Scientific Coordinator, ConstrucThor; Business Development and Partnerships

Organisation/Company KU LEUVEN Research Field Engineering » Civil engineering Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Final date to receive applications 31 Aug 2026 - 23:59 (UTC) Country Belgium Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Offer Starting Date 1 Oct 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Reference Number BAP
- Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

• You will develop and maintain relationships with relevant research groups within KU Leuven and Energy Ville, as well as with national and international research and innovation partners.
• You will build a sustainable network with industrial partners and sector organisations (such as Embuild, Buildwise, Agoria and Flanders Make) and strengthen existing collaborations.
• In collaboration with the department’s PR and communications officer and the communications departments of Energy Ville and KU Leuven, you will actively contribute to the visibility and positioning of Construc Thor.
• You will strengthen the link between research within Construc Thor and teaching on engineering degree programmes, as well as professional training and continuing professional development initiatives.
• You will take the initiative to attract new projects, both from industry and from research programmes. You will coordinate and support the drafting of project proposals and grant applications.
• You will be responsible for overseeing, planning and managing ongoing projects within Construc Thor. In doing so, you will liaise with KU Leuven’s Technical Services and the department’s technical staff.
• You will coordinate and prioritise the use of the available research facilities and infrastructure within Construc Thor, taking into account the needs of current and future research projects.
• Within the scope of Construc Thor’s capabilities, you will be given the opportunity to carry out and further develop your own research, in line with your expertise and interests.
• You hold a PhD or have equivalent research and innovation experience in a relevant field, such as civil engineering, mechanical engineering, architecture, energy technology or a related discipline.
• Experience outside the academic world, for example in the construction, energy or technology sectors, is a significant asset.
• You have an affinity for applied research and are able to translate challenges and questions from industry into relevant research and innovation projects.
• You have experience of, or an interest in, developing partnerships between research institutions, companies and other external stakeholders.
• You have an entrepreneurial and proactive mindset and take the initiative to identify and develop new research and innovation opportunities.
• You possess strong communication and interpersonal skills, enabling you to establish contacts easily and build lasting partnerships with researchers, companies and sector organisations.
• You are able to work independently, but also feel at home in a multidisciplinary and collaborative environment.
• Experience in project development, project coordination or writing research and grant applications is an advantage.
• A good knowledge of Dutch is an asset. Knowledge of English is essential given the international research context.
• You are willing to split your working hours between the department’s head office in Heverlee and the Construc Thor site in Genk.
• You will be offered a fixed-term employment contract for one year as a Research Assistant and will be paid in accordance with KU Leuven’s pay scale 44 (for example: a gross monthly salary of 5,849.39 euros with five years’ relevant seniority)
• Depending on your success in developing the research activities at Construc Thor, there is a realistic prospect of a long-term career as a research manager on a permanent contract.
• In addition to your monthly salary, you will receive an end-of-year bonus, double holiday pay, eco-vouchers, an attractive leave package, free hospitalisation insurance, a guaranteed taxable salary in the event of long-term incapacity for work with an initial balance of 63 working days, plus an attractive…