Permanent contract – Belval - Luxembourg
Are you passionate about research? So are we! Come and join us
The Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) is a leading Research and Technology Organisation (RTO) that drives innovation for the economy and society in Luxembourg and beyond. With cutting-edge expertise spanning the natural, built and industrial environments, as well as space, artificial intelligence, security and defence technologies, LIST bridges scientific excellence and applied research to develop solutions to real-world challenges and deliver positive impact.
Do you want to know more about LIST? Check our website: https://www.list.lu/
About the Functional Polymeric and Particulate Materials Unit
The Functional Polymeric and Particulate Materials Unit develops advanced polymeric and particulate materials through synthesis, formulation, processing, characterisation and modelling. Its research focuses on designing high-performance, multifunctional and sustainable materials for applications in sectors such as mobility, construction, energy and healthcare.
The Unit contributes to national and European research and innovation ecosystems by securing competitive funding and developing collaborative projects with industry.
Its main research and innovation priorities include:
- Designing thermoplastics, thermosets, elastomers, nanocomposites and polyelectrolytes with advanced functionality, high performance, enhanced safety and improved sustainability.
- Valorising alternative feedstocks, including lignocellulosic biomass and waste materials, to produce monomers, polymers, additives and particles.
- Developing safe reprocessing and advanced manufacturing technologies, including additive manufacturing, 3D/4D printing and reactive extrusion, to create new materials and components and manage their end-of-life effectively.
- Advancing the fundamental understanding of the structure, viscoelastic, mechanical and tribological performance, and transport behaviour of polymeric materials and nanocomposites through polymer physics, advanced characterisation, molecular modelling, machine learning and artificial intelligence.
How will you contribute?
Working closely with the Science Director, the Valorisation Director and LIST’s senior management, the Head of Unit will define and implement the Unit’s scientific, innovation and business strategy. The successful candidate will lead several research groups, oversee the Unit’s budget and project portfolio, secure competitive and industry funding, and ensure the delivery of high-quality scientific and technological outcomes.
The Head of Unit will be an established scientific and organisational leader with extensive experience in managing multidisciplinary research activities. They will represent LIST among key institutional, academic, industrial and policy stakeholders and strengthen the Unit’s position within national and international research and innovation ecosystems.
Among others your duties may include:
- Define and implement the Unit’s scientific, innovation and business strategy in alignment with LIST’s strategic priorities.
- Translate the Unit’s strategy into clear objectives, operational plans and roadmaps, and monitor progress against agreed targets.
- Lead, support and develop the Unit’s group leaders and multidisciplinary teams, fostering accountability, collaboration and high performance.
- Oversee the Unit’s budget, resources and project portfolio, ensuring a balanced mix of competitive, collaborative and industry-funded activities.
- Prioritise funding opportunities and lead the development and negotiation of strategic collaborations with public and private partners.
- Identify and develop research and technology pipelines that respond to market and societal needs, in cooperation with science, business development and technology transfer colleagues.
- Drive the valorisation and transfer of research outcomes into innovation, impact and new opportunities for LIST.
- Monitor the Unit’s performance through relevant indicators, reports and dashboards, and take timely action when priorities or external conditions change.
- Make decisions on complex scientific, organisational, financial and resource-related matters, while supporting group leaders in resolving challenging situations.
- Represent LIST within relevant scientific, industrial, institutional and policy networks, and strengthen relationships with partners and stakeholders.
- Promote an inclusive culture of scientific excellence, open collaboration, innovation and results orientation across the Unit.
- Ensure a safe and healthy working environment by applying LIST’s health, safety and environmental requirements and ensuring that mandatory training is completed.
Is Your profile described below? Are you our future colleague? Apply now!
Education and professional experience
- A PhD in Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, Engineering or a closely related field.
- At least 15 years of relevant professional experience in a research and innovation environment, including substantial experience in scientific leadership and people management.
- A proven track record of managing applied research programmes, contractual research activities and multidisciplinary teams in polymeric and particulate materials or a closely related field.
Leadership and technical expertise
- Strong strategic, organisational and leadership capabilities, with demonstrated experience in developing and implementing scientific and innovation roadmaps.
- Proven ability to lead, motivate and develop highly skilled professionals from diverse cultural, disciplinary and professional backgrounds.
- Broad knowledge of national and international research, technology and innovation ecosystems relevant to the Unit.
- Strong understanding of budget management, financial analysis, resource allocation and performance reporting.
- Strong knowledge of project and programme management.
- Demonstrated ability to manage organisational change, set priorities and make sound decisions in a complex research environment.
- Strong stakeholder-management, negotiation, influencing, presentation and networking skills.
Personal attributes
- A collaborative and inclusive leadership style, combined with a strong focus on excellence, impact and accountability.
- The ability to combine scientific vision with operational, financial and people leadership.
- Excellent judgement, integrity and the ability to work effectively with senior internal and external stakeholders.
- A structured and results-oriented approach, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
Language skills
- Excellent written and spoken English, together with outstanding interpersonal and communication skills.
- Knowledge of French, German or Luxembourgish would be considered 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 60 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 (not remote) and access to Digital lunch vouchers
Apply online
Your application must include:
- A cover letter explaining your motivation for applying and highlighting your relevant leadership, scientific and management experience.
- A detailed curriculum vitae, including your contact details.
- A list of publications and patents, where applicable.
- Contact details for two professional references.
Applications must be submitted through LIST’s online recruitment system. Applications sent by email will not be considered.
Selection process and key dates
Candidates must be available to participate in two preliminary online interviews—an HR interview and a technical interview—and, if shortlisted, to attend the final in-person interviews in Luxembourg on 12 November 2026.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Candidates are therefore encouraged to apply as early as possible. The recruitment process may close once a suitable candidate has been identified.
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, ethnicity, 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.
As part of our recruitment process, the selected candidate might be subject to a background check in accordance with applicable laws and institutional policies. Further checks and restrictions might apply to candidates in compliance with export controls requirements.
For the purposes of the position and in accordance with applicable legislation, the successful candidate may be requested to provide a recent criminal record certificate.
This position offers a gross monthly salary between €10’500 and €13’700, paid over 13 months (€136’000–€178’000 annually) based on full-time employment. The final salary offer within this range will be determined based on the candidate’s overall profile, qualifications and professional experience.
Please note that, by submitting your application, you consent to it being shared with members of the selection committee, including both internal LIST representatives and external experts.