Are you passionate about research? So are we! Come and join us

The Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) is a Research and Technology Organization (RTO) active in the fields of materials, environment and IT. By transforming scientific knowledge into technologies, smart data and tools, LIST empowers citizens in their choices, public authorities in their decisions and businesses in their strategies.

https://www.list.lu/

You ‘d like to contribute as a researcher? Join our Materials Research and Technology department

Through its research into advanced materials and processes, the “Materials Research and Technology” (MRT) department, with its 200 researchers and engineers, contributes to the emergence of enabling technologies based on scientific excellence that underpin the innovation processes of local and international industry. MRT’s activities hinge on five thematic pillars: nanomaterials, nanotechnology, scientific instrumentation and process technology, structural composites, and functional polymers.

Aside its top-notched research laboratories, the department also manages four high-tech infrastructure, focusing on composites, prototyping, advanced manaterials characterization and testing. These platforms serve both LIST research staff, and other stakeholders in Luxembourg.

Responsibilities

You ‘d like to contribute as a Head of Unit? Join our MRT Management Team

As head-of-RDI unit of LIST, you have a high-level profile showing a combination of skills dealing with: i) scientific and technology excellence as recognized by top-track records in publications, patents and applied technology demonstration ii) managerial experience in supervising PhD students and post-docs but also a team of permanent researchers and engineers iii) set-up of large research program and their management iv) strategic thinking to set research roadmaps v) a set of communication skills advocating research strategy and outcomes towards external and internal stakeholders vi) science and technology analysis to timely benchmark research results vs. the technology trends and the market needs.

You will provide leadership and vision for the nanomaterials RDI unit and manage two research groups: Powder and Colloids Engineering (PACE) and the future heterogenous catalysis and functional membranes.

How will you contribute?

You will lead and develop excellent research and innovation at national and international levels, contributing to the overall strategy of Luxembourg and Europe in the field of novel single-atom catalysts for electro-or photoelectrochemical reactions that will decisively contribute to the energy-efficient use of H2 and CO2 into multiple technologies. You will drive the continued creation of impact from excellent research outputs, in particular through the development of national and international collaborations and partnerships underpinning the development of three instrumental technologies: i) Photoelectrochemical cells for the generation of clean H2, ii) Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel-Cells and iii) (photo)-electrochemical conversion of CO2.

You will develop the newly research unit in the area of nanomaterials and their applications. The specific group dealing with heterogenous 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. Overall, the PEARL program will address unique research goal outcomes in Luxembourg by delivering innovative Single-Atom Catalysts aiming at significantly improving the performance of electrochemical reactions (OER, ORR, HER, HOR, CO2RR) involved in many of the required clean technologies contributing to solve the global warming challenge. 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 MRT. You are expected to generate further research income through applications to major national and international funding bodies. You will undertake and publish high-quality research for international reputation and scholarly merit.

Further details on PEARL program of FNR https://www.fnr.lu/funding-instruments/pearl/

Must-have requirements

Is Your profile described below? Are you our future colleague? Apply now!

You are internationally recognized with experience building and managing teams and acquiring competitive and industrial research funding. Being familiar with research with industry, as well as with the exploitation of the research towards technology, leading to innovation or industrialization is part of your dna. You have a strong experience in establishing and leading collaborative research projects with industry and academic partners and you have proven your experience in European projects and road mapping.

You also have

• Proven scientific track record in a relevant sub-domain of catalysis.
• Able to demonstrate an excellent understanding of the catalytic materials applications with a focus on clean-technologies and clean hydrogen.
• You will put forward a clear research agenda taking into account applications.

An entrepreneurial mindset able to demonstrate an understanding of the business aspects related to future hydrogen and CO2 economy is your passion. As an entrepreneur, it is your second nature to develop commercial opportunities and partnerships.

You also have:

• PhD in a relevant sub-domain of catalytic materials – preferably single-atom heterogenous catalysis and their applications in Hydrogen technologies
• Minimum of 15 years of professional experience with at least 12 years of research experience after the PhD
• International reputation for excellence in research demonstrated through an outstanding publication record
• Established record of attracting external funding and engagement in PhD education, knowledge transfer activities
• Track record in collaborative and contract research projects working with the academic and private European sector
• A confirmed record of accomplishment in leadership and management and experience in building collaborations among disciplines
• Ability to represent and promote LIST-MRT to public authorities, private organisations and other stakeholders, both nationally and internationally
• Excellent communicative, collaborative and organisational skills
• Proven managerial and leadership skills: she/he will be active, decisive, strategic, charismatic and a good communicator

Finally, you are proficient in English. A good level of French or German will be considered as an asset.

We offer

Your LIST benefits

An organization with a passion for impact and strong RDI partnerships in Luxembourg and Europe that works on responsible and independent research projects;

Sustainable by design, empowering our belief that we play an essential role in paving the way to a green society;

Innovative infrastructures and exceptional labs occupying more than 5,000 square metres;

Multicultural and international work environment with more than 45 nationalities represented in our workforce; 

Diverse and inclusive work environment empowering our people to fulfil their personal and professional ambitions;

Gender-friendly environment with multiple actions to attract, develop and retain women in science;

32 days paid annual leave, 11 public holidays, flexible working hours, 13-month salary, statutory health insurance and access to lunch vouchers;

Personalized learning programme to foster our staff’s soft and technical skills;

An environment encouraging curiosity, innovation and entrepreneurship in all areas.

Has this vacancy caught your interest?

Please apply in English by sending your CV, motivation letter, list of publications, list of research projects and a list of taught courses.

Completed applications or any queries should be sent to Laurence THEUNIS, PhD Theunis at adoc-tm.com

Please be aware that this job position is advertised within the framework of the PEARL programme, a funding programme designed and established by the FNR (“Fonds National de la Recherche”) with the purposes of attracting talented researchers to Luxembourg.

More information about the PEARL programme can be found at the following link: https://www.fnr.lu/funding-instruments/pearl/.

In this context, all applications will be initially screened, and a first round of interviews will be organised by an external recruitment agency, Adoc Talent Management with whom LIST has signed all the appropriate contractual agreements in order to ensure an appropriate level of protection of your personal data.

Successful candidates will be then asked to participate in the second phase of the recruiting, in which LIST, FNR will be involved. We are committed to ensure that each processing and transfer of data between LIST and its partners or providers is protected and complies with applicable data protection legislation.