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VLIZ recruits: Data Manager Geospatial Data & Products
VLIZ - Flanders Marine Institute
Data Science
Posted on Apr 11, 2026
Join us and become a Data Manager specialized in geospatial data & products!
The VLIZ Marine Data Centre (VMDC) is an international hub for marine and coastal data, connecting scientists, policymakers, and innovators worldwide. It manages vast collections of high-quality datasets, tools, and services that support cutting-edge ocean research and sustainable marine management. By working at VMDC, you contribute to advancing open science and support tackling global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and ocean health. The VMDC is built on collaboration, innovation, and a passion for the sea, offering a stimulating environment for professionals who want to make an impact. Joining VMDC means becoming part of a dynamic, international team dedicated to unlocking knowledge for a sustainable future of our oceans.
We are currently looking for a Data Manager specialized in geospatial data & products, to be a part of our Geospatial Data & Products (GD&P) team within VMDC. This team drives innovation in marine data by creating advanced data products, improving interoperability, and building next-generation data systems. Their expertise spans the development of marine geospatial data (standards), marine spatial planning, tools to analyse changes over time and space, smart metadata catalogues, GIS viewers, and data services. The team is involved in several EU and global data efforts, networks and projects (e.g. Marine Regions, Blue Cloud 2026, EDITO, EMODnet).
OUR OFFER
- We offer you a challenging job in the dynamic environment of the InnovOcean Campus in Ostend.
- A contract for 2 years, with the possibility of extension, and 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 (€8 per day worked), bicycle allowance, 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 partly from home after an induction period.
- Opportunities for personal development (training).
YOUR TASKS
- You develop and maintain RShiny applications and free open-source software in R (e.g. retrieve data from REST API’s, OpenCPU or OGC, etc.). You develop and manage GIS data products in the framework of several projects: Marine Regions, Bio-Oracle, EMODnet Biology/Bathymetry and EDITO.
- You create geospatial data visualizations to support scientific publications, project reporting and stakeholder communication.
- You manage data in SQL Server, PostgreSQL and MongoDB, while publishing data via Geoserver and ERDDAP.
- You apply the FAIR data principles to datasets (biodiversity occurrences, maritime boundaries, environmental data, etc.).
- You manage the metadata in systems such as GeoNetwork or GBIF IPT.
- You use Gitlab and GitHub for version control and community collaboration.
- You are able to coach colleagues and others.
For each function, VLIZ considers enthusiastic involvement, service minded, excellent professionalism and integrity as important characteristics.
YOUR PROFILE
- A master's degree (or PhD) in GIS/Geomatics/GeoInformatics or related (Remote sensing/Earth Observation, GeoSpatial Science/Data Science, Geology or Geography).
- At least 3-5 years of relevant experience.
- Active skills in data management, including SQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Geoserver and/or ERDDAP.
- Active skills in tools for geospatial analysis such as QGIS, ArcGIS, PostGIS, NetCDF, Leaflet.
- Experience in coding languages such as R, RShiny, Bash, Python and/or Julia.
- Experience in quality control of data and products.
- Knowledge of data standards like Darwin Core, BODC vocab terms, RDF, INSPIRE, OGC.
- Experience in software development using Git and Docker.
- Communication (verbal and writing) skills.
- Professional fluency in English is mandatory.
- Knowledge of Dutch is a plus.
- Affinity with ocean/marine related topics.
- Willing to work in an international context and occasionally travel for work.
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 Cécile Nys: cecile.nys@vliz.be.
DOES THIS VACANCY APPEAL TO YOU?
Send in your cover letter and CV no later than Sunday 3 May 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 Monday 8 June 2026.