Principal Investigator - Madrid - Funditec

Descripción

The Foundation for Technological Development and Innovation ( Funditec ) is a non-profit applied research centre that promotes technological innovation as a driver of competitiveness and sustainability. With a practical, market-oriented approach, it develops solutions that address the challenges of digital transformation and ecological transition.

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FUNDITEC is currently seeking a Principal Investigator based in Madrid to carry out activities within the Funditec Research Science Area.

As a Principal Investigator (PI) at FUNDITEC, you will lead a research group and drive high-impact R&D projects aligned with European and international innovation agendas. You will be responsible for building and coordinating multidisciplinary consortia, preparing competitive proposals, and ensuring the successful technical and scientific execution of awarded projects. This role requires strategic vision, scientific leadership, and strong project management skills to translate research into tangible societal and industrial outcomes.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Scientific & Technical Leadership

• Design, plan, and lead research projects within your area of expertise, ensuring technical excellence, innovation, and alignment with FUNDITEC's strategic objectives.
• Supervise researchers and technical staff, fostering a collaborative and productive research environment.
• Generate high-quality scientific outcomes, including publications, patents, and technological developments ready for industrial or societal transfer.
• Identify and define new research lines in coordination with division directors and strategic priorities.

European Proposal Development

• Lead the preparation of competitive proposals under European programmes (Horizon Europe, EIC, EDF, LIFE, CBE, etc.), including scientific writing (Excellence, Methodology, Impact sections).
• Coordinate consortium building, aligning industrial, academic, and institutional partners toward shared objectives.
• Ensure proposals align with European policy priorities (Green Deal, Farm to Fork, Food 2030, etc.) and FUNDITEC's mission.

Project Execution & Management

• Lead the technical execution of awarded projects, ensuring the timely delivery of milestones, deliverables, and KPIs.
• Oversee budget planning, governance structures, and reporting, in collaboration with Project Managers (PMs).
• Manage risks, ethics, and data according to EU standards and open science practices.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS

• Proven experience in drafting and coordinating European R&D proposals (Horizon Europe or equivalent).
• Strong scientific and technical writing in English (C1 level or higher).
• Ability to structure and lead international, multidisciplinary consortia.
• Strategic understanding of EU research frameworks, funding logic, and impact pathways.
• Excellent project management, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Leadership, integrity, and ability to inspire and guide a diverse research team.
• Results-oriented mindset focused on innovation, impact, and sustainability.

SPECIFIC EXPERTISE – GAS CAPTURE & SEPARATION TECHNOLOGIES

As a Principal Investigator in Gas Capture & Separation Technologies , you will lead FUNDITEC's research efforts dedicated to the development of advanced processes and materials for gas purification, decarbonization, and circular carbon management. You will contribute to the creation of next-generation CCUS (Carbon Capture, Utilization & Storage) technologies and related systems that support Europe's transition to a low-carbon and sustainable economy.

Scientific Focus Areas

• Carbon Capture, Utilization & Storage (CCUS): Development of innovative capture and conversion processes for CO2, CH4, H2, N2, and NH3.
• Gas Separation & Purification: Design and optimization of gas separation units using absorption, membrane permeation, stripping, or hybrid systems.
• Process Design & Engineering: Simulation, assembly, and fine-tuning of separation and purification equipment, integrating energy efficiency principles.
• Circular & Bio-based Systems: Valorization of carbon streams and industrial off-gases for use in bioeconomy and chemical manufacturing.
• Catalysis & Membrane Technologies: Advanced materials and catalysts to enhance separation performance, selectivity, and energy recovery.
• Experimental Development: Implementation of pilot-scale systems and validation of results under industrially relevant conditions.
• Environmental & Economic Assessment: Integration of LCA, TEA, and sustainability criteria in process design for technology scalability.

Additional Assets

• PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Sciences , or related disciplines.
• Demonstrated experience in Horizon Europe (Clusters 4, 5 & 6) or equivalent programmes.
• Proven leadership in international R&D&I projects and multidisciplinary collaborations (RTDs, SMEs, large enterprises, universities).
• Familiarity with EU project budgeting, financial justification, and exploitation/IPR frameworks .
• Experience in process design, pilot plant development , and industrial transfer.
• Scientific publications or patents related to gas separation, membranes, or CCUS technologies .
• Participation in European networks, partnerships, or initiatives related to decarbonization and sustainable process technologies .

What do we offer?

• Permanent contract.
• Flexible working hours so you can balance your personal life and professional development.
• Remuneration in line with your experience, training and development.
• Flexible remuneration.
• 23 working days of holiday + days as per agreement

What is it like to work at FUNDITEC?

Joining our team means working in a cutting-edge and unique environment that will allow you to participate in technological development and innovation, offering solutions adapted to current economic and social needs. xsgfvud

If you consider yourself a strong team player who also has a high degree of autonomy, if you are capable of contributing solutions and ideas and are an analytical person, don't wait any longer. This is the project for you, and we want to meet you