Help build a powerful data landscape that advances healthcare and innovation Breaking ground as a data architect The role of Data Architect is a strategic role within the IT Department of Data & AI. You translate organizational needs into a digital foundation, taking into account the perspectives of diverse stakeholders such as operations, healthcare, research, finance, and others. The role requires profound technical expertise based on experience, as well as combining the ability to critical systemic thinking with a do (sometimes fail fast) mentality. As a Data Architect, you will play a central role in designing and guiding the future of our data landscape. You will define our enterprise data architecture, ensure that data flows smoothly and securely across the organization, and create structures that support both clinical operations and research. Working in a hospital environment means operating with strict requirements for privacy, reliability, and data quality. You will work closely with engineers, data scientists, clinicians, and external partners to break down data silos and build a strong foundation for data driven innovation. This is a full-time, permanent position. Applications can be submitted up to and including 26-04-2026. How will you break ground? Define the blueprint for our GCP-based data platform, ensuring it scales for operational, clinical, and research needs. Develop data models and define integration patterns across complex systems such as EHR/EPD, ERP, laboratory systems, PACS, and biobank platforms. Guide and support the implementation of data governance, data quality processes, and GDPR compliance. Ensure platform and data security, including access control, privacy protection, and metadata management. Collaborate with Data, Infrastructure, Engineering, and Research teams to ensure that data is integrated, reliable, and easy to access. Coordinate data migrations, transformations, and system integrations during upgrades or the introduction of new platforms. Future-proof our data ecosystem by identifying and integrating next-generation technologies that simplify data exchange (HL7/FHIR) and accelerate the delivery of insights through modern AI/ML frameworks. Create and maintain the architecture of the data & technology stack. What qualifications do you need? Positive vibes and drive in an international team. We don’t only work in healthcare; we also collaboratively care a lot. Strong experience in data architecture, data platforms, or similar roles in complex environments. A master’s degree in IT, engineering, or equivalent by experience in a large-scale environment. Candidates who do not yet speak Dutch are welcome to apply. We expect sufficient command of English for effective collaboration within the team, and we ask non‑Dutch‑speaking candidates to obtain a B2 level at a recognized school within two years. Solid understanding of traditional and modern data modeling, integration patterns, and database technologies (relational and NoSQL). Experience with cloud platforms is a must, experience with GCP is a nice to have. Implementing a data product strategy to decentralize data ownership while maintaining central governance. Familiarity with healthcare data or healthcare standards (HL7, FHIR, OMOP) is a plus. Knowledge of data governance, security, and privacy-by-design principles. Experience with infrastructure-as-code, CI/CD, and modern deployment practices is beneficial. Ability to make well-founded architectural decisions in a high-risk, high security environment. A structured, collaborative, and analytical approach, combined with curiosity and an interest in innovation (e.g. using Knowledge Graphs, AI agent integration in a self-service analytics environment, etc) Strong communication skills and the ability to work with both technical and non‑technical stakeholders. A real interest in working in the healthcare sector. What do you get in return? UZ Leuven offers a professional, multidisciplinary working environment that keeps pace with the latest developments and provides ample opportunities for training, guidance, and personal growth. For more than 20 years, we have been committed to sustainable healthcare. Within the IT department, you will work in a domain with great variety and the newest technologies. We focus on extensive on-the-job training and personal coaching, with a view to lifelong learning and innovation. You will be offered a range of diverse, content-rich challenges and the chance to work in a constructive team within a complex hospital organisation. Our benefits include: A motivating salary package (salary scale IFIC 16 with opportunities for progression depending on profile and experience) and numerous fringe benefits such as meal vouchers, bicycle lease, group and hospitalisation insurance, transport allowance, staff restaurant, and more. A full overview of all benefits of working at UZ Leuven can be found on our jobsite. Ready to break ground? Apply for this vacancy today by completing the online application form and attaching your CV. For more information, you can contact the UZ Leuven recruitment department at: 016 34 49 78. LI-HG1