Scientific Officer Low Carbon Pathways

Opdrachtgever:

We are currently seeking a highly qualified and experienced individual to fill the position as Scientific Officer Low Carbon Pathways at Concawe.  Concawe’s is the science division of an international non-profit association (The European Petroleum Refiners Association). Their mission is to provide research and technical support to the EU refining industry in the study of environmental, health, safety, and toxicity issues. These relate to the refining of crude oil or renewable feedstock, and the distribution and use of petroleum or renewable products. Its goal is to improve the understanding of these issues by the industry, authorities, users and other interested parties.  In addition to the studies developed by its staff, Concawe also undertakes research in partnership with universities, research institutes and expert consultants.  The Association represents the interests of 40 private Companies operating petroleum and renewable fuels refineries in the EU. Members account for 95% of EU fuel manufacturing capacity. 

Functie-informatie:

The role of the Scientific Officer Low Carbon Pathways contributes the activities of Concawe’s Refining into the Energy Transition Management Group (RET MG), supporting the development and assessment of low-carbon pathways for the European fuel manufacturing sector. In this role, you will assess key technologies, fuels and feedstocks, including sustainable biofuels, hydrogen and e-fuels, while also evaluating the availability of sustainable biomass and alternative feedstocks in terms of scalability, sustainability constraints and their wider implications for the energy transition. You will contribute to techno-economic and environmental analyses, looking at carbon intensity, costs and the scalability of different pathways towards climate targets. In addition, you will support the integration of alternative feedstocks and low-carbon technologies into the conventional refining system, using modelling and scenario-based analysis to understand their practical and strategic impact.

As Scientific Officer Low Carbon Pathways you will contribute to the development and implementation of the annual technical research plan, as agreed with the Refining into the Energy Transition Management Group (RET MG) and Concawe Director, with general duties of:

• Monitoring relevant technical and regulatory developments related to low carbon pathways, renewable fuels and refining transformation;
• Identifying and managing technical risks associated with ongoing and planned research studies;
• Contribute to the scoping, tendering and management of research projects, including preparation of technical scopes of work, contractor selection, contract preparation and monitoring of technical progress, timelines and deliverables;
• Contribute to the development, drafting and quality assurance of Concawe technical outputs (including reports, briefing materials and presentations), ensuring scientific robustness, consistency of assumptions and clear communication of key findings;
• Co-ordinate with Member Company experts in Special Task Forces (STFs) and technical working groups, including preparation of meetings and follow-up of actions;
• Lead the development, review and management of research projects, including cost awareness and delivery timelines;
• Contribute to internal and external representation of Concawe, as appropriate, including participation in technical meetings, workshops and stakeholder discussions;
• Cooperate with other Concawe programmes (e.g. Fuels Quality & Emissions, Air Quality, Water & Soil) on cross-cutting topics related to energy transition, fuels and lifecycle emissions;
• Comply with and support the implementation of the governance rules of the Association.

Key responsibilities

Scientific & Technical Expertise

• Conduct technology scouting and targeted technical deep-dives on key renewable and low-carbon fuel production technologies;
• Perform techno-economic evaluations of selected technologies, including assessment of technology readiness level (TRL), scale‑up potential and CO₂ abatement costs;
• Evaluate and compare low-carbon pathways at system level, including carbon intensity, energy efficiency and cost benchmarking across options;
• Assess the availability and characteristics of biomass and alternative feedstocks, including resource potential, supply chain constraints and sustainability criteria.
   

Low Carbon Pathways & System Integration

• Analyse the integration of alternative feedstocks and low-carbon processes into refinery units and system configurations;
• Contribute to the integration of technologies and feedstocks into Concawe’s EU refining model, in collaboration with internal modelling experts;
• Assess the role of electrification and CO₂ utilisation in future refining and fuel production systems;
• Develop a system-level understanding of refining sector transformation, linking feedstock availability, technology deployment and emissions reduction pathways;
• Contribute to scenario modelling of pathways toward EU climate targets (2030 / 2050), in collaboration with internal modelling experts.
   

Project Management

• Lead the definition of research scopes, evaluation of proposals and management of externally contracted studies;
• Lead the coordination of STF‑3 (biofuel availability / feedstocks) and contribute to STF-2 (Refining Technologies) activities, including definition of work programmes and delivery of outputs;
• Liaise with external consultants and contractors, ensuring alignment on assumptions, methodologies and deliverables;
• Monitor project progress, ensuring timely delivery, technical quality and alignment with Concawe priorities;
• Lead the integration and validation of study outputs, ensuring consistency of assumptions across projects.
   

Regulatory, Policy & Stakeholder Support

• Analyse the technical implications of EU legislation (e.g. RED III and related transport decarbonisation frameworks) on the deployment of renewable and low-carbon fuels, including impacts on feedstock availability, fuel pathways and refining integration;
• Support the assessment of policy scenarios, including the impact of technology and fuel uptake pathways on the refining sector;
• Contribute to technical input supporting Concawe and FuelsEurope activities, including long-term transition strategy work;
• Engage with Member Company experts and external stakeholders to ensure technical alignment and relevance of analyses.

Functie-eisen:

The ideal candidate should demonstrate at least three years working or equivalent experience in the (or related) industry. Having obtained at least a Master’s degree (PhD preferred) in environmental science, energy engineering, process engineering, chemical engineering, or a closely related field. 

  Education & Experience

• Master’s degree (PhD preferred) in chemical engineering, energy engineering, environmental science, process engineering or a closely related field;
• Relevant professional experience (typically 3–7 years) in the refining, energy, biofuels or low-carbon fuels sectors, or in consulting, research institutes or academia in relevant areas;
• Strong technical background in low-carbon fuels and technologies, including renewable fuels, hydrogen and fuel production pathways;
• Experience in techno-economic and environmental assessment, including evaluation of carbon intensity, costs, scalability and technology maturity;
• Good understanding of biomass and alternative feedstocks, including resource potential, supply chains, sustainability criteria and implications for fuel production and refining integration;
• Familiarity with analytical and modelling approaches (e.g. scenario analysis, lifecycle assessment or similar frameworks) applied to energy systems or fuel pathways;
• Good understanding of EU energy and transport policy frameworks (e.g. RED III and related initiatives) and their implications for fuels and refining;
• Experience working in multi-stakeholder technical environments, involving industry experts, consultants and policy-oriented discussions.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills;
• High attention to detail and commitment to scientific rigour;
• Ability to structure and interpret complex technical information and datasets;
• Ability to translate complex science into clear, concise messages for different audiences;
• Good organisational and coordination skills, with the ability to manage multiple topics in parallel;
• