Technology Expert in Optical Spectroscopic Sensors for Agrifood Applications

1 - Working at the VUB

For more than 50 years, the Vrije Universiteit Brussel has stood for freedom, equality and solidarity, and this is very much alive on our campuses among students and staff alike. 

At the VUB, you will find a diverse collection of personalities: innovators pur sang, but above all people who are 100% their authentic selves. With some 4,000 employees, we are the largest Dutch-speaking employer, in the private sector, in Brussels; an international city with which we are only too happy to connect and where (around) our 4 campuses are located. 

Add to this our principle of free research - in which self-reflection, a critical attitude and an open, creative mind around scientific and social issues are central - and you have a university that is fundamentally groundbreaking and pioneering in education and research. In short: the VUB all over again. 

Moreover, the VUB is a member of EUTOPIA, an alliance of like-minded European universities, all ready to reinvent themselves.

2 - Position description

The Faculty of Engineering, Department Toegepaste natuurkunde en fotonica, research group Brussels Photonics, is looking for a predoctoral researcher. 

More concretely your work package contains: 

Brussels Photonics (B-PHOT) is seeking a Technology Expert with a background or interest in optical spectroscopic sensors to support industrial research and innovation projects in agrifood applications.

Photonics technologies, particularly optical spectroscopic sensors, enable non-destructive, rapid evaluation methods that are transforming the agrifood sector. At VUB B-PHOT, we are developing the next generation of spectroscopic sensors, integrating spectroscopic analysis, machine learning-based data processing, miniaturized sensor development, and industrial validation.

As a Technology Expert, you will contribute to our mission by:

• Performing spectroscopic measurements (e.g., fluorescence, reflection, spatially resolved spectroscopy) using in-house equipment within research and industrial innovation projects.
• Setting up, and testing optical spectroscopic measurement systems.
• Processing and analysing spectroscopic data using machine learning algorithms.

Your primary workplace will be the VUB campus in Etterbeek, with occasional activities at the Brussels Photonics Campus in Pajottegem.

For this function, our Brussels Humanities, Sciences & Engineering Campus (Elsene) will serve as your home base. 

3 - Profile

What do we expect from you?

• A Master’s degree in physics, photonics, bio-engineering, biochemistry, electrical engineering, engineering technology, or a related scientific discipline.

• Basic knowledge of photonic systems and light technologies is preferred.
• Familiarity with optical fibers, fluorescence, optical spectroscopy, Raman sensing, and biosensing is an asset.
• Hands-on experience with experimental optical setups, including lasers, spectrometers, and fiber optics, is a plus.
• Proficiency in Matlab, Python, or similar programming environments is advantageous.
• Ability to work independently and critically, with excellent communication skills and a collaborative mindset.
• Strong time management and organizational skills.
• Fluency in spoken and written English is required.

• 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.

The VUB wants to be a reflection of the society where everyone's talent is valued, regardless of gender, age, religion, skin color, migration background, disability and neurodiversity.

4 - Offer

Are you going to be our new colleague?

You’ll be offered a contract, for an assignment of 1 FTE, for 12 months (extendable, on condition of the positive evaluation of the research activities), with planned starting date 01/01/2026. 

You’ll receive a salary linked to one of the scales set by the government.

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 will also enjoy various other benefits:

• Extensive homeworking options, a telework allowance of 50 euros per month OR an internet fee of 20 euros per month;
• An open and informal working environment where attention is paid to work-life balance, and exceptional holiday arrangements with 35 days of leave (based on a fulltime contract), closure between Christmas and New Year and 3 extra leave days;
• Cost-free hospitalisation insurance;
• Full reimbursement of your home-to-work commute with public transport according to VUB-policy, and/or compensation if you come by bike; 
• A wide selection of meals in our campus restaurants at attractive prices;
• Excellent and affordable facilities for sport and exercise, a range of discounts via Benefits@Work (in  all kinds of shops, on flights, in petrol stations, amusement parks...) and Ecocheques; 
• Nursery near campus, discount on holiday camps; 
• The space to form your job content and to continuously learn through our VUB learning platforms and training courses;
• And finally: great colleagues with a healthy drive.

5 - Interested?

Is this the job you’ve been dreaming of?

Then apply, at the latest on 17/11/2025, via jobs.vub.be, and upload the following documents:

• your CV;
• your motivation letter;
• your diploma (not applicable for VUB alumni).

Our application process is as follows (subject to change):

• step 1: an initial selection based on your application file; 
• step 2: a job interview.

Do you have questions about the job content? Contact Lien Smeesters at lien.smeesters@vub.be or on 0032 2629 3553.

Would you like to know what it’s like to work at the VUB? Go to jobs.vub.be, and find all there is to know about our campuses, benefits, strategic goals and your future colleagues.

Would you like more information about EUTOPIA? Go to eutopia-university.eu, and read more about the role of the VUB in the development of the EUTOPIA alliance.