Head of Unit - Energy

Permanent contract 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/

 How will you contribute?

The Energy unit deals with different topics in the field of energy technology and energy systems that help accelerate the energy transition and aim towards a more sustainable future. With a comprehensive approach combining different aspects of the energy system, the unit integrates every aspect of the energy system value chain, from materials and components to complete energy systems. Key offerings include product development and (research) services in the field of energy generation, storage, energy grids and energy efficiency. The research in the Energy unit also highlights the transformative potential of hydrogen energy as a cornerstone of decarbonization. Equally important for a future-oriented, fair and economical energy supply is the digitalization of the entire energy system, systemic solutions and the inclusion of framework conditions in the area of climate and environment. 

With the joint collaboration of the Valorisation and Scientific Directors, the Head of RDI Unit

• Leads the innovation and business activities of a RDI unit which includes multiple groups or teams.
• Owns the unit strategy, defines the unit innovation roadmap, and leads its implementation.
• Defines the unit annual plan and budget and is accountable for implementation.
• Supported by Business Development and Science Partners, brings contracts, enhances unit's project portfolio, and secures funding for unit's activity.
• Has overall responsibility and accountability for the unit's performance and results.
• Is an established leader with extensive experience in leading RDI groups and managing the lifecycle of complex research activities.
• Has strong interdisciplinary knowledge of the fields under responsibility and possesses proven management and leadership skills.
• Is a representative of LIST in front of stakeholders and builds formal and informal links with relevant networks to promote the unit's activities. 

GENERAL ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Among others, and depending on their area of activity, their duties may include:

• Together with the Science Director and/or LIST top management, defines the RDI unit strategy and the innovation roadmap ensuring adherence and compatibility with LIST strategic goals and priorities.
• Deploys and implements the unit strategy, defines plans and tactics, monitors progress, and adjusts unit strategy in response to changing market and scientific priorities. In coordination with their group leaders, breaks-down unit goals into objectives and goals for each of their RDI groups. Guides and supports group leaders in the achievement of groups' objectives.
• Is accountable for the definition, execution, and monitoring of the unit's budget. In coordination with group leaders, optimises allocation of resources to projects and activities.
• Oversees the unit project portfolio ensuring a balanced mix of industrial and competitive funded projects, and a healthy cycle of new/ongoing/to-be-ended projects. Leads the prioritisation of competitive funding opportunities and the definition and negotiation of collaborations with private and public partners in coordination with group leaders and the support of Business Development Officers and Science Business Partners. Oversees groups' efforts to secure funding.
• With the support of science partners and the Science Director, identifies and coordinates the development of technology pipelines that respond to market and societal needs. Leads the capitalisation of RDI assets and the transformation of knowledge and interdisciplinary work into innovations. Guides teams to deliver results and innovations.
• Is accountable for the overall performance and the results delivered by the unit. Follows-up and monitors the unit activity through reports and dashboards. Monitors trends or external factors that could impact the unit plans and activities.
• Makes decisions about complex issues concerning their unit. Is aware of the impact of own decisions on the unit activities and remains accountable for them. Coaches and supports group leaders in decision making.
• Solves issues related to resource allocation, budget, fund sourcing, and team coordination. Guides and supports group leaders to solve issues. Intervenes in complex/challenging situations.
• Recommended but not a requirement: Is wired into relevant business/innovation/policy networks and the national and international RDI ecosystem. Makes smart use of their networks to build business relationships with partners and stakeholders and identify business/collaboration opportunities. Strengthen the relationships with unit's partners and stakeholders, including executive leadership.
• Acts as a LIST ambassador.
• Strengthen a culture of open collaboration, work excellence, result orientation, impact and innovation across the unit. Builds strong teams that capitalize on different expertise, competencies, interdisciplinary, and backgrounds. Demonstrates exemplary behaviour and is a role model for managers and employees.
• Ensures that the work environment of their team remains safe and healthy. Enforces and applies LISTHSE rules, alert of potential dangers and risks, and ensure their team has acquired the mandatory HSE skills established by LIST. 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONSEducation

• The successful candidate will require a PhD in energy engineering, energy technologies or a related field, alongside ideally a minimum of 10 years of leadership experience within an equivalent research environment.
• He/she should have a demonstrated ability to manage commercial and contractual activities that support the energy sector. 

Experience and skills

• Solid strategy, management, and leadership skills, and the ability and experience to lead multiple interdisciplinary teams. Proven ability to develop strategic plans and draw roadmaps to achieve goals.
• Solid knowledge of the research, technology, and innovation activity at national/international level related to the unit and relevant experience across multiple related disciplines.
• Good knowledge of budget implementation, financial analysis, and reporting.
• Strong excellent knowledge of project and program management.

Personal attributes

• Proven ability to work with and manage a group of highly skilled professionals with a broad range of cultural, professional, and motivational background and to foster a collaborative work environment.
• Excellent presentation and networking skills.
• Well-organized with an eye for detail.
• A good team player but also able to work independently.

Language skills

• Possesses outstanding interpersonal and communication skills in English, written and orally.  

OTHER

• Job subject to the availability of an open position.
• The appointment will be made after a formal selection process.  

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)
• Contact details of 2 references 

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.