The KU Leuven Institute for Mobility - LIM is looking for a research manager who will play an instrumental role in developing and fulfilling LIM’s interdisciplinary research mission. The research manager’s main tasks consist of the elaboration and implementation of strategies for attracting external and internal funding for interdisciplinary research on mobility. The research manager will also help writing proposals, manage and conduct research, support the internal operations of LIM, build networks and disseminate the results.
LIM is an interdisciplinary research framework of more than 40 ZAP, OP3 and research managers from the 3 Groups, 8 faculties, more than 10 departments and 7 KU Leuven locations. The institute aims to build bridges between KU Leuven departments and to foster interdisciplinary research on mobility subjects such as transport infrastructure and public space, supply chains, and environment and health while taking into account technological developments, societal trends, and individual needs. More information can be found on LIM’s website: https://www.kuleuven.be/lim.
Website unit
Responsibilities
- Based on your knowledge of the researchers from the different participating units and their competences, you stimulate common reflection and exchange of ideas through workshops, dissemination of results on the LIM website and social media channels.
- Identify and follow up on relevant funding streams at the local, regional, national, and European level.
- Help envision and write project applications in the field of mobility targeted at these funding streams, and assist with project management, budget and application modalities.
- Contribute to the interdisciplinary research at LIM as an active team member and co-supervisor of PhD students.
- Act as a liaison between different researchers and research groups by building a network at KU Leuven (and its Association) and setting up an efficient internal communication strategy, and use this as a lever to look for opportunities to strengthen and renew ongoing collaborations and set up new ones.
- Contribute to the organisation of LIM-related events, including workshops and external conferences. This includes both the selection and development of topics in consultation with members of LIM and assisting with the practical arrangements.
- Develop and maintain a network of potential external project partners from different geographical, institutional and disciplinary backgrounds.
- Develop and implement a valorisation and outreach strategy for LIM.
- Coordinate sustained interactions with external stakeholders by organizing external events and participating in network events.
- Ensure visibility of LIM in the media, by adding members to expert databases and providing efficient references to the KU Leuven Press office and Policy Communications unit. Ensure that the LIM website remains up-to-date and encourage LIM partners to present themselves as members of LIM in their networks and working groups.
Profile
- Hold a PhD, with the doctoral research having a topic related to mobility.
- Preferably have some additional experience as a post-doc in a multi-disciplinary environment.
- Have in-depth knowledge of and insight into the research funding landscape, both in terms of fundamental research and mission- and valorization oriented schemes.
- Although the candidate will inevitably have her/his own disciplinary background, s/he will be responsible to facilitate and initiate interdisciplinary research. This implies that the candidate needs to have a feeling for and proven interest in a broad range of scientific domains.
- An already established connection with multiple LIM-members is considered a plus.
- Have experience with drawing up research project proposals in general and collaborative projects in particular.
- Because a key component of the role consists of grant writing, excellent (scientific) English writing skills are a must.
- Although the ability to communicate in Dutch is not a formal prerequisite, working knowledge of the language is preferable as it facilitates interaction with a range of stakeholders. Non-native Dutch speakers will be required to acquire a relevant knowledge of Dutch as soon as possible to be able to functionally attend meetings and workshops.
- A strong organizer and networker who is conscientious and has well-developed monitoring, management and planning skills.
- Be able to work both individually and as part of a team.
Offer
- You will be part of a recently founded interdisciplinary research institute, and play an instrumental role in how it operates and evolves.
- A dynamic working environment in the beautiful city of Leuven (campus Heverlee) with very diverse, motivated and competent researchers, in which quality, professionalism and collaboration are key values.
- Collaboration with academic and professional stakeholders in an international environment.
- Opportunities for personal initiative in collaboration with the LIM executive board.
- A working environment at the nexus of project management and research.
- A full time research manager position, with a contract of unlimited duration. More details about salary and working conditions can be found at https://www.kuleuven.be/personeel/jobsite/en/academic-staff/academic-staff-research-education-information.
- A budget for travel and expenses.
Interested?
For more information please contact Prof. dr. ir. Pieter Vansteenwegen, tel.: +32 16 32 16 69, mail: pieter.vansteenwegen@kuleuven.be.
After a pre-screening of candidates based on the application files, we intend to invite shortlisted candidates for an interview in September or October.
KU Leuven seeks to foster an environment where all talents can flourish, regardless of gender, age, cultural background, nationality or impairments. If you have any questions relating to accessibility or support, please contact us at diversiteit.HR@kuleuven.be.
KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.