Subject of the Competition
Open call for applications for a Senior Researcher in the area of ​​Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) within the scope of 1) new materials for the automotive industry, including alternative materials for polyester, polypropylene, and polyurethane paints, and 2) implications for their processing, including the assessment and improvement of energy efficiency and the integration of advanced technological solutions in production processes, funded by the COMPETE 2030 and Centro 2030 programs, under the PT2030 framework.

Job Description
The selected candidate will join the team responsible for the life cycle assessment (LCA) of the developed solutions, applying prospective (ex-ante) analyses, using best engineering practices for energy consumption estimates, energy and material balances, and employing tools such as SimaPro and Sphera Gabi. The work will be carried out in conjunction with scientific teams and industrial partners in the automotive sector.

Functions to Perform

• Planning, supervision and execution of Life Cycle Assessment studies;
• Supervision and modeling of emerging systems and processes (prospective, ex-ante);
• Supervision and execution of procedural calculations (energy and mass balances) for the construction of inventories;
• Application and development of methodologies for determining energy consumption and emissions in various production processes;
• Identifying and conceptualizing new opportunities in the new materials and energy sector;
• Promoting the integration of environmental criteria into technological development, in conjunction with internal engineering and innovation teams and partner entities;
• Developing industry-oriented sustainability and decarbonization initiatives, ensuring compliance and alignment with European frameworks and international initiatives.
• Coordination of results interpretation and preparation of technical and scientific reports;

Profile and Admission Requirements

• PhD (or > 7 years of experience) in Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering or related fields with a particular focus on sustainability, environmental impact assessment, and energy efficiency improvement.
• Experience in developing methodologies for determining energy consumption and emissions in production processes.
• Experience in identifying, conceptualizing, and validating innovative and/or cutting-edge technologies to improve the energy and environmental performance of processes, products, or services.
• Ability to interact with companies and provide technical support in sustainability and regulatory compliance, demonstrating knowledge of legal and regulatory frameworks (CSRD, ESRS), climate target setting initiatives (SBTi), and familiarity with traceability and circularity concepts (Digital Product Passport).
• Experience in developing applications, projects, or support services for the industry in the area of ​​sustainability.
• Proficiency in LCA software, such as SimaPro or Sphera Gabi, and process simulation software such as Aspen Plus and Aspen Hysys.
• Knowledge or experience with:

– Prospective (ex-ante) LCA (Life Cycle Assessment);
– Development of bio-based or polymeric materials;
– Automotive, plastics or similar industries;
– Additional training in sustainability, environmental assessment or ESG;
-Development of Environmental Product Declarations
– Supervision of interns or master's students.

• Ability to work independently or as part of a team, innovative and creative spirit;
• Good knowledge of Portuguese and English (spoken and written);

Contractual Conditions

• Compensation: commensurate with demonstrated experience and the institution's internal salary scale;
• Employment type: full-time (40 hours per week);
• Workplace: the contracting entity's premises in Viseu.

Selection Methods

• Curriculum evaluation (weighting: 60%);
• Individual interview (in person or online) (weighting: 40%);
• Evaluation criteria: experience in LCA (Life Cycle Assessment), suitability to the desired profile, motivation, technical and interpersonal skills.

Application Deadline and Method

• Submission deadline: April 30, 2025, although the competition may be closed early if a suitable candidate is found;
• Applications should be sent by email to: mariana.domingos@starinstitute.pt and mafalda.lisboa@starinstitute.pt
• Documents to send:
  – Updated Curriculum Vitae;
  – Letter of motivation (max. 1 page);
  – Copy of qualifications certificate;
  – Other relevant documents (e.g., publications, letter of recommendation).