About the Opportunity

This research is conducted in collaboration with Qbus, a pioneer in smart home automation technology, and aims to bridge academic insights with practical business applications. Are you passionate about harnessing data to create innovative solutions for energy management and smart home technologies? Do you aspire to earn a PhD while addressing real-world challenges? Join us to explore groundbreaking AI and data analytics applications that can transform how energy is managed in residential and commercial buildings.

Your Mission

Academic Focus

• Complete a 4-year PhD journey on data analytics and AI in smart homes and energy management.
• Conduct and disseminate academic and applied research through publications, reports, and workshops.
• Present findings at academic conferences and engage with the research community.
• Collaborate with faculty and researchers at Vlerick Business School to advance knowledge in this domain.

Business Relevance

• Lead the establishment of a new Data Competence Center at Qbus, aligned with its data and analysis strategy.
• Collaborate with various departments to translate business needs into data-driven solutions.
• Design, implement, and scale proof-of-concept projects, including descriptive analytics, automation, and machine learning applications.
• Develop innovative models for energy optimization, customer segmentation, and generative AI applications.
• Contribute to the transition of Qbus’s data architecture to a data warehouse framework.
• Educate and train Qbus colleagues on leveraging data tools for organizational growth.

Eligibility Requirements

Education and Skills

• A Master’s degree in business analytics, artificial intelligence, data science, business engineering, computer science, statistics, or a related field.
• Strong academic record, with distinctions at the Bachelor’s and Master’s levels preferred.
• Proficiency in data analytics, machine learning, and programming languages such as Python and SQL.
• Experience with reporting tools like Power BI or Looker and knowledge of Amazon Web Services (AWS) is a plus.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, in English (Dutch is an asset).
• Ability to balance academic research with practical, business-focused problem-solving.

What We Offer

• Autonomy and Impact: Drive meaningful projects that shape the future of smart home technology and energy management.
• Comprehensive Support: Collaborate with a team of academic and business experts.
• Flexibility and Balance: Enjoy 30+ holidays, hybrid work options, and a supportive work environment.
• Personal and Professional Growth: Engage in cutting-edge research and stay ahead in AI and energy management trends.
• Sustainability Focus: Contribute to projects with real-world impact on energy efficiency and sustainability.

How to Apply

Submit your application through the Vlerick Business School website, including:

• Resume (CV)
• Motivation Letter outlining your research interests and career goals.
• Bachelor’s and Master’s Transcripts
• If available, results of TOEFL/IELTS and GRE scores.