Policy Officer - AI in Research and Doctoral Policy
1 - Working at the VUB
For more than fifty years, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) has built its community around freedom, equality, mutual respect and connection. Its campuses bring together a diverse population of students and staff, with room for people to work and contribute as themselves.
VUB employs around 4,000 people and is closely connected to Brussels, an international city in which and around which its four campuses are located.
Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how research is carried out, supervised and assessed.
VUB wants to respond proactively. This includes examining how doctoral trajectories should evolve as AI becomes embedded in research, what critical AI competencies researchers will need, how the supervisor’s role may change, how disciplines should respond when AI systems achieve exceptionally high performance, how institutions can remain competitive in research funding, and which evaluation criteria remain appropriate for doctoral work and research more broadly.
To develop a broadly supported response, VUB plans to establish a university-wide AI working group with representatives from different parts of the institution. Its work should lead to concrete policy and/or regulation concerning AI in research and doctoral policy.
The position is linked to the Vice-Rectorate for Research. You will work closely with Researcher Training & Development, Research Policy, and the policy officer focused on AI tools and their effective use by researchers and within the Research department.
2 - Position Description
As Policy Officer for AI in Research and Doctoral Policy, you will:
• Lead the AI working group on research and doctoral policy: ensure balanced representation, plan and facilitate the work, maintain momentum, and keep the group focused on concrete outcomes.
• Monitor external developments, including legislation and emerging practices at other universities and research funders such as FWO and the European Commission, with particular attention to AI and research integrity.
• Turn the working group’s conclusions into actionable policy and/or regulatory recommendations and present them to relevant governance bodies.
• Build a shared view of the skills researchers—from doctoral to senior researchers—will need in the near future, and translate that view into recommendations for training and support.
• Help reconsider the design of the doctoral trajectory, including its content, supervision, expected outputs and originality requirements, in light of AI use.
• Help shape updated evaluation criteria and frameworks for doctoral research and doctoral defence, taking account of national and international developments and safeguarding research integrity.
• Work structurally with other policy officers responsible for doctorates, doctoral supervision and research evaluation, with particularly close coordination with the AI-tools policy officer so that the Research teams remain aligned.
• Develop course packages for researchers together with the AI-tools policy officer and/or deliver workshops to researchers yourself.
• Communicate progress and final policy choices across the institution, working with communications colleagues to raise awareness and support adoption.
• Support implementation and follow-up after approval of the new policy, including adjustments where experience shows they are needed.
3 - Profile
What VUB is looking for
• A PhD, or a master’s degree combined with experience in a research environment such as a university or research institute.
• Demonstrable interest in and knowledge of developments in AI. You should understand the basic principles, limitations and potential of AI systems, as well as their current impact on research and higher education. Deep specialist expertise is not required, but you must be able to understand new developments quickly and thoroughly and continue learning as the technology evolves.
• Experience with, or a strong interest in, policy development, regulation and/or governance within a complex organisation.
• Good knowledge of doctoral trajectories and doctoral training, or the ability and willingness to build that knowledge quickly.
• Strong stakeholder awareness: you identify relevant parties, reach out proactively and work effectively with others.
• The ability to bring together people with different interests and backgrounds, facilitate discussion and guide groups towards a shared result.
• Clear and effective written and spoken communication, including policy notes, policy texts and presentations.
• The ability to work independently, keep oversight of a multi-year programme and set priorities.
As a (non-)EEA national, meet the conditions for obtaining a valid permit for VUB and comply with the VUB residence requirements. More info here.
Additional assets
• Familiarity with—or the ability to learn quickly—the decision-making structures and organisational culture of a university, especially VUB.
• Experience with organisational change or policy processes in an academic or public-sector context.
• Knowledge of research integrity and relevant frameworks, for example the European Code of Conduct for Research Integrity.
4 - Offer
Are you going to be our new colleague? You’ll be offered a fulltime contract for 2 years at a salary linked to Grade 7,8 or 9, depending on your competences and previous relevant work experience.
It is open to discussion to deviate from a full-time schedule, for example in combination with a limited research role.
At the VUB, you’re guaranteed an open, involved and diverse workplace where you are offered opportunities to (further) build on your career.
As well as this, you’ll enjoy various benefits:
- Extensive remote working opportunities, including a teleworking allowance;
- An open and informal work environment with strong attention to work-life balance, an exceptional leave package including 35 days of annual leave, a collective closure between Christmas and New Year, and 3 additional leave days;
- Free hospitalisation insurance and an attractive group insurance plan including guaranteed income protection;
- Maximum reimbursement of commuting expenses by public transport and/or a bicycle allowance;
- Varied meals at attractive prices in our campus restaurants;
- Attractive sports facilities, a wide range of discounts through Benefits@Work (shops, flights, petrol stations, theme parks, and more), and eco vouchers;
- A childcare centre close to campus and discounts on holiday camps for children;
- The opportunity to shape the content of your role and continuously develop your skills through our VUB learning platforms and training programmes;
- Last but not least: great colleagues with a healthy drive and a good sense of humour
5 - Interested?
Apply by 25 August via jobs.vub.be and upload the following documents: your CV, motivation letter, and diploma.
Our selection process consists of the following steps:
Step 1: CV screening
Your application will be reviewed by one of our recruiters.
Step 2: Comparative excercise
This assessment evaluates your approach and analytical insight and helps us identify both your strengths and areas for further development. It is scheduled between 28 and 31 August and can be completed from home.
Step 3: Job interview
Interviews are scheduled for 8 and 9 September (morning sessions).
Questions about the job itself?
Contact Hannelore De Grande at research.phd@vub.be or +32 472 60 12 66.
Questions about the selection process and/or the employment offer?
Contact Barbara Van Belle at Barbara.Van.Belle@vub.be
Would you like to know what it’s like to work at the VUB?
Go to www.jobs.vub.be and find all there is to know about our campuses, benefits, strategic goals and your future colleagues.
