- Candidates should have obtained a master degree or have completed a PhD in relevant fields like bibliometrics, economics or computer science and should have considerable professional or research experience. - Candidates have proven knowledge of quantitative data processing, bibliometric and statistical methods, and skills in data engineering and in information retrieval.- Knowledge is also expected in computer science, particularly, in (some of) these fields: programming (Java, Python), database management (RDBMS, SQL, NoSQL, vector databases), machine learning frameworks (TensorFlow, Keras), LLM platforms (e.G. Ollama) - Collaborative tools: project management (Jira), versioning (Git). - Fluency in written and spoken English is essential. The data analyst will work in close collaboration with the (senior) academic staff to operationalize and implement the prototyped automated data processing procedures and machine learning models into ECOOM’s data production environment. The applicant will help ECOOM with its data-driven transformation of its current procedures into performant, efficient and highly customizable data processing pipelines. The candidate contributes to the processing, development, statistical analysis and interpretation of data, intended to initiate, structure, process and report results and he/she collaborates in the modelling of complex data processing problems and the application of corresponding analyses. He or she furthermore contributes to bibliometrics related work necessary to accomplish the mission of ECOOM.Applicants have the programming skills necessary to work with the bibliographic databases as well as with indicators drawn from these databases, and should have proven experience in bibliometric methods, quantitative science and technology studies and quantitative aspects of communication in science and research policy. The Centre for R&D Monitoring (ECOOM) is an interuniversity consortium of which one division is housed within the Faculty of Economics and Business at the KU Leuven. ECOOM develops a consistent system of R&D and Innovation (RD&I) indicators. These indicators are designed to assist the Flemish government in mapping and monitoring the RD&I efforts in Flanders. Within this context, ECOOM is the pre-eminent Flemish site for science, technology and innovation studies, and has become a prominent research centre with international visibility. More information on ECOOM’s activities can be found on our website. To support our service activities, we are currently looking for a data analyst to join the bibliometrics research group. We are looking for a full-time professional (M/F) starting his/her contract in 2026 who is passionate about data analytics, artificial intelligence and its application on science policy and related science and technology studies. - (Preferably) a full-time position and an open-ended contract- An internationally oriented research environment - The salary will be determined in accordance with the salary grade systems existing at KU Leuven. If you are immediately deployable in all tasks of this position, you will start in grade 8. Promising candidates who are not yet able to take on all tasks immediately or who still need to go through a specific training programme will start in grade 7. Grade 9 is exceptionally reserved for candidates who, because of their extensive knowledge and experience, can take on extra responsibilities right from the start.