Looking for an impactful role? Does driving Luxembourg and Europe to the top of R&D in the field of new single-atom catalysts appeal to you? This extraordinary position is for you!
Our client is a mission-oriented Research and Technology Organisation (RTO) active in the fields of materials, environment, and IT. They develop competitive and market-oriented product/service prototypes for public and private actors and work along the whole innovation chain: from basic/applied research, to incubation and technology transfer.
The MRT (Material Research & Technology) department, with its 200 researchers and engineers, develops activities based on five thematic pillars: nanomaterials, nanotechnology, scientific instrumentation and process technology, structural composites, and functional polymers. The department also includes four high-tech platforms, focusing on composites, prototyping, characterization and testing. These platforms serve both internal research staff, and other stakeholders in Luxembourg.
Your role
As head-of-RDI unit, you will:
- Provide leadership and strategic vision for the nanomaterials RDI unit and manage two research groups: Powder and Colloids Engineering (PACE) and the (future) Heterogeneous Catalysis and Functional Membranes.
- Lead and develop excellent research and innovation roadmaps at national and international levels, contributing to the overall strategy of Luxembourg and Europe in the field of novel single-atom catalysts for (photo)electrochemical reactions (OER, ORR, HER, HOR, CO2RR) that will decisively contribute to the energy-efficient use of H2 and CO2 into multiple technologies.
- Drive the continued creation of impact from excellent research output, in particular through the development of (inter)national collaborations & partnerships underpinning the development of three instrumental technologies:
- i) (Photo)electrochemical cells for the generation of clean H2,
- ii) Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel-Cells,
- iii) (photo)-electrochemical conversion of CO2.
- Develop the new research unit in the area of nanomaterials and their applications. The specific group dealing with heterogeneous catalysis and functional membranes will receive support through the PEARL program of FNR, which aims at recruiting outstanding scientists in strategically important areas to develop and strengthen Luxembourg’s national research priorities. The research group, that you will directly manage, thus enjoys a start-up package with a financial contribution of approximately €6 million for five years and €1 million for CAPEX and will fully benefit from the top-level research infrastructure of the department (in a new building).
- Develop & manage a broad team of PhD candidates, post-docs, permanent researchers and engineers.
- Generate further research income through applications to major national and international funding bodies.
- Undertake and publish high-quality research for international reputation and scholarly merit.
- Communicate research strategy and outcomes to both external and internal stakeholders.
Further details on PEARL program of FNR https://www.fnr.lu/funding-instruments/pearl/
Your profile
You are an internationally recognized Leading Researcher (PhD + 12 years of experience) in a relevant subfield of catalysis in academia and industry with a proven track record, including:
- Outstanding publications, patents, scientific achievements & applied technology demonstration (PoC)
- Solid experience in developing and leading research programmes
- A record of obtaining external funding (e.g., European projects)
- Experience contributing to doctoral training and technology transfer activities
- The capacity to manage strong strategic collaborations & partnerships
Your scientific expertise is preferably in:
- New single-atom catalysts, improving the efficiency of (photo)electrochemical reactions / Energy-efficient use of H2 and CO2
You can run & develop a research unit as readily as you can build & manage research teams. You are intimately familiar with both research with industry, and the exploitation of research to industrialise innovative technology is part of your DNA. You understand the political and financial stakes at play. You act as an ambassador for your institution and are comfortable dealing with (inter)national public authorities, private organization & other stakeholders.
You have a passionate and entrepreneurial mindset and are able to demonstrate an understanding of the business aspects of the future of hydrogen and CO2 economy. As an entrepreneur, it is second nature for you to develop commercial opportunities and partnerships. You are highly communicative, truly collaborative and very organized. As a leader, you are active, decisive, charismatic and inspirational. You are proficient in English. A good level of French or German would be considered as an asset.
If you wish to give a prestigious boost to your career as a Leading Researcher, Head of Unit in a famous Luxembourg RTO and contribute to one of today's greatest technological challenges, please send your application (scientific CV + list of publications/patents + cover letter + salary expectations) to Adoc Talent Management.