About this role
Join us and become a Project Coordinator for Digital Twin technologies and Ocean Data Management projects at the VLIZ Marine Data Centre (VMDC). 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 Project Coordinator with an affinity for Digital Twin technologies and/or Ocean Data Management, 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. The team is also involved in the project management and data management of several EU projects and initiatives (e.g. Marine Regions, EDITO, EMODnet, EOSC-Marine, SPHERE, Blue4All, ….). YOUR TASKS You oversee the successful implementation of the projects within the institute. In this context, you actively interact with a multidisciplinary project team. You coordinate work from up to 10/15 people of various backgrounds (Technical/IT, Communication, Researchers, Administrative, etc.). You handle the necessary reporting in cooperation with the technological and administrative experts at VLIZ and the project partners. You participate and/or organise project meetings and write down minutes. You coordinate and/or help (co-)organise events related to the projects (e.g. Projects Forum Day, Digital Ocean Forum, etc.). You contribute, coordinate and/or review project deliverables and concept notes. You follow-up on subcontractors’ work and reporting. You represent VLIZ, serving as an ambassador for the institute along with colleagues, at national and international project meetings, within relevant networks, and participating in conferences. You support and further develop the internal governance and management of related projects. You take on the coordination of other ambitious data related projects. You contribute to the expansion and valorisation of data systems and the expertise of the Data Centre. You define methods and approach for solving bottlenecks and gaps. You make proposals with regards to new initiatives. You detect needs and proactively respond to the needs of scientists. You proactively invest in building up the necessary knowledge and expertise (e.g. follow-up of relevant policies, scientific and technological developments, etc.). For each function, VLIZ considers enthusiastic involvement, service minded, excellent professionalism and integrity as important characteristics. YOUR PROFILE You hold a master's degree (or PhD) in marine or related (biology, geography) sciences, applied sciences or similar (engineering, Informatics). You have proven experience in managing European projects (Horizon Europe, H2020, etc.) with strategic and high-level expectance. You can coordinate work from up to 10/15 people of various backgrounds (Technical/IT, Communication, Researchers, Administrative, etc.). You have experience with internal and external written and oral reporting to various stakeholders. You can coordinate various contributions and harmonize inputs in deliverables. You have experience (co-)organising project meetings and project (external) events. You have practical knowledge and/or experience with technical development of data systems. You have practical knowledge and/or experience of procedures of scientific data management. You have an affinity with the European Digital Twin of the Ocean, or equivalent digital twin related initiatives. You have an affinity with the European Ocean Data Management community (EMODnet, CMEMS, EOSC, etc. aren’t unknown to you). You can write fluently and communicate clearly in English. You are eager to work in an international context.