Science Associate Water, Soil and Waste

Type: Permanent Contract
Start: June 2024
Application deadline: 10th May 2024

Who are we?

• Concawe is a division of the European Fuel Manufacturers Association, based in Brussels and representing the interests of 40 companies manufacturing fuels in the EU. It has the mission is to conduct research programmes to provide impartial scientific information in order to improve scientific understanding of the environmental health, and safety aspects of both fuels’ manufacturing and the distribution and sustainable use of fuels.
• Concawe, with the help of multiple experts from Member Companies, brings together great expertise in several key disciplines, including toxicology, exposure assessment and occupational health. We recognise that the potential solutions to the complex challenges of the 21st century require the combined efforts of many parties. Concawe is thus engaged in a wide range of partnerships and maintains contacts with other industry sector associations, as well as international organisations.

What do we offer?

• Individual training program, technology and professional skills development
• Responsibility and autonomy in your area of expertise
• A global view and concrete involvement on industry and societal challenges
• International and dynamic multicultural environment 
• Competitive salary package complemented with fringe benefits
• Enhanced work life balance (working from home, sliding working hours system etc.)

What do we expect from you?

• The role of the Science Associate combines general duties with responsibilities specific to Concawe’s work programme on the topics of water, soil and waste and innovative research projects in diverse areas related to these topics.
• Our water, soil and waste work programme focus on improved sustainability, circularity and risk management of water, soil and waste activities of the fuel manufacturing sector, as well as on development of methodologies (incl. ecological risk screening techniques) and maintenance of databases to support EU legislation and initiatives. Furthermore, it works towards understanding the possible pressures on water, land and waste management with transition to a low carbon and circular economy.
• The Science Associate (SA) is accountable to the Science Executive Water, Soil and Waste of Concawe.

What would be your activities?

General duties

• Support the development and implementation of the annual technical research plan as agreed with the Water, Soil and Waste Management Group (WSWMG) and the Science Director. 
• Collaboratively develop the scope, review proposals and manage projects (including cost control) related to the specific research areas. 
• Support the design, conducting and monitoring of studies aimed at fulfilling the Concawe water, soil and waste work programme. These studies may directly result from European Commission legislative proposals or Implementing Decisions, or aimed at improving the knowledge of the sector in the topics of water, soil or waste. 
• Support the Science Executive and Chair of the Concawe WSWMG and associated expert subgroups/task forces in the execution of their responsibilities.
• Comply with and ensure implementation of the governance rules of the Association.

Specific research programmes and responsibilities

• Define, implement and coordinate technical projects, in collaboration with the Science Executive Water, Soil and Waste and Member Company experts being part of WSWMG and associated expert subgroups/task forces.
• Develop the scope, review proposals and manage the execution of out-sourced research projects.
• Liaise with external consultants in the development and implementation of scientific projects/research programmes. 
• Represent Concawe at relevant scientific/ technical forums, where the opportunity arises.
• Support preparation of contracts and monitor technical and progress for approved projects covered under the field of activity.
• Report progress and inform the WSWMG and associated expert subgroups/task forces as appropriate on his/her activities.
• Assist in the writing and editing of Concawe technical reports, briefing papers, articles, scientific manuscripts etc., on topics related to the field of activity.
• Assist in the regulatory compliance preparations based on scientific findings from research.
• Conduct surveys, set up a functional database, analyse results, apply statistical methods.
• Record information in a clear and traceable manner.

What is your professional profile?

Education & Experience: 

• Academic degree (MSc, PhD-level) in environmental sciences, biotechnology engineering, chemical engineering, and/or environmental science/engineering. The ideal candidate should demonstrate at least five years working or equivalent experience in the (or related) industry.
• Interest and understanding of environment-related topics/research, e.g., soil and groundwater contamination, wastewater treatment, ecotoxicity, circularity/ waste management, emerging contaminants and data science.
• A good understanding of EU legislation (Water Framework Directive, Industrial Emissions Directive, etc.) and their impact on the industrial sector will be considered as an advantage.
• Good organization/project management skills and managing contracted suppliers.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written (English). A sense of diplomacy and direct communication with Member Company experts and external stakeholders will be an expectation for this role. 
• A team player with the capacity to effectively facilitate technical teams and lead without authority.
• Willingness to travel for work on occasional basis.
• EU work permit will be considered an advantage

Potential benefits of the position:

• Working in Brussels, the capital of the European Union.
• Working on related European legislative issues and gaining insight into EU decision-making processes.
• Helping to understand and overcome the impact on the environment in terms of water, soil and waste of the fuel manufacturing sector.
• Working together with representatives of European fuel manufacturers, giving the opportunity to obtain a broader view of the industry.
• Networking at scientific meetings and conferences as well as at associated social events.
• Participate to relevant technical and soft-skill training programs. 

Organisational Fit: Reports to the Science Executive Water Waste and Soil The position is based in Brussels (Belgium) 

To apply, please send your CV, your bibliography and motivation letter to: recruitment@concawe.eu
mentioning “Science Associate Water, Soil and Waste” in the subject of your e-mail.

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All your private information will be deleted from our files after the recruitment process.