Head of Functional Polymeric and Particulate Materials Unit

Are you passionate about research and innovation? Join the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), a leading Research and Technology Organisation driving scientific excellence and applied solutions for real-world challenges in Luxembourg and beyond.

About the Unit

The Functional Polymeric and Particulate Materials Unit develops advanced polymeric and particulate materials through synthesis, formulation, processing, characterisation and modelling. Its research supports mobility, construction, energy and healthcare, with priorities including high-performance and sustainable polymers and nanocomposites; alternative feedstocks such as biomass and waste; advanced manufacturing, additive manufacturing and reactive extrusion; and fundamental understanding through advanced characterisation, modelling, machine learning and AI.

Your role

Working with the Science Director, Valorisation Director and senior management, you will define and implement the Unit’s scientific, innovation and business strategy. You will lead several research groups, manage the Unit’s budget and project portfolio, secure competitive and industrial funding, and ensure high-quality scientific and technological outcomes.

Key responsibilities include:

• Develop strategy, objectives, operational plans and roadmaps aligned with LIST priorities.
• Lead, support and develop multidisciplinary group leaders and teams.
• Manage budgets, resources and a balanced portfolio of competitive, collaborative and industry-funded projects.
• Identify funding opportunities and develop strategic public and private partnerships.
• Build research and technology pipelines addressing market and societal needs.
• Drive valorisation, technology transfer, innovation and impact.
• Monitor performance and adapt priorities to changing conditions.
• Make complex scientific, organisational, financial and resource decisions.
• Represent LIST in scientific, industrial, institutional and policy networks.
• Promote scientific excellence, collaboration, inclusion and accountability.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety and environmental requirements.

Your profile

• PhD in Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, Engineering or a related field.
• Ideally 15+ years’ relevant experience in research and innovation, including substantial scientific leadership and people management.
• Proven experience managing applied research programmes, contractual research and multidisciplinary teams in polymeric/particulate materials or a related field.
• Strong strategic, organisational, leadership, project/programme management and financial skills.
• Experience developing scientific and innovation roadmaps, managing change and making decisions in complex environments.
• Strong stakeholder management, negotiation, presentation and networking skills.
• Collaborative, inclusive and results-oriented leadership style, combining scientific vision with operational, financial and people leadership.
• Excellent spoken and written English; French, German or Luxembourgish is an asset.

What LIST offers

• International, multicultural and inclusive environment with 60+ nationalities.
• Strong RDI partnerships and innovative research infrastructure, including 5,000+ m² of laboratories.
• Learning and development opportunities.
• 32 days’ annual leave, 11 public holidays and a 13th-month salary.
• Statutory health insurance, flexible working hours, home-working policy and digital lunch vouchers.
• Gross salary of €10,500–€13,700/month over 13 months (€136,000–€178,000 annually), depending on profile and experience.

Application & selection

Apply through LIST’s online recruitment system; email applications will not be considered. Submit a cover letter, detailed CV, publication/patent list (where applicable), and two professional references.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Candidates must be available for preliminary online HR and technical interviews and, if shortlisted, final in-person interviews in Luxembourg on 12 November 2026.

LIST is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. Nationality information is collected confidentially for statistical purposes only. Background, export-control and, where legally required, criminal-record checks may apply. By applying, candidates consent to their application being shared with the selection committee, including internal LIST representatives and external experts.

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