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VLIZ recruits: SOCAT Data Engineer
VLIZ - Flanders Marine Institute
Software Engineering, Data Science
Posted on Dec 3, 2025
Be part of a vibrant team within VLIZ and pioneer with us in Marine Data Innovation!
At VLIZ, we are committed to enhancing the societal impact of marine research. Are you passionate about leveraging data to advance marine sciences and contribute to EU and global initiatives? Join us at the VLIZ Marine Data Centre (VMDC), where we are dedicated to making high-quality data and information accessible while championing FAIR data principles.
We play a pivotal role in European marine data and observation infrastructures such as ICOS, EMBRC, EMODnet and EDITO. We host marine databases of international importance, including EurOBIS, WoRMS, and Marine Regions. VLIZ also pioneers in marine observations and amongst others operates and manages ICOS stations and delivers data to the ICOS Carbon Portal and the Surface Ocean CO2 Atlas (SOCAT), with active participation in working groups of both ICOS CP and SOCAT (Global Group and Coastal Regions co-chair). This job offer relates to the support that VLIZ will provide to SOCAT and the connection with the ICOS Carbon Portal, to secure the continuation of SOCAT and further develop it so that it meets the growing demands to deliver timely and relevant data, products and information. We guarantee a diverse job with plenty of growth and learning opportunities in an exceptionally dynamic and international environment.
OUR OFFER
- A challenging position with a 2-year contract 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 will focus on services and tasks related to the world’s largest surface ocean CO2 data service (SOCAT).
- You will work on data coordination, quality control and submission mechanisms.
- You will work closely with the leader of the SOCAT Global Group on the coordination of the group and network.
- You will work closely with the current SOCAT data team to assess needs and/or gaps in support.
- You will be communicating with and supporting SOCAT contributors.
- You will work on metadata harmonization, FAIR principles and interactions with other international data services (e.g. EMODNET, CMS, ICOS Carbon Portal).
- You will drive efforts to ensure tight links with the emerging SOCONET surface CO2observation network and assist in its goal of becoming fully operational.
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 applied sciences (e.g. software engineering, bioinformatics), Data Science, or a related field; (or equivalent experience).
- You have at least 3 years of relevant experience.
- Experience with handling scientific data and metadata, understanding of FAIR data principles and their implementation. Specific knowledge of marine data landscape is a plus. Experience with handling of carbon related data is a plus.
- Good coordination and organizational skills (meetings, workshops).
- Experience with modern software productivity tools such as Github, Jupyter notebooks.
- Experience programming with python.
- Experience of writing academic papers.
- You have a sharp and analytical mind and possess a healthy dose of strategic insight.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team and communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- You are eager to work in an international context.
- Proficient knowledge of English.
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 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 Lennert Tyberghein: lennert.tyberghein@vliz.be.
DOES THIS VACANCY APPEAL TO YOU?
Send in your cover letter and CV no later than 4 January 2026 by filling in this form.
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 Tuesday, January 27th.