Researcher – Project Manager Marine Biodiversity

About VLIZ

Over the last 25 years, the Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ) has become a knowledge institution indispensable to the marine research landscape. 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.

The Marine Observation Centre (MOC) is dedicated to performing essential, long-term and multidisciplinary observations of the marine environment. Its mission is to enhance understanding of the dynamics and functioning of marine and coastal ecosystems by developing, operating and optimizing innovative, integrated and cost-effective observation systems that deliver high-quality data for marine research, policy and innovation.

About the Role

We are looking for a colleague with a solid scientific background, sound professional judgement and strong project management skills. The selected candidate will take a leading role in European projects at the interface of marine biodiversity monitoring, data flows, modelling, mapping and digital innovation.

A key responsibility will be the project management of DTO-BioFlow, a European project focused on the integration of biodiversity monitoring data into the Digital Twin Ocean. In addition, the candidate will act as work package lead for DTO-BioFlow WP3 and for MARCO-BOLO WP5: Modelling and Mapping Coastal and Marine Biodiversity.

Your Tasks

• Take responsibility for the project management of DTO-BioFlow, including planning, internal coordination, follow-up of deliverables and milestones, reporting, risk management and communication with project partners.
• Lead DTO-BioFlow WP3: Enabling sustained flows of biodiversity monitoring data in the Digital Twin Ocean.
• Lead MARCO-BOLO WP5: Modelling and Mapping Coastal and Marine Biodiversity, coordinating work related to modelling approaches, mapping products, biodiversity assessments and their scientific and stakeholder relevance.
• Coordinate internal VLIZ contributions across MOC, the VLIZ Marine Data Centre, ICT, research infrastructure, marine robotics, biodiversity research, policy and innovation teams.
• Help translate marine biodiversity observations into reusable data workflows, scientific outputs, project deliverables, policy-relevant products, modelling applications and digital twin services.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of workflows for marine biodiversity data processing, analysis, integration and valorization.
• Organize, participate in and report on project meetings, work package meetings, workshops, stakeholder consultations, conferences and network activities.
• Contribute to scientific publications, project reports, technical documentation, communication outputs and stakeholder-oriented products.
• Stay up to date with scientific and technological developments in marine biodiversity observation, marine ecosystem research, biodiversity modelling and mapping, Digital Twin Ocean developments, AI-supported monitoring and marine data systems.
• Contribute to the development of new project ideas, project proposals and funding applications in line with the MOC strategy and the VLIZ research agenda.

Your Profile

• PhD or master's degree, or equivalent experience, in marine sciences, biology, ecology, bioscience engineering, environmental sciences, oceanography, bioinformatics, data science or a related field.
• Professional fluency in English is mandatory. Knowledge of Dutch is a plus.
• Strong scientific background or demonstrated interest in marine biodiversity, marine ecology, biological oceanography, plankton research, marine genomics, eDNA, biodiversity monitoring, biodiversity modelling, mapping or related observation technologies.
• Experience in coordinating complex research and innovation projects, preferably in a European or international context.
• Able to lead work packages, coordinate partners, follow up deliverables and milestones, and maintain an overview of scientific, technical and administrative project requirements.
• Excellent organizer and communicator, capable of working with multidisciplinary teams and international consortia.
• Strong writing skills and ability to contribute to scientific publications, project deliverables, reports, proposals and stakeholder-oriented outputs.
• Willingness to work in an international context and to travel for project meetings, workshops and conferences.

Assets

• Experience with European research and innovation projects, including Horizon Europe projects.
• Experience as a work package leader, task leader or project coordinator.
• Knowledge of Digital Twin Ocean developments, EDITO, marine data infrastructures or biodiversity data standards.
• Experience with marine biodiversity observation networks such as MBON, EMO BON, ARMS MBON, EuroGOOS or related initiatives.
• Experience with biodiversity modelling, spatial analysis, habitat mapping, species distribution modelling or ecosystem assessment.
• Experience with plankton imaging, AI-supported image classification, marine genomics, eDNA workflows or automated biodiversity observation technologies.
• Experience with data management, data flows, FAIR data principles, workflow development or data analytics in R, Python or similar environments.

Our Offer

• A contract running until the end of 2027, with the possibility of extension, and a competitive remuneration package based on the candidate's qualifications and experience.
• 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).

How to Apply

Send your cover letter and CV no later than Sunday 14 June 2026 by filling in the form at: https://www.vliz.be/en/jobs/vliz-recruits-researcher-project-manager-marine-biodiversity2

For more information, contact Klaas Deneudt: klaas.deneudt@vliz.be or +32 479 66 02 76.