Are you interested in new, sustainable processes and particularly curious about their economic feasibility and broader sustainability impact? If so, techno-economic analysis may be the perfect field for you.
With emerging technologies, there are often many uncertainties and unanswered questions about which options are the most promising. Is capital expenditure the key factor, or should the focus be on reducing energy consumption or increasing productivity? Which research objectives need to be achieved? In which context does the technology provide the greatest added value? Our team works closely with technology developers to answer these questions and identify promising value chains through techno-economic analyses.
In a techno-economic analysis, we simultaneously assess processes from both a technical and an economic perspective. We do so in a structured and quantitative manner, through intensive collaboration with technology owners, external experts, and stakeholders.
Within the team, we work on a variety of topics, including the bio-based economy, carbon capture and utilisation (CCU), and plastics recycling. For example, we investigate whether CO₂ emissions from the steel industry can be economically converted into higher-value products through fermentation. In another project, we explore which applications are most suitable for bio-based aromatics derived from lignin. We also assess where chemical recycling of plastics can create added value. More information can be found here.
With this vacancy, we aim to strengthen our team with a colleague who is fascinated by technological innovation and its economic viability, and who prefers developing a helicopter view of value chains rather than specializing in specific processes.
We offer an exciting role in which a wide variety of processes and value chains are evaluated from a broad, multidisciplinary perspective using our internally developed techno-economic analysis methodology.
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You analyse emerging technologies, both quantitatively and qualitatively, in close collaboration with internal VITO experts, and validate these analyses externally with potential partners and customers.
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You evaluate, communicate, and report your findings to our Flemish and European clients as well as the research community (e.g. through scientific publications and conferences), providing guidance on the technical research objectives that must be achieved to turn new sustainable processes into commercial successes.
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You consider the various valorisation opportunities of processes and identify the optimal contexts in which they can be implemented. Based on your findings, you formulate solutions and recommendations for companies, governments, and knowledge institutions.
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You contribute to national and international projects focused on the further development of our internally developed techno-economic analysis methodology.
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Over time, you will independently identify new research projects and opportunities for the further advancement of the techno-economic analysis methodology. You will contribute to proposal writing and help identify funding opportunities for new initiatives.
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You hold at least a Master's degree in Industrial Engineering, Bioscience Engineering, Civil Engineering, or Commercial Engineering.
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You have a strong analytical mindset and critically assess your results.
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You are energized by building market knowledge and insights and by interacting with stakeholders.
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You have a good knowledge of Excel.
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You enjoy working in a team but are also capable of completing tasks independently.
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You possess strong communication skills.
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A good knowledge of Dutch is considered an asset.
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You are more of a generalist than a specialist.
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A competitive salary with an extensive package of benefits, including allowances, insurance coverage, and a flexible package of vacation days.
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We work activity-based: our activities determine our location. Our headquarters are located in Mol, Belgium. Hybrid and/or part-time remote work, as well as working from one of our satellite offices in Antwerp-Berchem, Ghent, Ostend, or Genk, is possible.
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A high degree of freedom and flexibility in your role, allowing you to achieve an attractive work-life balance.
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Innovation is one of our core values. Therefore, we actively support our employees in pursuing additional training and continuously keeping their expertise up to date.
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The opportunity to be part of an internationally renowned organisation, recognised for its advanced technological research and scientific consultancy.
