Head of Research & Development

12 Jun Head of Research & Development

YOUR ROLE:

You will define and lead Research & Development projects to support Livista’s business objectives. This means developing research programs incorporating current developments to improve existing product quality, study the potential of new products and potential of new plant design. You will understand customer expectations on to-be manufactured products. You will ensure research and development activities will maintain and improve the organization’s competitive position and profitability.

This role is reporting to the COO. The Location of the position is Luxembourg.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES:

Guide the Project Director in the design of the laboratory

Develop design basis for laboratory – layout, equipment specification, analysis requirements, safety equipment, etc.

Drive laboratory site selection

Provide technical expertise to other parts of the business for Project FEED and EPCC phase

Provide technical expertise to our Plants when in operation in particular support to Plants’ lab facilities

Perform chemical analysis and physical property testing of materials and products

Evaluate plant processes and develop improvements to safety, quality, and efficiency

Create standards and specifications for processes, facilities, products and tests

Research, design, and develop new production processes

Coordinate and perform laboratory tests

Analyse data to develop operational conclusions

Be accountable for the performance of the Lab and for the quality of the tests results in front of the client Internal or 3rd Party

Communicate results of analysis and research including preparation of technical papers

Ensure development of intellectual property

Recruitment of laboratory staff with support from HR

Management of a Team of experts to accomplish all tasks on time

Collaboration with local and European universities especially near our Plants

Represent Livista Energy at technical conferences and seminars

Develop activities for 3rd Parties in a profitable manner without creating any bottleneck for Livista’s need

Assist in the establishment of timelines and budgets

Install, maintain, and inspect equipment and facilities

Perform routine calibration and troubleshooting of instruments

Provide training and mentorship to technical staff

YOUR PROFILE:

A PhD or MSc in inorganic chemistry and significant project management experience

Experience with hands-on laboratory testwork in the design and operation of hydrometallurgy and pyrometallurgy processes (calcination, leaching, precipitation, crystallisation, ion exchange etc) at laboratory and ideal at pilot and industrial scale

Substantial (7-15 years) Research experience in either industry or consultancy organisations in the chemical, metallurgical industry or other related industries

Experience applying for and administering patents, and grant funding applications and administration

Ability to interpret large and complex metallurgical datasets and translating this to process improvements

General awareness of the battery minerals market and emerging trends/requirements

Good report writing, organisational and time management skills

Confident and capable leading a small highly competent technical team

Management experience of a profit center with a small team

Previous experience working with lithium compounds would be an advantage

ABOUT US:

Livista Energy Europe S.A. is a company developing a series of projects for lithium chemical refining plants in Europe, securing energy independence for the region at a time when Europe is almost entirely dependent upon Asia for these critical raw materials for the batteries of the Electrical Vehicles (EV).

Participating in the development and growth of Livista Energy represents a contribution to a better environment by supporting the energy transition and maximising the circular economy by processing materials sourced from recycled batteries.

The first plant is planned to be built in Europe, starting construction in 2024 and production in 2026 and the second one will start 6 months after.

We will launch the FEED (Front End Engineering Design) in the coming months and then we will deploy a Project management team in our contractor’s office in Western Europe.

Our head office in Luxembourg is launching recruitment of key personnel in Europe to prepare our deployment.

You live for a challenging start-up culture and want to be part of a unique project making history in energy transition.