VLIZ recruits: Data Manager in Data Engineering

Become our new Data Manager and help the world decode the oceans for a sustainable future at the VLIZ Marine Data Centre.

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 to join our Data Engineering (DE) team. The team drives innovation in marine data by building model data systems, formalizing and organizing data elements and relationships between them, and implementing these systems by creating software to work with data following defined models. Their expertise spans the application of software engineering best practices to data systems, develop tools to work with these systems, automate and optimize data management processes, and support data managers. The team is involved in several EU and global data networks and projects (e.g. E=MCM, George, ICOS, Tricuso).

Within these projects we design, prototype and demonstrate a single scalable system of systems coordinating unmanned autonomous toolboxes through intelligent platforms and decision-support. With this, we support both the planning and operations of our missions that deploy these "robotics" platforms. Additionally our expertise is employed in the development of digital support systems in the challenging domains like the capturing of human activity data from AIS and the processing of underwater acoustics.

• 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).

• Co-managing and co-creating data management workflows within the context of our projects, connecting new data to existing data systems.
• You will work on data coordination, quality control, and data submission mechanisms.
• You will work closely with those producing the data (scientists) and those developing data systems (developers). You take the lead on the design and implementation of maintainable solutions to support the data management activities of VMDC and its projects.
• You will be communicating with and supporting data providers (external and internal, including our robotics division), and partners in our projects.
• You will work on metadata harmonization, FAIR principles, and interactions with other international data services (e.g. EMODnet, (Eur)OBIS, GBIF, ODIS, SeaDataNet).

• You hold a Master 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 environmental and other diverse sensor data is a plus.
• Experience with Python programming is a plus.
• Coordination and organizational skills (meetings, workshops).
• You have a sharp and analytical mind and possess a healthy dose of strategic insight. An ability to see the bigger picture and still pay attention to detail.
• You have the ability to work collaboratively in a team and communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders (in particular with other data managers and scientists).
• You are eager to work in an international context.
• Proficient knowledge of English.
• Willing to work in a dual use context.

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.