The Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences (RBINS, Belgium) is recruiting a scientific collaborator (M/F/X) in the context of marine multi-use and ecosystem-based marine spatial planning. The new collaborator will be engaged in the currently ongoing UNITED project and in the Marine Plan project, which will start in Autumn 2022. Both projects are funded through the European Union’s Horizon 2020/Europe programme.
Context
The research group MARECO (Marine Ecology and Management), part of the Operational Directorate Natural Environment (OD Nature) of the RBINS has in-depth expertise with regard to marine research in various research domains. MARECO attaches great importance to the link between research and policy support. MARECO contributes to environmental impact assessment, environmental status assessment and marine spatial planning. The team coordinates multiple monitoring programmes that assess the environmental status of the marine environment and study the environmental impact of human activities at sea. The team uses state-of-the-art research equipment, modern lab facilities and the new research vessel RV Belgica. MARECO provides scientific services, including access to the ‘Artificial Hard Substrate Garden’ and identification of marine organisms.
This vacancy is situated within the MARECO activities with regard to environmental impact assessment and marine spatial planning, more specifically on (a) the assessment of economic, social and environmental viability of multi-use activities, and on (b) ecosystem-based marine spatial planning to achieve environmental policy objectives.
Tasks
The focus of the new collaborator will be on (1) the assessment of economic, social and environmental gain of multi-use (in collaboration with the UNITED consortium), (2) giving advice and support to the Belgian pilot of UNITED, which focusses on offshore wind, seaweed and oyster cultivation, and oyster reef restoration (in close collaboration with the Ghent University), (3) develop and apply a decision support system for ecosystem-based marine spatial planning (in collaboration with the Marine Plan consortium), and (4) evaluating and synthesizing ecosystem-based marine spatial planning and planning options for achieving EU biodiversity goals in the Southern North Sea case study (led by RBINS but in collaboration with the Marine Plan consortium).
DIPLOMA
- Master in Sciences or Bio-engineering Sciences or equivalent
- Wide interest in multidisciplinary research related to all aspects of marine management (e.g. environmental, regulatory, economic, and social)
TECHNICAL COMPETENCE
- Proficient knowledge of the English language
GENERIC COMPETENCE
- Excellent organization skills for a successful and timely execution of the widely ranging tasks
- Open, collaborative and inclusive attitude
- Prepared to take initiative, but also to work in close collaboration with other consortia team members within and beyond RBINS Prepared to participate in (inter)national workshops, conferences and symposia
We offer
- A full-time position as a scientific collaborator (SW1) for a period of 10 months, extendable with 26 months
- A dynamic, challenging, varied and stimulating research environment
- Free public commuting and/or bicycle allowance
START AND WORKING PLACE
- 1 September 2022 (preferably)
- RBINS Brussels (Vautierstraat 29, 1000 Brussels) with occasional visits to RBINS Oostende (3e en 23e Linieregimentsplein, 8400 Oostende)
- Possibility for up to three teleworking days per week
How to apply
If interested, please send your motivation letter, CV and a copy of your Master’s Degree diploma, with reference “MarinePlan” the latest by 6 June 2022 to Mrs. Yolande Maes(ymaes@naturalsciences.be).
For more information:
- Concerning the job content or working conditions: Dr Steven Degraer (sdegraer@naturalsciences.be; +32494070371)
- Concerning RBINS / MARECO in general
Interviews with pre-selected candidates will take place on 20 June 2022. Only applications that meet the profile and that are received in time will be taken into consideration.
Further information can be found here.