Activity group	Recruitment category(ies)	Applications open until
I. Scientific research and experimental development	SW1	16/08/2026 (included)

Job description

Purpose of the position

The Geological Survey of Belgium, which is part of the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, is recruiting a scientific collaborator – Geologist (M/F/X) within the framework of the BE.Hydrogen programme, dedicated to the scientific exploration of natural hydrogen in Belgium.

BE.Hydrogen is a federal research programme funded by ETS funds. The programme is directly monitored by the office of Federal Minister Jean-Luc Crucke (Climate), the Climate Service of the Federal Public Service Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment, as well as by BELSPO. The Geological Survey of Belgium (GSB) is responsible for coordinating and implementing the programme. Collaborations with external and international partners will be developed in the short term.

The objective of this programme is to establish the scientific foundations required for the exploration of natural hydrogen in Belgium. An integrated approach will be implemented, combining broad territorial coverage, consideration of different geological contexts, and the study of the entire system of hydrogen formation, migration and accumulation in the subsurface.

The recruited scientist will join the GeoEnergy team and will be responsible for developing and integrating expertise in applied geochemistry within the Geological Survey of Belgium, in order to characterise, understand and model the geochemical processes of the Belgian subsurface, particularly in the context of the scientific exploration of natural hydrogen and the sustainable valorisation of subsurface resources.

The position directly contributes to the national programme for the scientific exploration of natural hydrogen (BE.Hydrogen) and participates in the production of authoritative scientific knowledge in support of the energy transition, the sustainable valorisation of the subsurface and public policy.

Outcome areas

You will be working on the BE.Hydrogen project, the national geoscientific exploration programme for natural hydrogen in the Belgian subsurface. This project will consist, on the one hand, of fieldwork, involving initial baseline exploration in various target areas based on surface and subsurface measurements of hydrogen-relevant parameters, followed by targeted multi-geophysical exploration. On the other hand, the (deep) Belgian subsurface will be modelled with a view to hydrogen generation and occurrence. This predictive model will be linked to the field observations to produce a region-wide probabilistic mapping of natural hydrogen. In addition to carrying out and analysing the work, the role also involves collecting, assessing and analysing existing data, and designing a strategy for the field campaigns.

As well as carrying out fieldwork and analysing the results obtained, the tasks also include:

·       collecting, critically assessing and analysing existing data.

·       designing strategies for field campaigns.

·       contributing to the drafting of reports and scientific publications.

·       participating in the project’s scientific communication activities.

You will also be involved in the day-to-day operations of the GSB, which encompasses a wide range of geoscientific services. Depending on your expertise, you will be involved in laboratory analyses, fieldwork and geological descriptions of samples and outcrops.

Employer

There is 1 open position at the Operational Directorate Earth and History of Life, Geological Survey of Belgium, within the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences (address: Rue Vautier 29, 1000 Brussels).

The activity group for the position is: I. Scientific research and experimental development.

Operational Directorate Earth and History of Life – Geological Survey of Belgium

The Operational Directorate “Earth and History of Life” is the main research centre dedicated to Earth sciences in Belgium. It has approximately 65 statutory and contractual staff members and is equipped with modern facilities for mineralogical, petrophysical and geochemical analyses.

The Geological Survey of Belgium is a subdivision of this Directorate. Founded in 1896, the GSB is a reference centre for geological research and geoscientific services, combining fundamental and applied approaches. It acts as an independent service provider for public authorities, scientific institutions, companies and civil society.

In the context of the energy transition, resource sovereignty and the sustainable valorisation of the subsurface, the GSB develops major scientific programmes focused on improving knowledge of the deep Belgian subsurface. https://gsb.naturalsciences.be/

Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences

The Institute of Natural Sciences is an internationally respected research institute, with more than 200 researchers and many scientific collaborators. They conduct research across a wide range of disciplines, from biology, taxonomy and oceanography to geology, palaeontology and anthropology.

