About this role
VITO is a leading European research organisation in the field of sustainable innovation. As a science-to-technology partner, we turn scientific knowledge into innovative technologies and solutions that accelerate the transition towards a sustainable future. Our ambition is to create a positive impact in Flanders, Europe and beyond. To maximise this impact, we focus our expertise and innovation on three key areas: A regenerative economy Resilient ecosystems A healthy living environment Together with our partners, we develop solutions to today's sustainability challenges and help shape a better future for people, nature and society. Within VITO's Materials & Chemistry (MatCh) unit, we develop innovative technologies and solutions to accelerate the transition towards a sustainable and circular industry. Our research focuses on the use of renewable, non-fossil and circular raw materials, the recovery and valorisation of valuable resources, and the development of new sustainable materials and value chains. At the same time, we work on making industrial processes more energy- and resource-efficient through advanced technologies such as material shaping, separation technologies (including membranes and sorbents), chemistry, electrochemistry and bioprocess technology. By combining technological innovation with close collaboration across industry, government and society, we help turn scientific knowledge into practical, scalable solutions that contribute to a regenerative economy. As a Program Manager of the MESCH (Membrane Enhanced Separations & Conversion Hub) team, you are responsible for developing strategy, defining research and managing your team members to achieve the team's objectives. What do we expect from you? As a Program Manager, you are leading VITO’s activities in the research domain of advanced separation technologies. You lead a team of ~25 researchers and laboratory technicians active in this field. As a people leader you coach and direct your employees, guide, and motivate them to contribute to their optimal commitment and development in a good working atmosphere. You make proposals for training programs and ensure the broad employability of your people and you’re accountable for your team’s personnel planning. You are a member of the management team of the MATCH unit. Together with the MatCh Management Team, you are responsible for the over-all success of the unit. You report to the Research Unit Director. In line with the ambitions of VITO and the MatCh unit, you take the lead in strategic choices for your research domain. You draw up roadmaps for the development of existing and new services and products. You ensure that the right competencies are built up and that the necessary infrastructure is provided. You prepare the annual budget for your team and realise diligent execution within your team. You are accountable for project/budget acquisition and execution for your team. For this, you look for funding opportunities both in contract research (bilateral with industry) and in subsidies for co-funded strategic basic research. Along with the senior researchers on the team, you intimately partner with the business development team on project acquisitions.