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 research support contributor? Join our Environmental Research and Innovation department

The Environmental Research and Innovation (ERIN) department, made up of 200 life science, environmental science and information technology researchers and engineers, provides the interdisciplinary knowledge, expertise and technologies to lead solutions including the major environmental challenges facing society, such as climate change mitigation, ecosystem resilience, sustainable energy systems, efficient use of renewable resources, and environmental pollution prevention and control.

You will join the Environmental Sustainability Assessment and Circularity (SUSTAIN) Unit of ERIN. SUSTAIN develops knowledge, transferable (software) technologies, practical methods and outreach activities for the simulation and comprehensive sustainability assessment of societal systems. Its final purpose is to foster sustainable eco-innovation, through products and technologies, as well as support sustainability-oriented policy implementation and behavioural change to promote decarbonisation transitions.

Within the SUSTAIN Unit, you will be incorporated in the Life Cycle Sustainability Analysis (LCSA) research group. The group consists of ca. 25 researchers developing sustainability metrics and indicators, to assess the environmental and social impacts of products, technologies, territories and policies, for both industrial organisations and policy makers.

How will you contribute?

We are looking for an experienced researcher in Natural Capital modelling and accounting, with a marked interest for the evaluation of ecosystem services (physical and monetary) aligned with the EU’s system of environmental Economic Accounting (SEEA). In the short and medium term, the position will entail research activities around the linking of ecosystem accounts with industrial ecology models, in particular Life Cycle Assessment and economic models, to evaluate the relationships between ecosystems and the economy.

Based on this knowledge, we expect to develop methodologies and tools to support the management of natural resources and the design and implementation of nature-based solutions. Moreover, in the framework of Sustainable Finance, particular focus will be given to the assessment of double materiality metrics related to biodiversity and ecosystem quality to support financial institutions and industries in reporting requirements. In the medium to long term, we expect to strengthen the activities and eventually develop a new research line on biodiversity evaluation for Sustainability Assessment.

You will be integrated in a team of experienced researchers in sustainability assessment, characterized by a broad range of expertise and diverse cultural backgrounds, and united by the common purpose of sustaining the sustainability transition.

Your main missions will include:

• Develop R&D activities on natural capital modelling and accounting, in the framework of European and national research projects and collaborative/contract research projects with industrial partners.
• Attract European and national funding, by submitting highly competitive research proposals as principal investigator or contributor, in the field of natural capital modelling and accounting.
• Publish high-quality research articles in peer-reviewed international journals.
• Generate and protect IP in the context of your research activities (e.g., patents, licenses).
• Attend international conferences.

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

You hold a PhD in Ecosystem Services, Natural Capital Accounting or Industrial Ecology as well as a master’s degree in Environmental Engineering, Environmental Economics or Environmental Science.

You also have:

• Proven previous experience in Ecosystem Services assessment and modelling (including use of Common International Classification of Ecosystem Services);
• Previous experience in Natural Capital accounting and Sustainability assessment;
• Proven organizational skills and interdisciplinary thinking, a problem-solving mind-set, and a strong team-working capability, but is also able to work in autonomy and creatively;
• Master at least a programming language (Python preferred).

Additionally, will be considered as an asset:

• Knowledge of industrial ecology methodologies;
• Proven experience in working in an interdisciplinary context;
• Previous experience in EU proposals writing;
• Previous experience with international standards and initiatives for the accounting and valuation of Ecosystem Services and Natural Capital and Biodiversity (e.g., UN’s System of Environmental Economic Accounting, ISO 14007, 14008).

On top of that, you have an excellent command both spoken and written in English. Knowledge of Luxembourgish, French and/or German is considered as an asset.

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, including innovations such as our Viswall, high-scale incubators and top of the range 3D/4D printings that are part of our toolkit for excelling in all we do;

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.

Apply online

https://www.list.lu/en/jobs/

Your application must include:

• A motivation letter oriented towards the position and detailing your experience;
• A scientific CV with contact details;
• List of publications (and patents, if applicable);
• Contact details of 2 references.

Application procedure and conditions

• LIST is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to hiring and retaining diverse personnel. We value all applicants and will consider all competent candidates for employment without regard to national origin, race, colour, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, religion, age or disability;
• Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled;
• An assessment committee will review the applications and select candidates based on guidelines that aim to ensure equal opportunities; 
• The main criteria for selection will be the correspondence of the existing skills and expertise of the applicant with the requirements mentioned above.