The Institute’s rich collections, comprising 38 million specimens, are a crucial resource for this research work. Its researchers also provide scientific expertise to decision-makers at both national and international levels. https://www.naturalsciences.be/

Skills

Behavioural skills

·       Integrating information: Establishing links between various sets of data, generating alternatives and drawing sound conclusions

·       Innovating: Thinking innovatively by bringing forward novel and creative ideas

·       Working as a team: Creating and fostering team spirit by sharing one’s views and ideas and contributing to the resolution of conflicts between colleagues

·       Deciding: Making decisions based on (in)complete information and initiating targeted actions to implement those decisions

·        Achieving objectives: Demonstrating commitment, willingness and ambition to deliver results and taking responsibility for the correctness of actions undertaken

·       Self-development: Actively planning and managing one’s own growth in line with one’s possibilities, interests and ambition, critically questioning one’s own functioning and continuously acquiring new insights, skills and knowledge

Technical skills

·       You are familiar with the geology of Belgium.

·       You have a good understanding of concepts relating to sustainable applications in the deep subsurface.

·       You are able to work in a GIS (Geographic Information System) environment.

Assets

·       PhD in geology, Earth sciences or a related discipline.

·       Knowledge of geological modelling.

·       Experience of geochemical or geophysical field campaigns.

·       Knowledge of data management.

·       Knowledge of English for scientific communication.

·       Knowledge of the local languages (Dutch and/or French).

·       Ability to travel by car for fieldwork (mileage allowance provided).

Conditions for consideration

Degree must have been conferred by the closing date for applications

You hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Earth sciences or a related discipline.

Qualifications obtained abroad must be recognised as equivalent by the competent authority (the French Community or the Flemish Community) by the enrolment deadline at the latest.

/!\ Applicants who have a degree or certificate from a foreign institution who apply for a scientific position for which the tasks are not related to the permanent missions of the institution are exempt from the need for an academic equivalence evaluation.

Do you wish to apply but your diploma is not written in French, Dutch, German or English ?

We invite you to contact the person listed in the 'Contacts' section (selection procedure) to find out if you need to take a language test: Article 7 - Level 1/A.

If necessary, you can register by clicking on the link: www.travaillerpour.be/fr/tests-et-certificats/linguistique/inscription.

In this case, obtaining the language certificate is a prerequisite for selection. For this purpose, the selection committee is responsible for verifying the diploma. Therefore, please register for the language test as soon as possible. 

Experience required

No specific professional experience is required.

The knowledge, skills and competences required to perform the role will be assessed on the basis of the application and the interview.

Job offer

Contract and category

You will be employed under a fixed-term contract (1 years, 100%) as an assistant, with the corresponding salary scale SW10.

Minimum remuneration: EUR 47 363,64 EUR SW10 (gross annual salary at the current index, excluding statutory allowances).

Benefits

We offer you an interesting job with a social impact, which comes with a number of benefits:

·       A good work-life balance

o   flexible working hours of 38 or 40 hours (with compensatory adjustment) per week

o   option of taking compensatory leave for overtime worked

o   offices closed between Christmas and New Year's Day

o   possibility of working from home

o   26 days of paid leave (for a year of full time employment)

o   easy commuting using public transport

 

·       Numerous opportunities for self-growth

o   numerous opportunities for training and apprenticeship (during working hours)

 

·       Financial benefits

o   possibility of receiving a bilingualism bonus

o   hospitalisation insurance provided

o   supplementary pension (occupational pension)

o   free use of public transport for commuting between your home and the place of work

o   meal vouchers

o   work from home/office allowance

o   possibility of receiving a bicycle allowance for travel via bicycle

o   Benefits and offers via the Benefits@Work card

o   a range of fringe benefits (subject to conditions)

Conditions for employment

If you are selected through this procedure, you must – in order to be hired – fulfil the following requirements on the date of selection:

·       Enjoy full civil and political rights

·       Have fulfilled military service requirements

·       Behave in a manner fitting of the requirements of the position

·       Hold the necessary degree(s)

·       Have the necessary skills and fulfil the requirements listed in the job profile 

Procedure

Step 1 – Verification of the participation conditions

You will be considered in the selection procedure if you fulfil all of the required conditions. Verification will be carried out by the selection board on the basis of the application documents you have submitted. The board will decide whether the qualifications, awards and experiences you have submitted meet the requirements of the position. If they do, you will be invited to continue to the next step of the procedure.

Depending on the number of applications received, the selection board reserves the right to limit the number of applicants eligible for the next step by selecting those applicants it deems most suitable for the position.

Step 2 – Interview

The interview will be held at the Geological Survey of Belgium, Rue Jenner 13, 1000 Brussels, Belgium. For practical arrangements, you will receive an email from one of our collaborators.

During the interview, it will be assessed whether your behavioural and technical competencies meet the requirements of the position. Your motivation, interest and affinity with the field will also be discussed.

The purpose of the interview is to assess the following aspects:

·       The extent to which the candidate’s scientific background matches the needs of the project.

·       The candidate’s technical competencies.

·       The candidate’s behavioural competencies.

·       The candidate’s motivation to join the Geological Survey of Belgium and the BE.Hydrogen project.

·       The ability to work in a multidisciplinary and international working environment.

Please note that the first part of the interview will consist of assessing the candidate’s ability to formulate relevant scientific hypotheses and to give a 10-minute presentation on a scientific experience related to geological modelling. This presentation will be followed by a technical discussion with the jury.

In case of absence

If you do not attend the supplementary test and/or the interview, you will automatically be excluded from the remainder of the selection procedure, unless you demonstrate, within three days, that your absence was justified by one of the following reasons:

·       illness;

·       an emergency involving a member of your household (= any person living with the candidate) or family (= the candidate’s spouse or the person with whom the candidate is legally cohabiting, or the candidate’s first- or second-degree relatives);

·       essential presence at work;

·       disruption or delay of public transport of at least thirty minutes;

·       force majeure.

Where applicable, within ten days following the date of the above-mentioned interview, you may request to be heard by the commission. A new date will then be proposed to you.

Notification

If you do not pass a particular stage, the procedure ends and you will not be invited to any subsequent tests in the same selection. At each stage, you will receive a notification containing the result.

Equal opportunities and reasonable accommodations

The Federal Administration pursues an active diversity policy.

Are you a person with a disability, a learning disorder or an illness? You may request an accommodation of the selection procedure. We invite you to contact the person listed in the “Contacts” section.

Facilities offered to pregnant or breastfeeding persons

Are you pregnant or breastfeeding your child? In this case too, you may request facilities. We invite you to contact the person listed in the “Contacts” section.

Final result

What happens if you are selected?

At the end of the selection procedure, a group of successful candidates, not ranked among themselves, will be established. It will consist of those who have been considered the most suitable to perform the position to be filled, in accordance with the participation requirements.

How long will this list remain valid?

The group of successful candidates will be valid for 1 year.

Apply

Do you want to apply?  Send your application documents by email to kwuyts@naturalsciences.be, including the selection reference in the subject line.

Your application documents must include:

·       an updated CV

·       a cover letter

·       a copy (or copies) of the degree certificates with all associated annexes. If any of these  documents are not written in French, Dutch, German or English, a translation must also be provided

·       any other document proving relevant experience, such as:

o   academic activities carried out with attestations as supporting documents (attestations issued by employers, authorities that provided grants, etc.)

o   a list of any scientific papers published

 

The closing date for sending your application is 16/08/2026 (inclusive).

Applications that do not follow the indicated procedure will not be considered.

Contact persons

Concerning the position:

For more information about the position, please contact:

WUYTS, Karine (NL-FR-EN), GSB secretary, kwuyts@naturalsciences.be

And in copy:

WELKENHUYSEN, Kris (NL-EN) – coordinator of the BE.Hydrogen programme kwelkenhuysen@naturalsciences.be

PETITCLERC, Estelle (FR-EN) – coordinator of the BE.Hydrogen programme – epetitclerc@naturalsciences.be

 

Concerning the selection procedure:

For more information about the selection procedure, please contact:

HR@naturalsciences.be or WUYTS, Karine (NL-FR-EN), GSB secretary, kwuyts@naturalsciences.be

If you want to request a reasonable accommodation for the selection procedure or access to facilities for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding, please also contact this person.