Sd-25018 - Group Leader Responsive Polymeric And Particulate Materials

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 Functional Polymeric and Particulate Materials (FPPM) RDI unit. The FPPM unit addresses the synthesis, formulation and processing of polymers and (nano)particles to achieve specific properties enhancements and multi-functionality through both experimental and numerical approaches. Materials classes of interest include components (monomers, polymers, additives, (nano)particles, etc.) utilized in high-performance polymeric materials with relevance in the mobility, housing, energy and health sectors. The unit pursues funding and carries out research through industrial contracts and competitive projects sponsored at the Luxembourgish and European levels and is organised into two research groups focused on 1) the realisation of sustainable polymeric and particulate materials (SPPM) and 2) the chemistry and physics of smart / responsive polymeric and particulate materials (RPPM).

The unit’s key research challenges are:

• Design of polymeric materials such as thermoplastics, thermosets, elastomers and (nano)composites with advanced functionality, high performance, enhanced safety and sustainability in mind, in service of industrial and societal needs
• Valorisation of alternative feedstocks (biomass, waste materials, etc.) for the generation of monomers, polymers, additives and (nano)particles
• Development of novel, safe (re)processing and advanced manufacturing technologies, including additive manufacturing, 3D/4D printing and reactive extrusion, for efficiently producing new materials and managing end-of-life
• Generation of the fundamental understanding essential to the control of structure, viscoelastic, mechanical and tribological performance and transport behaviour of polymeric materials and (nano)composites through polymer physics, advanced characterisation and molecular modelling

Within the FPPM unit, you will lead the Responsive Polymeric and Particulate Materials (RPPM) group. This group utilizes new synthetic approaches and advanced processing, informed by polymer physics, to realize and control the response of novel functional polymeric materials and (nano)composites as well as the components from which they are produced (monomers, polymers, additives, (nano)particles, etc.). Research challenges address the creation of advanced organic materials for actuators, energy storage, sorption, transport and sensing applications as a primary focus for the group, as does the application of advanced polymer chemistry and engineering approaches to generate high performance polymers, elastomers and (nano)composites. Also implied are parallel challenges related to the development of novel computational approaches concerning polymer melts (single & multiphase) and solutions and their interactions with (nano)particles, as well as the understanding, prediction and design of (ionic) nanocomposite structure and behavior (e.g. viscoelastic, mechanical, tribological, transport, etc.). Finally, the desire to create smart / responsive materials means addressing challenges associated with 3D/4D printing as a novel means of producing functional structures and shape memory materials.

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 functional responsive polymeric and particulate materials. 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.
• Be the project manager for all projects within your group. 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 project. 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 the scope of the responsive polymeric and particulate materials group, e.g. physical chemistry, chemical physics, polymer science / engineering / processing, polymer chemistry and/or physics or materials science or a related field.

Experience and skills

• Solid RDI work experience and scientific knowledge in the fields of activity of the RPPM group as described above
• 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)
• 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.