→ Apply before 30/06/2026 (DD/MM/YYYY) 23:59 (Brussels Time)
→ Faculty of Bioscience Engineering
→ Department: BW22 - Dierwetenschappen en Aquatische Ecologie
→ Occupancy rate:100%
→ Number of positions: 1
→ Type of employment: Contract of unlimited duration
→ Term of assignment:
→ Wage scale: WM1 to WM4 (master degree or doctoral degree)
→ Required diploma:Master or PhD
ABOUT GHENT UNIVERSITY
Ghent University is a world of its own. Employing more than 15,000 people, it is actively involved in education and research, management and administration, as well as technical and social service provision on a daily basis. It is one of the largest, most exciting employers in the area and offers great career opportunities. With its 11 faculties and more than 80 departments offering state-of-the-art study programmes grounded in research in a wide range of academic fields, Ghent University is a logical choice for its staff and students.
ABOUT US
BLUEGent is the business development centre of Ghent University active in the field of blue life sciences and aquaculture. BLUEGent coordinates and supports the upscaling of ocean or sea-related innovations to market readiness, aiming at establishing new spin-offs or license agreements with industry partners.
We are seeking a passionate Scientific Collaborator to join our team in the area of blue finance and investment readiness for the blue economy. This position is linked to the two industry-endowed Chairs hosted at BLUEGent: the Chair Marine Bioeconomy from Research to Sustainable Business, and the Chair Nature-based Solutions for Coastal Resilience. The work spans coastal and marine nature-based solutions, aquaculture, marine restoration, and seaweed cultivation, sectors with strong scientific and societal value that remain structurally underfinanced. The role of the Scientific Collaborator is to contribute to maturing the blue finance literacy of these sectors, and to strengthen the analytical bridge between ecological evidence and investment decisions.
YOUR TASKS
- You contribute to financial and economic analysis across the lab's portfolio of projects in marine and coastal nature-based solutions, aquaculture, marine restoration, and seaweed cultivation.
- You support the development of investment cases for blue economy ventures and projects, including cost-benefit analysis, financial modelling, and the appraisal of revenue and risk profiles.
- You contribute to the lab's work on ESG and nature-related disclosure frameworks (TNFD, GRI, ISO 17298, EU sustainable finance regulation) as these apply to the blue economy.
- You conduct desk research and literature reviews on blue finance instruments, restorative finance, governance and the financing of nature-based solutions at large, contributing to peer-reviewed publications and to policy-oriented outputs.
- You support the Principal Investigator and the wider team in interactions with industry partners, financial institutions, and policy stakeholders, with a view to maturing the finance literacy of the sectors studied.
- You participate in the preparation of grant proposals in collaboration with academic and corporate partners.
- You contribute to internal lab tools and methodologies, including parameter inputs, scenario design, and reporting of financial models developed by the lab.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
- You hold a Master's degree or a thesis-based doctorate, preferably in finance, economics, business engineering, or a related discipline. Candidates from environmental economics, sustainable finance, or quantitative bioeconomics are explicitly encouraged to apply.
- Candidates with a non-traditional path into finance are welcome to apply, provided demonstrable finance experience is shown in the CV.
- You have a demonstrable interest in or experience with financial analysis, investment appraisal, or financial modelling. Experience in a finance institution, advisory, or applied research setting is an asset.
- You have an affinity for ESG, sustainable finance, or nature-related disclosure frameworks, and an interest in deepening this expertise in the context of the blue economy.
- You combine strong analytical and quantitative skills with the ability to communicate financial concepts clearly to scientific, industry, and policy audiences.
- You have excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. Knowledge of Dutch is an asset.
- You are able to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team, you are organised, and you have a hands-on, solution-oriented attitude.
- Familiarity with the blue economy, nature-based solutions, aquaculture, or marine restoration is considered a plus but is not a requirement; the candidate will have the opportunity to build this knowledge within the lab. Ideally, you have affinity with or experience with ecosystem service quantification and valuation. If not, we expect an openness to acquire this as a new skill.
- Proficiency in Python, R, or comparable analytical tools is an asset.
WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU
- We offer you a contract of indefinite duration.
- The contract starts on 1 September 2026. A start in the following weeks is possible if needed to accommodate notice periods.
- Your remuneration will be determined by salary scale WM1 to WM4 (if you hold a Master's degree) or salary scale PD1 to PD4 (if you hold a doctorate). More information about the salary scales is available at https://www.ugent.be/en/work/talent/welcoming-new-staff/salaryscales.
- All Ghent University staff members enjoy a number of benefits, such as a wide range of training and education opportunities, 36 days of holiday leave (on an annual basis for a full-time job) supplemented by annual fixed bridge days, a bicycle allowance and eco vouchers. A complete overview of all staff benefits is available at https://www.ugent.be/en/work/talent/considering.
- You join a transdisciplinary team working at the intersection of marine and coastal science, business development, and sustainable finance, with access to an extensive network of academic, industry, and policy partners.
INTERESTED?
Apply online through the e-recruitment system before the application deadline (see above). We do not accept late applications or applications that are not submitted through the online system.
Your application must include the following documents:
- In the field 'CV': your CV and a transcript of your academic record (merged into one pdf file).
- In the field 'Cover letter': your application letter in pdf format.
- In the field 'Diploma': a transcript of the required degree (if already in your possession). If you have a foreign diploma in a language other than our national languages (Dutch, French or German) or English, please add a translation in one of the mentioned languages.
- In the field 'Other documents': a reference letter, an overview of your study results, or a relevant writing sample (a report, papers) that complement your application.
Note that the maximum file size for each field is 10 MB.
As Ghent University maintains an equal opportunities and diversity policy, everyone is encouraged to apply for this position.
MORE INFORMATION
For more information about this vacancy, please contact Prof. Margriet Drouillon ([email protected], +32 484 13 95 39). Important: do NOT send your application by email, but apply online.
The selection interviews will be organised in the period spanning July 1, - July 18, 2026.
Do you have a question regarding the online application process? Please read the FAQ or contact us via [email protected].
