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.SADL collaborates with academic partners and works closely with public administrations at regional, national and European levels, including several Directorates-General and agencies of the European Commission, as well as international institutions such as the World Bank.The division currently counts 5 R&D-staff and collaborates intensively with researchers from EES and other KU Leuven departments, as well as external academic, governmental and private-sector partners.
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.
Profile
Applicants should meet the following criteria:
- A PhD in Geomatics, Geospatial Information Science, Spatial Data Science, Environmental Sciences or Engineering, Earth Sciences, or a related field, 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.
Offer
- 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
Interested?
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 .
KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.
Fields: Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Environmental Science, Geography, Remote Sensing, and 1 more, Geoinformatics (GIS)
