Principal Investigator – Sustainability

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.

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, Net Zero, Circular Economy, Clean Industrial Deal) 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 – ADVANCED MATERIALS FOR AIR & WATER SUSTAINABILITY

As a
Principal Investigator in Advanced Materials for Sustainability
, you will lead FUNDITEC's research and innovation strategy focused on developing materials and technologies for clean air, water treatment, circularity, and environmental decarbonization. Your work will directly contribute to the
EU Green Deal
and the
Net Zero Industry Act
, strengthening Europe's industrial and environmental resilience.

Scientific Focus Areas

• Functional and Intelligent Materials:
  Design and synthesis of advanced materials with novel properties enabling clean industrial processes and environmental protection.
• Sensors and Detection Systems:
  Creation of intelligent sensing materials and devices for monitoring contaminants in air and water.
• Contaminant Removal & Water Treatment:
  Research into adsorption, filtration, and photocatalytic processes for removal of heavy metals, organic pollutants, and pathogens.
• Renewable Energies and Energy Storage:
  Development of materials for solar, eolic, and synthetic fuel systems, as well as enhanced energy storage devices.

Additional Assets

• Proven track record in European research projects within
  Horizon Europe Pillar II (CL4, CL5, CL6)
  or partnerships such as
  Processes4Planet, IAM4EU, Built4People, or CBE-JU
  .
• High university degree (PhD) in relevant fields: Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Circular Economy.
• Experience in
  consortium leadership
  , project coordination, and interactions with evaluators or Project Officers.
• Familiarity with
  EU budgeting criteria
  (unit costs, eligibility, exploitation, and IPR agreements).
• Publications, patents, or demonstrable technological outcomes in the field of advanced or sustainable materials.
• Participation in European technology platforms and clusters related to materials innovation, water technologies, or circular economy.

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.

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