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VLIZ werft aan: Science officer - Marine pollution and nature-based solutions
VLIZ - Flanders Marine Institute
Posted on Jul 5, 2025
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 pollution and nature-based solutions 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.
Be part of a vibrant team within VLIZ and pioneer with us in marine research & innovation!
OUR OFFER
- A contract for immediate employment with a fixed term until the end of 2026 (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;
- Additional benefits: holiday allowance, end of year allowance, meal vouchers, bicycle allowance, and free public transport between home and work;
- A good work-life balance through a generous leave package and flexible working hours within a 38-hour working week;
- The possibility to work from home 2 days a week after an induction period;
- 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 (national and 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 projects and initiatives related to marine environmental pollution (e.g., PFAS, marine litter and microplastics, underwater noise) and marine and coastal nature-based solutions;
- Staying up to date with the scientific state of the art in the field of marine environmental pollution and marine and coastal nature-based solutions;
- Contributing to project tasks under the supervision of a senior colleague. These tasks include conducting policy mapping/literature reviews, writing project reports (e.g., project deliverables, policy briefs, action plans) and scientific publications;
- Contributing to engagement activities with relevant stakeholders from marine policy/governance, research and Blue Economy under the supervision of a senior colleague. These activities include writing stakeholder engagement plans/strategies, performing stakeholder mappings, organizing stakeholder events, conducting stakeholder interviews and staying up to date on the latest methodologies for optimal stakeholder engagement.
For each function, VLIZ considers enthusiastic involvement, service minded, excellent professionalism and integrity as important characteristics.
YOUR PROFILE
- You hold a Master’s degree in natural sciences, social sciences, (bio)engineering, environmental policy or a related field. Relevant experience is considered an added value.
- You have a strong affinity for marine research and innovation, with a specific focus on marine pollution / nature-based solutions.
- You are eager to learn and willing to work on various topics such as marine litter, pollutant transport routes and nature-based solutions (in the context of climate change, nature restoration, coastal protection, etc.).
- You are comfortable engaging with diverse multisectoral stakeholders, including the scientific community, policymakers, industry, and society, and are interested in exploring the principles of stakeholder participation.
- You have good communication and (scientific) writing skills, preferably in both Dutch and English. A good knowledge of Dutch is considered an important added value for the work with (local) stakeholders.
- You possess analytical and strategic thinking skills.
- You are a motivated team player who is able to tackle tasks independently.
- 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 concerning this vacancy, please contact Lisa Devriese via +32-(0)486056277 or lisa.devriese@vliz.be. Or Hans Pirlet via +32-(0)499311010 or hans.pirlet@vliz.be.
DOES THIS VACANCY APPEAL TO YOU?
Send in your cover letter and CV no later than 31/08/2025, by filling in this form: Application Form: Science officer - Marine pollution and NBS | Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ)
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 CV’s, 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 on 15/09/2025.