Research Engineer / Scientist (ref project: DAP/21-08) M/W/X

The Royal Military Academy of Belgium (RMA) is a military institution responsible for the basic academic, military and physical training of future officers and for the continuing advanced training of officers during their active career in the Belgian Defense department ( www.rma.ac.be ). It is fully recognized as a university, fulfilling the same criteria as civilian universities. The Royal Military Academy is also conducting scientific research at university level for projects funded by the Belgian Defense or external sources.

In the framework of a research project financed by the Belgian Defence, we are looking for a research scientist/engineer with a master’s degree in Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science or Electrical Engineering (Applied Sciences, Engineering Sciences).

As shown by many planned acquisitions for Belgian Defense, the role that electro-optical (EO) and infrared (IR) sensors have in a weapon system is ever growing. In some cases they have to replace the eyes of the operator; in other cases they have to perform the very difficult task of detection, recognition and identification in a highly cluttered environment. The industry has acknowledged the expanding role of EO/IR sensors and continues to develop at a very fast rate more compact sensors covering multiple spectral parts of the optronics domain: the so-called multi-sensing systems. At the same time the camouflage targets and small targets like small drones push the current detection and identification systems to their limits.

This project aims first of all at clarifying technologies (thereby separating commercial promises from actual performance) and second of all at investigating which technological advances should be favored (and for which we should encourage industry to invest) because they offer the most promising way forward. By combining as well the use of existing performance prediction models, as laboratory tests and outdoor measurements, this proposal targets the assessment of the whole sensor system (multi-sensing sensors, propagation, and interaction with a (camouflaged) target).

The study may lead to a PhD.

The researcher will be integrated in the research unit lead by Dr Ir Marijke Vandewal. This research unit is part of the Signal and Image Centre where about 20 researchers are active.

Main tasks:

Performing the research tasks of the project allotted to the Royal Military Academy: literature study to familiarize with the state of the art in multi-sensing on the one hand and current and future surveillance challenges/threats on the other hand. Creation of a laboratory set-up, completed with some simulation models where needed to assess the entire sensor system. Develop scenario’s for feasible and reliable outdoor measurements to complement the lab activities. Analysis of the acquired data and evaluation of the sensor performance for the identified application domains (camouflaged land targets, detection and identification of small drones, ...).

The results will have to be communicated to the other members of the research consortium and in the scientific literature, mostly in English.

Technical skills

• The applicant shall have a master’s degree in Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science or Electrical Engineering (Applied Sciences, Engineering Sciences).
• Training or experience in electro-optical camera’s is highly recommended
• Training or experience in infrared camera’s is highly recommended
• Training or experience in multispectral or hyperspectral imaging is an added value.

Specific requirement

• The researcher will be exposed to classified information and will therefore have to obtain the required security clearance. The candidate must consent with the background check required to obtain this clearance, which will be executed by Belgian Defense. The candidate must have a NATO nationality.

Personnel skills

• You conduct scientific research in an independent and upright way within a multidisciplinary environment.
• You think in an innovative and creative way.
• You communicate your results in a clear, concise and precise manner.
• You take initiatives.
• You are involved and results oriented.
• You are honest, loyal toward the institution and respect confidentiality.
• You plan and manage proactively your self-development, while being critical to your own functioning and striving to your self-improvement.
• You improve the team spirit and solve interpersonal conflicts.
• You commit yourself in your job by giving the best of your aptitudes in striving toward the highest quality standards and persevere when needed.
• You solve problems autonomously and find alternatives or solutions.
• You behave in a respectful way toward the others, their ideas and opinions as well as toward procedures and instructions.
• You are flexible for change and adapt yourself.
• You are capable of writing qualitative technical reports on your work.
• You are capable to manage, direct and assist with the composition of deliverables towards the funding authority.
• You are capable to write and present scientific papers about your work.
• You will be working with international partners from across NATO as well as with other researchers of the CISS department. The ability to work well in a team is therefore an absolute must.

Other skills

• The applicant shall have excellent knowledge of English (oral and written).
• Minimum knowledge of French or Dutch is an added value.

Contract

• Probable date of recruitment : as soon as possible, in consultation with the applicant;
• The candidate will be offered an open-ended contract with the patrimony of the Royal Military Academy for a full-time employment (38 hours / week). This does not imply that the candidate will be a civil servant;
• Wage scale: A11 (holders of a Master’s degree in Science) / A21 (Ir or holders of a Master’s degree in Engineering)
• The usual workplace is the Royal Military Academy, 1000Brussels, occasional travels abroad are possible as well as measurement campaigns off campus and meetings at partner’s premises.

Extra-legal benefits

• Possibility to obtain a bonus for bilingualism (Dutch/French);
• Holiday allocation;
• End-of-year bonus;
• Hospitalization insurance;
• Free public transport (home-work commute) / bike allowance;
• Free access to the on-campus sport infrastructure;
• On-campus restaurant and cafeteria
• Access to competitive advantages via Benefits@work (prices reductions, vouchers...)
• Access to reduced-rate holidays and tours
• Access to childcare subsidized by Defence (subject to availability).

The work is to be performed in a military context and that implies that the candidate will undergo a background check. The application must be accompanied by the document, filled in, that can be downloaded in FR or NL at http://www.rma.ac.be/nl/aanvraag-veiligheidsverificatie

Applicants shall send:

• A motivation letter;
• A complete CV;
• A copy of their ID card (front and back);
• The request for background check (see above),

referring the " DAP21/08"project to Prof. Marijke Vandewal (marijke.vandewal@rma.ac.be) and to Maj Helena BRUYNINCKX (erm-deao-rswo@mil.be).

The application deadline is 22nd of September 2021.

A first pre-selection will be conducted based on the received documents.

Applicants meeting the minimum requirements will be invited to an interview at the Royal Military Academy, rue Hobbema 8, 1000 Brussels. Taking into consideration the COVID-measures, remote / tele-interviews are likely. The date and time of the interview will be communicated to the preselected candidates.