Scientific Coordinator, ConstrucThor (Business Development and Partnerships)

At the Department of Civil Engineering within KU Leuven’s Science and Technology Group, we are seeking a Research Coordinator for the newly established ConstrucThor research facility ([www.constructhor.be](http://www.constructhor.be)).

The Department of Civil Engineering at KU Leuven is internationally recognised as a leading centre for research and education in engineering sciences. Researchers, lecturers, and students collaborate to develop innovative solutions that prepare our built and natural environments for the challenges of tomorrow. Research spans a broad range of topics, including sustainable buildings, infrastructure, construction materials, water management, and climate adaptation. Operating in an international and dynamic environment, the department places strong emphasis on societal impact. Through the integration of pioneering research and high-quality education, it actively contributes to building a more sustainable and resilient society.

ConstrucThor is a unique research and testing facility located at the Thor site in Genk. It provides a realistic environment in which innovative, climate-neutral construction technologies are developed, tested, and validated. In close collaboration with research institutions and industrial partners, ConstrucThor is helping to accelerate the transition towards a sustainable, energy-efficient, and circular construction sector.
Website unit

Responsibilities

1. You will develop and maintain relationships with relevant research groups within KU Leuven and EnergyVille, as well as with national and international research and innovation partners.
2. You will build a sustainable network with industrial partners and sector organisations (such as Embuild, Buildwise, Agoria and Flanders Make) and strengthen existing collaborations.
3. In collaboration with the department’s PR and communications officer and the communications departments of EnergyVille and KU Leuven, you will actively contribute to the visibility and positioning of ConstrucThor.
4. You will strengthen the link between research within ConstrucThor and teaching on engineering degree programmes, as well as professional training and continuing professional development initiatives.
5. 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.
6. You will be responsible for overseeing, planning and managing ongoing projects within ConstrucThor. In doing so, you will liaise with KU Leuven’s Technical Services and the department’s technical staff.
7. You will coordinate and prioritise the use of the available research facilities and infrastructure within ConstrucThor, taking into account the needs of current and future research projects.
8. Within the scope of ConstrucThor’s capabilities, you will be given the opportunity to carry out and further develop your own research, in line with your expertise and interests.

Profile

1. 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.
2. Experience outside the academic world, for example in the construction, energy or technology sectors, is a significant asset.
3. You have an affinity for applied research and are able to translate challenges and questions from industry into relevant research and innovation projects.
4. You have experience of, or an interest in, developing partnerships between research institutions, companies and other external stakeholders.
5. You have an entrepreneurial and proactive mindset and take the initiative to identify and develop new research and innovation opportunities.
6. You possess strong communication and interpersonal skills, enabling you to establish contacts easily and build lasting partnerships with researchers, companies and sector organisations.
7. You are able to work independently, but also feel at home in a multidisciplinary and collaborative environment.
8. Experience in project development, project coordination or writing research and grant applications is an advantage.
9. A good knowledge of Dutch is an asset. Knowledge of English is essential given the international research context.
10. You are willing to split your working hours between the department’s head office in Heverlee and the ConstrucThor site in Genk.

Offer

More information

https://bwk.kuleuven.be/English/index

Interested?

For more information please contact Prof. dr. ir. Dirk Saelens, mail: [email protected] or Prof. dr. ir. Staf Roels, mail: [email protected].

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