Principal investigator (PI) / Research Team Lead

Key Responsibilities

Research Strategy & Internal Alignment

Align scientific research with commercial strategy by converting technology challenges into actionable hypotheses and an integrated R&D agenda. Define the scientific questions, hypotheses, and integrated research agenda for responsible research direction, aligned with the company's technology roadmap and business goals. Act as the primary technical interface with internal stakeholders (engineering, operations, business development, regulatory/IP), external academic and industrial partners.

Technology development & delivery

Design research and experimental plans, data collection, and analysis pipelines, ensuring robust, reproducible and transferable results. Drive the technology along the TRL ladder toward pilot and first-of-a-kind plant Champion IP generation: identify, document and file patentable inventions and trade secrets in cooperation with the IP team.

Team Building & Mentoring

Assemble and attract a team of researchers, technicians, and Co-PIs. Provide training for less experienced personnel and foster a collaborative, safety-first lab culture. Grow internal capabilities in catalysis, scale up and process engineering.

Communication

Deliver clear, decision-ready reports to internal leadership and external partners. Report deliverable both internally and to partners. Required Qualifications & Experience (7+ years of experience)

Doctorate (or equivalent) in chemical engineering, catalysis, energy/process engineering, chemistry, or related discipline, with a strong record in fuel synthesis. Demonstrated expertise in biofuel/e-fuel value chain. Proven record of project delivery - taking research from bench concepts toward pilot/demo scale on budget and on schedule. Excellent written and oral communication, collaborative mindset, and adaptability.