SD-26113- HEAD OF THE LUXEMBOURG ECO-HYDROLOGICAL OBSERVATORY
Permanent contract | Belvaux
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 Organization (RTO) that drives innovation for the economy and society in Luxembourg and beyond. With cutting-edge expertise in Natural, Built, Industrial environments, Space, AI, Security and defence technologies. LIST bridges scientific excellence and applied research to design solutions that address real-world challenges and create positive impact.
Do you want to know more about LIST? Check our website: https://www.list.lu/
How will you contribute?
The Luxembourg Eco-hydrological Observatory combines expertise in mechatronics, drone services, hydro-meteorological monitoring, and database management to provide comprehensive environmental monitoring solutions for research and institutional partners. A key asset is LIST’s long-standing hydro-meteorological network in the Alzette and Sûre River basins, operating since 1995 and covering 40 nested catchments across diverse spatial and physiographical settings.
You will lead the operational, administrative, and strategic management of the Luxembourg Eco-hydrological Observatory, with the objective of ensuring the effective delivery and visibility of its expertise and services. In this role, you will combine leadership in field operations, environmental data and database management, mechatronics, and institutional representation.
More specifically, your key duties and responsibilities will consist of:
- Operational Management
– Plan, coordinate, and oversee all field activities, e.g., environmental monitoring, sampling campaigns, and on-site data collection.
– Supervise the deployment and maintenance of complex sensor networks.
– Ensure that field operations are carried out efficiently, safely, and in compliance with established protocols and quality standards.
- Data and Database Management
– Manage environmental databases, including data collection workflows, validation, storage, maintenance, and accessibility.
– Ensure data quality (i.e., integrity, consistency, and traceability) in line with scientific and regulatory requirements.
– Coordinate with the IT team to support continuous improvement of data management systems.
- Administrative and Organizational Responsibilities
– Perform and oversee administrative tasks, e.g., planning, reporting, budgeting support, and coordination with internal services.
– Contribute to operational planning and ensure proper documentation of observatory activities.
- Development and Promotion of Know-how
– Promote and market know-how, methodologies, and services to external stakeholders, partners, and clients.
– Represent the observatory professionally, ensuring alignment with institutional strategies and objectives.
– Act in the interest of the organization by promoting collective expertise.
Is Your profile described below? Are you our future colleague? Apply now!
- Level of education required and covered topics:
– Advanced degree (Master or PhD) in environmental sciences / engineering, geosciences, data management, or a related field.
- Experience and skills
– Senior professional profile with demonstrated experience in:
– Environmental engineering and/or scientific research (with recognized expertise in Critical Zone sciences)
– Team and operational management
– Proven ability to manage complex activities spanning fieldwork, data systems, and administration.
– Strong organizational, communication, and stakeholder-facing skills.
– Proven management experience, including supervision of teams, coordination of complex activities, and operational leadership.
– Ability to inform and align the team on ongoing and upcoming projects, ensuring transparency, shared understanding, and coordinated execution.
– Demonstrated delegation and negotiation skills, enabling effective task distribution.
- Preferred number of years of experience in relevant topics: 8 years of experience.
- Hard skills
– Project management: ability to plan, execute, and oversee projects to ensure they are completed on time and within budget.
– Financial management: ability to plan, execute, and oversee financial principles, budgeting, and reporting.
– Strategic planning: ability to develop long-term strategies that align with organizational goals. This involves market analysis, forecasting, and setting measurable objectives
– Technical software: Proven experience (or strong capacity to lead) in managing environmental databases (e.g., WISKI). This includes solid experience in data quality management, validation processes, quality assurance, and continuous improvement of data reliability.
- Soft skills
– Provide leadership to multidisciplinary teams, drawing on senior-level experience in both research and management.
– Strong ability to foster dialogue between very different profiles.
– Ensure effective coordination between scientific, technical, and administrative staff.
– Serve as a reference point for internal and external partners on environmental monitoring and observatory operations.
– Strong listener and communicator, capable of fostering constructive dialogue within the team and with external stakeholders.
Language skills
- Fluency in English (and French), both oral and written. Other relevant languages (e.g., German, Luxembourgish) are 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 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, 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.
