Research manager “Geomatics for Environmental Science & Policy”

About the role

The Spatial Applications Division Leuven (SADL) is an R&D division of KU Leuven, embedded in the Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences (EES) within the Group Science, Engineering & Technology. SADL develops and consolidates academic knowledge and know-how in the geospatial information domain and transfers this expertise to society. It conducts applied research, science-based consultancy, and provides academic and professional training in geomatics, Geospatial Information Science and Technology, and geo-ICT. SADL operates across multiple environmental and policy domains, including environmental management (nature, biodiversity, forests, soil and water systems); climate change adaptation and mitigation; agriculture and land use; urban and regional planning (smart cities); mobility and infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Play a leading role in the acquisition of regional, national, European and other international research and consultancy funding in the field of geomatics, geospatial data and data infrastructures, with a focus on environmental systems (including land, soil, water, biodiversity and climate), Earth Observation, GIS, spatial data science, artificial intelligence, and the institutional and policy dimensions of digital transformation.
• Build, coordinate and manage a dynamic portfolio of national and international research and consultancy projects.
• Contribute actively to their scientific execution and ensure high-quality delivery.
• Provide scientific leadership within the division by coaching, mentoring and supervising researchers, including PhD students and junior staff, and by fostering collaboration across KU Leuven departments and external partners.
• Develop and maintain a strong network of national and international partners for participation in regional (Flanders), national (Belgium), EU and non-EU funded programmes, including strategic alliances with public authorities and international organisations.
• Contribute to strategies and programmes for digital skills development in the geospatial and downstream space sector, and actively engage in academic and vocational training initiatives.
• Disseminate research and consultancy outcomes through publications, presentations at international conferences and events, active participation in (inter-)national and regional professional bodies and policy networks.
• Actively contribute to defining and implementing the strategic and tactical priorities of the division, strengthening its positioning in geomatics for environmental science and policy.
• Take responsibility for the operational, financial and human resource management of SADL projects and activities, contributing to the day-to-day management and sustainable growth of the division.

Requirements

• A PhD in Geomatics, Geospatial Information Science, Spatial Data Science, Environmental Sciences or Engineering, or equivalent expertise demonstrated through substantial relevant professional experience;
• Relevant professional experience in geomatics and its application to environmental science and policy, ideally in the context of digital transformation;
• A strong track record in acquiring and conducting interdisciplinary research and consultancy projects, including both quantitative and qualitative approaches;
• Proven experience in managing and coordinating projects involving academic and non-academic partners (e.g. public authorities, international organisations, private sector);
• Demonstrated expertise in one or more of the following domains: Earth Observation and remote sensing, GIS and spatial data science, Geospatial data infrastructures and interoperability, Artificial intelligence in geospatial applications, Governance, institutional and policy aspects of geospatial data;
• Experience in supervising or mentoring junior R&D-staff, and the ambition to further contribute to R&D-leadership and capacity building;
• A creative, analytical and strategic mindset with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English;
• A convincing motivation to contribute to the strategic development of SADL.

Qualifications

• PhD in Geomatics, Geospatial Information Science, Spatial Data Science, Environmental Sciences or Engineering, or equivalent expertise demonstrated through substantial relevant professional experience;

Skills

• Strong research and project management skills;
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
• Ability to work effectively in a team and collaborate with diverse stakeholders;
• Knowledge of geomatics, geospatial data, and data infrastructures;
• Experience in digital transformation and policy-making;
• Strong networking and partnership-building skills;
• Ability to disseminate research findings effectively.

Benefits

• Full-time position as research manager for an open-ended period with start possible from 1 November 2026;
• Multi-disciplinary and international academic and professional environment;
• Leuven, a charming historical university town, with a central location in Western Europe.

Pay

Not specified.

Schedule

Not specified.

Application

To apply, please submit your resume, along with a motivation letter with an indication of your research interest. For more information, please contact prof. Stef.Lhermitte@kuleuven;be or Mr. Danny.Vandenbroucke@kuleuven.be. You can apply for this job no later than September 15, 2026 via the online application tool KU Leuven.