Scientific Collaborator – Blue Finance and Investment Readiness

About BLUEGent

BLUEGent is Ghent University's business development center and one of the world's leading research partners in the field of Aquaculture & Blue Life Sciences. It groups over 400 top scientists to lead the way in blue tourism & health, coastal management, healthy oceans, marine resources & bioprospecting, multi-use of marine space, and sustainable seafood.

Your Tasks

• Contribute to financial and economic analysis across the lab's portfolio of projects in marine and coastal nature-based solutions, aquaculture, marine restoration, and seaweed cultivation.
• Support the development of investment cases for blue economy ventures and projects, including cost-benefit analysis, financial modelling, and the appraisal of revenue and risk profiles.
• Contribute to the lab's work on ESG and nature-related disclosure frameworks (TNFD, GRI, ISO 17298, EU sustainable finance regulation) as these apply to the blue economy.
• Conduct desk research and literature reviews on blue finance instruments, restorative finance, governance and the financing of nature-based solutions, contributing to peer-reviewed publications and policy-oriented outputs.
• Support the Principal Investigator and the wider team in interactions with industry partners, financial institutions, and policy stakeholders.
• Participate in the preparation of grant proposals in collaboration with academic and corporate partners.
• Contribute to internal lab tools and methodologies, including parameter inputs, scenario design, and reporting of financial models developed by the lab.

What We Are Looking For

• Master's degree or thesis-based doctorate, preferably in finance, economics, business engineering, or a related discipline. Candidates from environmental economics, sustainable finance, or quantitative bioeconomics are explicitly encouraged to apply.
• Candidates with a non-traditional path into finance are welcome, provided demonstrable finance experience is shown in the CV.
• Demonstrable interest in or experience with financial analysis, investment appraisal, or financial modelling.
• Affinity for ESG, sustainable finance, or nature-related disclosure frameworks, and an interest in deepening this expertise in the context of the blue economy.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills with the ability to communicate financial concepts clearly to scientific, industry, and policy audiences.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. Knowledge of Dutch is an asset.
• Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team, organised, with a hands-on, solution-oriented attitude.
• Proficiency in Python, R, or comparable analytical tools is an asset.
• Familiarity with the blue economy, nature-based solutions, aquaculture, or marine restoration is a plus but not a requirement.

What We Can Offer You

• Contract of indefinite duration, starting 1 September 2026.
• Remuneration determined by salary scale WM1–WM4 (Master's degree) or PD1–PD4 (doctorate).
• 36 days of holiday leave (annual basis for full-time) plus fixed bridge days.
• Bicycle allowance and eco vouchers.
• Wide range of training and education opportunities.
• Transdisciplinary team working at the intersection of marine and coastal science, business development, and sustainable finance.

How to Apply

Apply online through the UGent e-recruitment system. Full vacancy and application form: LinkedIn