The Geological Survey of Belgium, part of the Institute of Natural Sciences, is expanding its GeoEnergy team to implement BE.Hydrogen, Belgium’s national geoscientific exploration programme for natural hydrogen.

We are looking for three motivated scientists to help establish the scientific foundations needed to explore natural hydrogen across the Belgian subsurface:

• 1x Geochemist (M/F/X)
  Contribute to geochemical field campaigns and the interpretation of gases, waters and rocks; identify geochemical indicators of natural hydrogen systems; and integrate geochemical results with geological, geophysical and hydrogeological data.
  This is a full-time, two-year position requiring at least two years of relevant experience in geochemistry applied to geological systems.
• View the Geochemist position

• 1x Geomodeller (M/F/X)
  Develop geological and dynamic models of the Belgian subsurface, integrate multidisciplinary geoscientific datasets, investigate subsurface fluid systems and help identify and prioritise areas for exploration.
  This is a full-time, two-year position requiring at least two years of relevant experience in geological modelling and/or dynamic modelling of subsurface fluids.
• View the Geomodeller position

• 1x Junior Geologist (M/F/X)
  Take part in field investigations, collect and critically assess existing data, support the design of exploration campaigns, contribute to geological descriptions and analyses, and help translate field observations into an improved understanding of the Belgian subsurface.
  This is a full-time, one-year position. A Master’s degree in Earth sciences or a related discipline is required, but no specific professional experience is needed.
• View the Junior Geologist position

Location: Geological Survey of Belgium, Brussels

Application deadline: 16 August 2026, included

Candidates should submit an updated CV, a motivation letter, copies of their degree certificates and, where relevant, supporting documents demonstrating their scientific experience. These positions offer the opportunity to work at the interface of field exploration, laboratory analysis, data integration and predictive modelling within a multidisciplinary and international research environment

Key insights from the day:

• Belgian potential: project coordinators Estelle Petitclerc and Kris Welkenhuysen presented the state-of-the-art and plans for Belgian research. The GSB has already identified several theoritical zones of interest based on geological features related to hydrogen-forming processes (see map, numbers don’t represent priority).
• Future knowledge exchange: While the Lorraine case does not provide all the answers for Belgium due to differences in geological setting, it offers valuable opportunities for cross-border exchange of expertise.
• Technology in action: A hot but fascinating site visit of the Pontpierre well provided deep insights into the hydrogen reservoir, exploration techniques, and in-situ hydrogen measurement.

The day received extensive media coverage with interviews of our GSB researchers.

The multi-year programme focuses on two parallel tracks: advanced 3D geological modeling and real-world field detection. Our experts will investigate various formation mechanisms, including oxidation in iron-rich rocks and radiolysis in deep granites, reaching deeper into the Earth’s crust than any previous Belgian mapping efforts. By building specialized analytical capacity, we will validate where hydrogen might be forming, migrating, and accumulating. Several areas in distinct geological settings will be evaluated (indicated by the numbers on the map), providing full coverage of our country.

With this programme, Belgium is positioning itself at the forefront of the green transition. This scientific mission provides the objective data necessary to evaluate whether natural hydrogen can become a strategic asset for Belgium’s sustainable future.

More information can be found in the RBINS press release.

Additional information on the preliminary identification of hydrogen-relevant geological structures is available in our geo-energy report.