research and innovation (R&I) and do you want to make an impact with professional end-users in the Blue Economy and marine policy? VLIZ is looking for a Science Officer in the field of marine environmental policy and pollution to strengthen the vibrant team of the Policy and Innovation division. We guarantee a diverse job with plenty of growth and learning opportunities in an exceptionally dynamic and international environment.
Our offer
- A contract for immediate employment with a fixed term until the end of 2025 (with a positive outlook for extension) in a vibrant and international environment at the InnOvocean Campus in Ostend.
- A competitive remuneration package based on the candidate's qualifications and experience according to the salary scales set forth by the Flemish Government on 01-01-2009.
- A good work-life balance through a generous leave package, flexible working hours within a 38-hour working week and the possibility to work partly from home (after an induction period).
- Additional benefits: holiday allowance, end of year allowance, meal vouchers, bicycle allowance, free public transport between home and work, working from home allowance.
- Opportunities for personal development (training).
Your tasks
VLIZ assumes an active role at the intersection of marine research and professional end-users in the Blue Economy and marine policy/governance. This results in a growing number of research and innovation (R&I) projects and initiatives in close collaboration with an international network of research institutions, companies, policy/governance and innovation actors. The current vacancy is part of this work.
We are looking for a new colleague who is enthusiastic about contributing to various (European) dossiers, projects, and initiatives with the aim of making an impact on marine policy and/or the Blue Economy. Within the Policy and Innovation division (Valorisation and Innovation department), you will perform the following tasks, among others:
- The substantive follow-up of several projects and initiatives related to societal challenges regarding marine environmental pollution (e.g., PFAS, marine litter and microplastics, underwater noise), environmental policy (e.g., EU Green Deal, EU Mission Restore our Ocean and Waters) and sustainable solutions (e.g., new materials, innovative detection systems) in collaboration with stakeholders from the Blue Economy and/or marine policy/governance;
- Staying up to date with the scientific state of the art in the field of marine environmental pollution and sustainable solutions.
- Conducting environmental policy mapping and comprehensive governance analysis, writing project reports (e.g., project deliverables, policy briefs, action plans) and scientific publications, and contributing to proposal writing (e.g., for Horizon Europe, VLAIO).
- Coordinating, overseeing, and executing activities and tasks within international, European, and local projects involving VLIZ. This includes leading local and international initiatives with stakeholders, analyzing science-policy gaps, coordinating and conducting stakeholder interviews, and critically reviewing policy documents and scientific publications related to environmental pollution and other relevant environmental issues.
- Supporting the project management team with project administration and overseeing the technical reporting of projects.
- Acting as a VLIZ ambassador within the marine and maritime research and innovation network.
- Collaborating within a team to support the core objectives of the Policy and Innovation division, contributing to key deliverables such as drafting policy briefs, advancing valorization and innovation activities within VLIZ, and supporting the development of the Compendium for Coast and Sea.
For each function, VLIZ considers enthusiastic involvement, service minded, excellent professionalism and integrity as important characteristics.
Your profile
- You hold a PhD or equivalent experience (in natural sciences, social sciences, (bio)engineering, environmental policy or a related field), preferably with a focus on (marine) environmental challenges.
- You have a strong affinity for environmental policy, particularly related to marine pollution, source-to-sea management or sustainability transitions.
- You are an independent and highly-motivated professional capable of managing complex R&I-projects or policy dossiers autonomously, while also collaborating effectively within a team.
- You are eager to learn and willing to work on various topics (e.g., marine litter, pollutant transport routes, innovative solutions or innovative monitoring technologies).
- You are comfortable engaging with diverse stakeholders, including the scientific community, policymakers, industry, and society, and are interested in exploring the principles of stakeholder participation.
- You have a proven track record of scientific writing and have good communication skills and are able to write fluently and clearly, preferably in both Dutch and English.
- You possess analytical and strategic thinking skills.
- A sense of humor is appreciated.
About us
Over the last 25 years, the Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ) has become a knowledge institution indispensable to the marine research landscape. What started as an institute focusing on science support, has evolved into a national and international point of contact for marine research. VLIZ initiates and carries out multidisciplinary research and supports marine experts by providing research infrastructure, data, information and knowledge. VLIZ supports the blue economy, informs marine policy and reaches out to a broad public. VLIZ further broadens its marine horizons and aims at becoming a world player in the field of marine and coastal research.
A stimulating working environment forms the base of our flourishing knowledge institute. The well-being of our employees comes first. VLIZ is looking for colleagues who, with their passion and knowledge, want to strengthen our growing institute and face the blue challenges of the future.
Additional information
For more information about this vacancy, please contact Lisa Devriese:
- by telephone: +32 (0)486 05 62 77
- by email: lisa.devriese@vliz.be
Does this vacancy appeal to you?
Send in your cover letter and CV no later than 23 February 2025 by email to jobs@vliz.be with subject "2025_004_Marine Environmental Policy and Pollution"
VLIZ promotes equality and diversity in the workplace. You will be recruited based on competencies. Qualities of people are decisive, regardless of gender, religion, ethnic origin, age, sexual orientation or any disability.
Do you have a disability? Please attach a document to your application so that we can adapt our selection procedure where necessary. This information will be handled with discretion.
Procedure
Based on the received cover letters and CVs, a select group of candidates will be invited for a job interview. You will be informed by email. The job interviews take place in the offices of VLIZ mid March.