Research Track Manager ‘Adaptive & Smart Assembly Systems’

Research Track Manager

‘Adaptive & Smart Assembly Systems’

(Kortrijk, Lommel, Leuven)

You define a research strategy and manage a portfolio of research projects. You inspire and lead Flanders Make project managers in the definition and the execution of research projects.

Matching state of the art technologies with the needs of the leading companies in Flanders is key for Flanders Make research. Your focus: technologies to realize the ‘Factory of the Future’ ideal, where adaptive & smart assembly systems are intelligently designed (end-to-end) and highly functional in a digitized industry 4.0 production environment. Challenges include flexibility for varying product volumes, leverage of the worker 4.0 and smart, adaptive handling and monitoring systems. These sustainable assembly systems of the future are especially beneficial in ‘mass customized’ production contexts (i.e. lot size one).

The ‘Adaptive & Smart Assembly Systems’ research track is one of the 4 research tracks of the research cluster on ‘production’.

Function

Within your research track “adaptive and smart assembly systems”, you will be responsible for:

• the definition of new research projects, involving Flanders Make research labs and companies;
• the successful execution of research projects;
• the coaching of project managers in both the definition and the execution of projects;
• - creating synergies and promoting collaborations. You will organize thematic workshops with companies.

“I enjoy the technical talks with project leaders, because it helps me understand the technical challenges of the industry and adapt the track’s strategy based on the team’s feedback, ” Alexandru, research track manager.”

Profile

You have

• - Working experience in a research environment (in industry, research institutes, or universities);
• - The ability to relate research activities with clear industrial needs;
• - Strong analytical and synthesis skills to create a clear management overview and summary of achieved results, next steps, risks and countermeasures within and across research projects;
• - The ability to lead technical discussions with project leaders and experts; You are interested and able to quickly learn about new technologies in the research fields of Flanders Make.
• - An industrial mindset, you can understand the needs of companies and translate them towards the Flanders Make researchers.
• - Technical understanding in flexible assembly and/or industry 4.0 is an advantage.

You are

• - Result-oriented, self-directing;
• - A team player that can stimulate team working for mutual benefit;
• - Able to work and keep on track in a complex stakeholders landscape by influencing and steering in a non-hierarchical way;
• - A believer in the values of Flanders Make (customer value, working together, empowered people, excellence) and you act upon them.

Offer

• A job with impact on science and technology. You create leverage and synergies within Flanders Make and far beyond.
• The opportunity to develop yourself within its network of leading industrial companies, universities and research institutes;
• An open-minded, flexible and challenging working environment;
• A warm atmosphere and first-class colleagues;
• An attractive salary with fringe benefits.

About Flanders Make

Towards a digitally transformed, sustainable and competitive industry

Flanders Make is a fast-growing research centre that performs research to support companies from various sectors in their sustainable innovation processes. From our establishments in Lommel, Leuven, Kortrijk and Sint-Truiden and labs within the 5 Flemish universities, we stimulate open innovation through excellent research.

Because of our unique position as a bridge between industry and research, our teams combine application and system proficiency with technological and scientific knowledge. Academic partners and more than 150 companies are part of the innovative circular ecosystem of Flanders Make.

Our strategy based on industrial needs and long-term trends ensures a close link with the industry and its challenges. With our programmed research, we create impact in companies.

Sustainability, climate and workability have a high priority in our research. We want to help companies in developing sustainable, green, smart and connected products and production systems, with a special focus on people and their interaction with machines.