Scientific Lead & Project Manager - OxyleafTM Project
Scientific Lead & Project Manager - Oxyleaf™ Project
Part-time, unpaid during the early phase
- Hybrid work model (remote and/or on-site in Milan, Rome, or Boston)
- Travel and meeting expenses will be reimbursed upon approval
- An NDA must be signed
This position may evolve into a full-time Director of Environmental Technologies or Chief Science Officer (CSO) role based on performance and project growth.
About Institute Itech
Institute Itech is an early‑stage multinational company committed to building a new model of society grounded in education, advanced technology, and social development. We are launching a portfolio of innovation projects designed to integrate sustainability, advanced engineering, and social impact.
One of our flagship environmental technology initiatives is:
- Oxyleaf™ – Synthetic plant systems for urban air purification, renewable energy generation (OPV & thermoelectric), and environmental data collection.
The company is legally incorporated (USA, Italy) and is now building its founding leadership team to bring these projects from concept to large‑scale deployment.
About the Role
We are seeking a Scientific Lead & Head of Oxyleaf™ to guide the research, development, and scientific validation of the project. This role combines scientific leadership, applied R&D, and strategic management, ensuring Oxyleaf™ achieves excellence in environmental performance, renewable energy efficiency, and real‑world deployment.
The selected candidate will lead interdisciplinary work involving physics, renewable energy systems, and environmental biology.
Responsibilities
- Oversee scientific research, prototyping, and validation of Oxyleaf™ technologies
- Lead R&D on photovoltaic (OPV), thermoelectric, and energy storage systems
- Coordinate environmental impact studies on air purification, heat reduction, and CO₂/O₂ balance
- Collaborate with engineers, material scientists, and IoT specialists for sensor integration
- Guide the selection and testing of bio‑inspired design elements and synthetic materials
- Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and urban infrastructure standards
- Represent the project in scientific, institutional, and investor presentations
- Develop relationships with universities, research centers, and industrial partners
Requirements
- Advanced degree (PhD preferred) in Physics, Renewable Energy, Environmental Science, or Biology
- Minimum 5+ years of experience in applied research or renewable energy development
- Solid understanding of energy harvesting technologies, climate science, and biological systems
- Experience managing interdisciplinary research teams and technology pilots
- Strong scientific writing and public presentation skills
- Fluent in English (Italian is a strong plus)
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous involvement in urban sustainability or climate adaptation projects
- Knowledge of materials science, catalytic filtration, or bio‑mimetic engineering
- Experience in grant writing, EU Horizon projects, or public‑private research funding
- Network within academic, governmental, or green‑tech investment sectors
Benefits Provided
- Reimbursement of travel and mobility expenses
- Access to advanced R&D tools, cloud resources, and collaboration platforms
- Full scientific leadership of Oxyleaf™ from development to deployment
- Strategic decision‑making role in environmental technology innovation
- Potential evolution into a C‑level scientific position within Institute Itech
How to Apply
- Send your CV
- A short letter (max 1 page), in English or Italian, describing:
- Why you are interested in leading the Oxyleaf™ project
- What expertise and vision you bring in physics, renewable energy, and biology
- How you would drive the scientific success and scalability of the system
- E‑mail: in.oiap2025@institute.iite.eu
Time Commitment
This is a non‑paid position during the startup phase, with a minimum commitment of 4–6 hours per week.
We are looking for a scientific leader with vision, technical authority, and a commitment to environmental innovation.