Security Officer

h3About VITO /h3 pVITO is a leading European research organisation conducting independent, applied technological research with the ambition to create a positive impact for a society in transition. Building on scientific expertise, infrastructure and digital solutions, VITO works with governments, industry and knowledge partners across three impact domains: materials, climate and living environment. /p h3Context /h3 pAs a research‑driven organisation, VITO works daily with sensitive data, intellectual property (IP), prototypes, algorithms and experimental environments. Protecting these assets against malicious threats—while enabling collaboration and innovation is essential to VITO’s mission. /p h3Role Purpose /h3 pThe Security Officer is responsible for the bend‑to‑end security of VITO’s critical research assets /b against malicious internal and external threats. The role combines bstrategic leadership /b with bpragmatic execution /b: defining the security vision and architecture, ensuring its effective implementation across the organisation, and embedding security as an enabler of innovation. /p pThe Security Officer leads the bVITO Security Office (VSO) /b and acts as the central coordinator for all security‑related domains, working closely with ICT, Facilities, Human Capital, Legal Procurement, Risk Management and Executive Management. The VSO reports directly to the CEO. /p h3Key Responsibilities /h3 h3Security Governance Leadership /h3 ul lipDefine and maintain an integrated security strategy and roadmap aligned with VITO’s research activities and risk profile. /p /li lipLead the VITO Security Office and ensure clear roles, responsibilities and collaboration across security domains. /p /li lipAct as the primary point of contact for security matters for research departments and corporate services. /p /li lipRepresent VITO towards national, European and international authorities (e.g. law enforcement, intelligence services, defence and corporate security bodies). /p /li /ul h32. Policy, Architecture Standards /h3 ul lipDevelop, maintain and enforce security policies, principles and standards. /p /li lipDefine security requirements for research laboratories, pilot lines, ICT networks, systems, platforms and data, focusing on protection against malicious threats. /p /li lipDrive the security architecture in close collaboration with the Information Security Officer and other stakeholders, ensuring coherence across digital, physical and organisational security. /p /li /ul h33. Implementation Operational Oversight /h3 ul lipEnsure that security measures are beffectively implemented /b, adopted and maintained within the organisation—without centralising all execution. /p /li lipCoordinate physical security measures and ensure their integration with digital security controls. /p /li lipProvide direction on Zero Trust principles and Identity Access Management. /p /li lipOversee incident management, security monitoring and follow‑up actions. /p /li /ul h34. Risk, Audit Assurance /h3 ul lipCoordinate security risk assessments and threat modelling together with the Risk Manager. /p /li lipSupport and coordinate internal and external security audits, initiate required remediation actions and monitor their timely completion. /p /li lipProvide assurance to customers and partners that VITO can execute strictly confidential and sensitive projects. /p /li /ul h35. Knowledge Security Awareness /h3 ul lipSafeguard knowledge security, IP protection and security requirements in contracts and collaborations. /p /li lipEnsure correct handling of confidential research information across the organisation. /p /li lipRaise awareness and build security maturity through targeted communication and sensitisation initiatives. /p /li /ul br/ ul lipMaster’s degree or equivalent through experience. /p /li lipProven experience in information security and cybersecurity; familiarity with frameworks such as ISO 27001, NIS2 or equivalent. /p /li lipSolid experience in physical security and integrated security management. /p /li lipStrong analytical skills with the ability to operate both strategically and hands‑on. /p /li lipExcellent communication and advisory skills; able to act decisively under incident pressure. /p /li lipFluent in English and Dutch. /p /li /ul h3Assets /h3 ul lipExperience in RD, academic or industrial research environments. /p /li lipFamiliarity with IP‑sensitive environments, data classification and knowledge security. /p /li lipExperience with cloud environments and research platforms. /p /li /ul h3What VITO Offers /h3 ul lipA key role in a highly innovative research organisation with international impact. /p /li lipThe opportunity to further build and mature the VITO Security Office. /p /li lipA competitive salary package with additional benefits and flexible working arrangements. /p /li lipA collaborative environment that values professional growth and responsibility. /p /li /ul