Innovation Officer Offshore Wind

The VUB Wind Research GroupOur AVRG research group is looking for a motivated candidate to strengthen our team in the field of data-driven modeling and smart monitoring, focusing on wind energy and 3D metal printing. We are experts in acquiring and processing large amounts of measurement and engineering data and are very successful in obtaining research funding. You will support professors Christof Devriendt and Jan Helsen in the field of offshore wind energy (OWI-lab) within a context of more than 25 research projects and numerous industrial collaborations, surrounded by a team of almost 40 employees. The Innovation OfficerDo you want to contribute to the energy transition and innovations in offshore wind energy? The Innovation Officer plays a crucial role in the growth of the VUB wind research team. You will co-create an innovation portfolio and secure funding for innovative technologies with significant economic and societal impact. You will primarily work in offshore wind energy and new ocean energy, with innovations focused on monitoring, AI-based analysis, and Digital Twin technologies.Additionally, you will be part of the OWI Lab consortium with Ghent University and Sirris, aiming to create a center of excellence in Offshore Wind in Belgium. You will support by assessing competencies of multiple labs and benchmarking them with global standards. Location: Home office, VUB office in Brussels, and visits to research partners and industries.

Knowledge & Experience

• Master's degree in mechanical engineering with at least 2 years of experience in a relevant industrial or academic R&D environment.
• Experience in writing innovation proposals and projects is a plus. Knowledge of IP and contractual agreements is an asset.
• Motivation for market intelligence and business development, and experience in wind energy, monitoring, structural analysis, big data integration, and IoT.
• Interest in applied research and technology development.
• Affinity with the energy transition and offshore wind sector.

Skills & Attitudes

• Proficient in writing projects in both Dutch and English.
• Defining the needs of the research group, structuring and professionalizing project proposals, and the writing process.
• Coordinating and developing research and innovation proposals up to the signing of the research agreement.
• Broad technical and interpersonal skills for collaboration between teams and contacts with stakeholders and industrial partners.
• Excellent communication skills and a team player.