Researcher in Sustainability & Social Impact

IDENER.AI; Sevilla; On-site; EUR 35,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

IDENER.AI in Sevilla is seeking a researcher to turn cutting-edge science into solutions with environmental and societal impact. You will contribute to Horizon Europe R&D projects at the crossroads of biotechnology, circular economy, sustainability and social innovation.

Your work will support initiatives such as REWASH and UNICO2RN, developing waste-to-value systems and converting biogenic CO₂ into valuable products including microbial proteins and biodegradable plastics.

Qualifications

• MSc or equivalent in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology or related field.
• Fluent English is essential, with a real minimum B2 level in both written and spoken communication, to collaborate effectively with international consortia.
• Understanding of bio-based innovation, such as biorefineries, fermentation, biomass valorisation, bioremediation or biodiversity.
• Familiarity with sustainability concepts including environmental impact assessment, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), circular economy or bioeconomy frameworks.
• Multidisciplinary experience combining technical and socio-economic dimensions.
• Experience or interest in stakeholder engagement, social awareness, acceptance or impact assessment activities.
• Ability to translate technical results into insights relevant to adoption, implementation and viability beyond project delivery.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the integration of technical, social and stakeholder-related aspects within bio-based R&D projects.
• Analyse factors influencing awareness, acceptance and uptake of novel bio-based products and processes.
• Design and implement stakeholder engagement and data collection activities (e.g., surveys, focus groups, interviews, co-creation sessions).
• Identify key benefits, barriers and perceptions affecting market adoption and societal acceptance.
• Support the development of strategies to enhance the uptake and positioning of project outcomes.
• Contribute to project deliverables, reports and recommendations for the European Commission.
• Support cross-cutting activities such as clustering, knowledge exchange and synergies with other projects.

Job description

At IDENER.AI, we are looking for a researcher passionate about turning cutting-edge science into solutions with real environmental and societal impact.

Would you like to contribute to European R&D projects at the intersection of biotechnology, circular economy, sustainability and social innovation? Join our team and help shape the transition towards more sustainable, bio-based systems.

About The Position

You will contribute to Horizon Europe R&D projects focused on innovative bio-based solutions for pressing environmental challenges.

Your work will support initiatives such as REWASH, which develops an advanced waste-to-value system to remove and valorise microplastics and microfibers from wastewater, and UNICO2RN, which transforms biogenic CO₂ into valuable products including microbial proteins and biodegradable plastics.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to the integration of technical, social and stakeholder-related aspects within bio-based R&I projects.
• Analyse factors influencing awareness, acceptance and uptake of novel bio-based products and processes.
• Design and implement stakeholder engagement and data collection activities (e.g., surveys, focus groups, interviews, co-creation sessions).
• Identify key benefits, barriers and perceptions affecting market adoption and societal acceptance.
• Support the development of strategies to enhance the uptake and positioning of project outcomes.
• Contribute to project deliverables, reports and recommendations for the European Commission.
• Support cross-cutting activities such as clustering, knowledge exchange and synergies with other projects.

Minimum Requirements

• MSc, or equivalent, in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology or a related discipline.
• Fluent English is essential, with a real minimum B2 level in both written and spoken communication, to collaborate effectively with international consortia.
• Understanding of, and interest in, bio-based innovation, such as biorefineries, fermentation, biomass valorisation, bioremediation or biodiversity.
• Familiarity with sustainability concepts including environmental impact assessment, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), circular economy or bioeconomy frameworks.
• Multidisciplinary experience combining technical and socio-economic dimensions.
• Experience or interest in stakeholder engagement, social awareness, acceptance or impact assessment activities.
• Ability to translate technical results into insights relevant to adoption, implementation and viability beyond project delivery.

Why is IDENER.AI the place for you?

• We make work-life balance a central part of our culture by offering a fully flexible schedule, where you decide how to allocate your annual working time.
• We strive to maintain a work environment that cares, supports, and inspires by focusing on every team member's financial, mental, physical, and emotional needs.
• Our organisation is built on trust, cooperation, and equity, providing you with the safety and accountability required to propose and execute your own ideas from day one.
• We champion high levels of ownership and initiative, ensuring you have the autonomy to lead your own work while having access to a senior team for high-level technical collaboration and strategic guidance.