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VLIZ recruits: Biodiversity Data Scientist - Data Manager
VLIZ - Flanders Marine Institute
Data Science
Posted on Oct 7, 2025
Join us and become the new Biodiversity Data Scientist & Data Manager within the MarineLife+ team of the Flanders Marine Institute Data Centre!
The MarineLife+ team groups all activities centered around the taxonomic, biogeographic and traits databases (=biodiversity data) that are developed, hosted and maintained by VLIZ. The team focusses on the interaction between these databases, on quality control & quality assurance, on how scientists can help in making them more complete and on how scientists and the public at large can make use of these systems. In addition, the programme strives towards data exchanges, links and active collaborations with external databases, to widen the scope of and awareness for these initiatives.
We are currently looking for a Biodiversity Data Scientist & Data Manager, to follow up on all data-related tasks within the EMODnet Biology project, and to become actively involved in the European and international landscape of (marine) biodiversity through e.g. OBIS and GBIF, as well as data-generating projects with a mandate to deliver their data to EMODnet.
OUR OFFER
- A challenging job with a one-year contract, with the possibility of an extension, in a vibrant and international environment at Innovocean Campus.
- 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, free public transport between home and work.
- A good work-life balance through a generous leave package, flexible working hours within a 38-hour working week.
- The possibility to work partly from home after an induction period.
- Opportunities for personal development (training).
YOUR TASKS
- You efficiently communicate with data providers and project partners from different marine scientific disciplines on the processes involved in the management of their data.
- You can document your work, used processes and decision-making in a detailed manner.
- You create new, as well as analyze, improve and optimize existing biodiversity data workflows, products and small-scale data applications.
- You assist – and towards the future lead – in data management training activities – both online and in person – towards the marine community.
- You participate in all data management activities of the team by following up several data management related tasks within ongoing (European) projects. This includes – but is not limited to – archival and quality control of different data types from different marine scientific disciplines.
- You can provide support to senior project manager(s) by taking responsibility for reporting and assisting in overall planning and execution of project activities.
- You share your acquired experiences with your team members, thereby assisting them in improving existing work processes and data flows, as well as optimizing existing training material.
- You take on the role of data centre, MarineLife+ and biodiversity data ambassador to the outside world, through networking and promoting VLIZ as an (inter)national contact point for marine scientific data management. This includes – but is not limited to – attending (inter)national meetings, reporting to Scientific Committees, attending and representing VLIZ at network events. You detect needs within the scientific landscape and actively follow up to improve our operations and functioning, to better serve the scientific community.
For each function, VLIZ considers enthusiastic involvement, service minded, excellent professionalism and integrity as important characteristics.
YOUR PROFILE
- A master’s degree in marine sciences with at least 3-5 years of relevant experience.
- Knowledge of the marine biodiversity data landscape in Flemish, Belgian, European and international context.
- Good data handling skills are required, programming skills (e.g. R, Python) are a plus.
- Knowledge of and experience with (technical) development of data systems.
- Experience in or profound knowledge of European and/or international data management of marine biodiversity data, including – but not limited to - existing infrastructures, projects, FAIR principles, DarwinCore, IPT, quality control, ...
- Willingness to work in a European/international context and to occasionally travel for work.
- Communication (verbal and writing) skills: fluent in English. Good knowledge of Dutch is a plus.
- Curious, eager to learn and excellent organizational skills.
- Good management and interpersonal skills: able to work both individually and in team, and take ownership of assigned tasks.
- Experience in giving training and/or producing training material is a plus.
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 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 wellbeing 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 Leen Vandepitte: leen.vandepitte@vliz.be.
DOES THIS VACANCY APPEAL TO YOU?
Send in your cover letter and CV no later than 12 October 2025 by filling in this form: Application Form: Biodiversity Data Scientist - Data Manager | 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 in the week of October 20th. You will be informed by email.
The job interviews take place in the offices of VLIZ in the week of November 3-7.