Group Leader for the Research Group on Sustainable Heating and Cooling Systems

Institute for Renewable Energy

Short description of the position:

The Institute for Renewable Energy at Eurac Research seeks an experienced Group Leader for the Research Group on Sustainable Heating and Cooling Systems. This role is central to advancing disruptive research and development in the field of effective, reliable, and flexible heat pump systems integrated into building and district heating and cooling applications.

The Group Leader will lead a multidisciplinary team that includes around 20 professionals organized in topic-oriented Research Teams and operates accredited laboratories; design, drive, and oversee high-impact funded projects; steer collaborations with industry partners to bring research findings to market and generate significant societal impact.

The ideal candidate will bring expertise in compression-driven heat pump technologies, particularly in the field of model-based controls designed to enable flexibility services, and a track record of leading R&D projects from concept to implementation while working closely with industry partners and research collaborators.

Tasks:

• Group Leadership:Manage, mentor, and inspire a multidisciplinary and multicultural research group in collaboration with Team Leaders, fostering an environment of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning.
• Strategic Vision: In collaboration with Team Leaders, develop and devise the group's R&D strategy and steer the conversion of findings into practical applications.
• Research Excellence:Promote and uphold research excellence by driving innovative approaches, ensuring rigorous methodologies, and contributing to high-quality scientific publications and presentations that elevate the group's impact in the global scientific community.
• Stakeholder Engagement:In close collaboration with Team Leaders, act as the liaison with external stakeholders, including corporate clients, academic partners, and cross-functional teams, promoting knowledge transfer and aligning projects with research, market, and societal needs.
• Operational Excellence:Lead high-priority projects, ensuring that each meets quality standards, budget constraints, and project timelines. Identify and implement improvements in project workflows, resource allocation, and data management to enhance overall efficiency and project outcomes. Proactively manage risks associated with project operations and ensure that all deliverables meet regulatory, research, and industry standards.
• Group Financial Management:Coordinate budget elaboration for the whole research group, quarterly re-planning activities, and sensible management of costs and income, in a research group primarily based on third-party funding.

Requirements:

• Experience:10+ years in research, development, and innovation, project management, and 5+ years of group leadership within renewable energy, with a focus on heat pump system technologies and / or district heating applications; both from a modelling and experimental perspective. In-depth knowledge of EU research and innovation funding schemes. Experience in cooperation with research, industry, and public institutions.
• Education:PhD or comparable experience in Energy or Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• Domain Expertise:Deep technical know-how of heat pump systems with a focus on expert, model-based controls. Knowledge in district heating and cooling networks and electric grids is considered a plus. Experience in modelling and laboratory activities.
• Financial:High communication skills with collaborators, colleagues, partners, and clients. Demonstrated ability to lead complex research initiatives, strong strategic and analytical skills, and an ability to translate technical innovations into market-ready solutions.
• Languages:Excellent knowledge of English. Good knowledge of Italian or German.

We offer:

• A full-time position, at present limited to a timeframe of three years with the potential for extension.
• The chance to collaborate with a motivated, international team in a rapidly growing sector, working alongside local and global research and industry partners.
• An environment that fosters professional development, knowledge acquisition, and career growth opportunities in applied sciences research.
• Competitive living and working conditions in a certified Great Place to Work environment: Eurac Research is listed as certified Great Place to Work on Italian national level based on the collaborators surveys

Offices and laboratories are located in Technology and Innovation Park of Bolzano NOI TechPark

How to apply:

Interested candidates should submit their application (CV, cover letter and further relevant documents) by31.07.2025 .

Company:Eurac Research

Location:Bozen/Bolzano

Entry date: by arrangement

Contact person: Roberto Fedrizzi

E-mail address: