Permanent contract | Belval

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.

Do you want to know more about LIST? Check our website: https://www.list.lu/

Context:

You will join the Environmental and Industrial Biotechnologies (BIOTECH) RDI unit. The BIOTECH unit is driving innovation in Plant Cell Biotechnology, Microbiome Engineering, Environmental Biotechnology, and Integrated Bioprocessing. The unit aims to bridge scientific research with industrial applications, focusing on circular economy principles, biomanufacturing, and digital bioprocessing. The activities of the unit include, as a first component, a discovery platform that is based on advanced omics and other modern approaches e.g., synthetic biology, computational biology. The discovery component identifies promising candidates for further asset development. A second component explores and optimizes the potential production of bioactive metabolites and enzymes/proteins and eventually, other macromolecules of interest. This is the bioprocess component: the concerted optimization of the microbial and cellular production hosts [microbial or cell factories], the required nutritional media [media design], and the associated reactor configuration and operational parameters [bioreactor technology]. A third component, or Downstream Bioprocessing secures product recovery and purification according to specifications, followed by product formulation and stabilization. Finally, a fourth component deals with the post-treatment of any side stream generated by the main process to minimize environmental impact and to abide to the principles of the circular economy.

Within the BIOTECH unit, you will lead the Fungal Biotechnology group. This group applies science and engineering principles to accelerate the development of crucial knowledge on the molecular basis of biomass conversion into valuable products by fungi and to apply this knowledge to generate more efficient fungal cell factories that are economically competitive with fossil-resource-based chemical processes.

How will you contribute?

As R&T group leader, you are an internationally recognized professional with proven track record of scientific and technology excellence in the domain of fungal biotechnology. You will be reporting to the Head of Unit and lead an RDI team composed of scientists, engineers, lab technicians and specialists engaged in the definition and execution of RDI projects. In coordination with the Head of Unit you will define the group’s roadmap, its objectives, and break them down into specific objectives for the team. You will manage the group’s project portfolio ensuring alignment with the unit’s portfolio objectives. You will manage the group’s budget and resources, the staff allocation in projects, and supervise performance. Through collaboration with other groups, you will create synergies and actively contribute to the capitalisation and commercialisation of the unit’s RDI assets. You will guide the development of competencies of your group and contribute to build the unit talent pipeline. You are accountable for group’s results and resources management. You demonstrate a background related to the group’s field combined with interdisciplinary work experience and possess strong management and leadership skills. Your ability and experience to lead a team composed of highly skilled professionals and your sound multi-project and/or programs management skills complete your profile.

General roles and responsibilities:

Among other responsibilities, you will:

·        In coordination with the Head of Unit, define the group goals in alignment with the unit strategy. Define, implement, and monitor short/mid/long-term plans to achieve goals. Use a set of KPIs and dashboards to follow up operations and goals achievement. Anticipate events that could affect plans and take actions accordingly. Keep team’s activity aligned to unit strategic roadmaps.

·        Manage the group’s budget; forecast, implement, and follow-up its execution. Be accountable for the appropriate management and use of assigned resources.

·        Manage the group’s project portfolio ensuring a balanced mix of competitive/industry funded projects and a healthy cycle of new/ongoing/to-be-ended projects. Keep RDI projects and initiatives aligned to the unit’s strategy. Provide primary leadership to the submission and execution of RDI projects. Be accountable for the smooth running of the projects and the results obtained.

·        Recommended but not a requirement: Build collaborative relationships with the group's project partners and stakeholders and leverage these relationships to promote the group's projects and initiatives.

·        Be a problem-solver, addressing problems promptly. Make decisions considering various factors, risks, and impact; be accountable for own decisions. Promote and/or contribute to the improvement of RDI methods, processes, or tools to enhance the group’s performance.

·        Motivate your team to innovate and to develop solutions addressing market and societal needs. Guide your group in reaching objectives and recognize effort and success. Help the team to embrace change. Act when conflicts appear.

·        Be the primary responsible for talent management processes for your group (i.e., recruitment, training, performance evaluation, promotions, exits, etc.). Promote and monitor the development of the team's competencies and careers in line with the current and future needs of the group and the unit. Create a positive work environment for sharing experiences and keep learning.

·        Ensure your team respects LIST values, ethical standards, research integrity, and internal rules. Lead by example.

·        Ensure that the work environment of your team remains safe and healthy. Enforce and apply LIST-HSE rules, alert of potential dangers and risks, and ensure your team has acquired the mandatory HSE skills established by LIST.

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

Education

·        PhD in a scientific field related to fungal biotechnology.

Experience and skills

·        Solid RDI work experience and scientific knowledge in the fields of activity of fungal biotechnology

·        Strong management and leadership skills

·        Strong competencies in project management and work organization

·        Experience in budget management and reporting

·        Strong interpersonal and communication skills

·        Proven ability to work with and manage a group of highly skilled professionals with a broad range of cultural and professional background and to foster a collaborative work environment

·        Experience realizing the transition from fundamental research to applied market-relevant technology is considered a strong asset.

·        Familiarity with all the above in an international context

Language skills

·        Strong knowledge of English (both spoken and written) is required. Knowledge of German and/or French 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 in all that we do

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

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

·        Multicultural and international work environment with more than 50 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, 13-month salary, statutory health insurance

·        Flexible working hours, home working policy and access to lunch vouchers

Apply online

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)

Please apply ONLINE formally through the HR system. Applications by email will not be considered.

Application procedure and conditions

We kindly request applicants to provide their nationality for statistical purposes only, as part of our commitment to promoting diversity and ensuring equal opportunities in our workforce. This information will be kept confidential and will not be used for any discriminatory purposes.

LIST is dedicated to maintaining an inclusive work environment and is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to attracting, hiring, and retaining a diverse workforce. All applicants will be considered for employment without discrimination based on national origin, race, colour, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, religion, age, or disability.

Applications will be continuously reviewed until the position is filled. An assessment committee will thoroughly evaluate applications, adhering to guidelines designed to ensure equal opportunities. The primary criteria for selection will be the alignment of the applicant's existing skills and expertise with the requirements mentioned above.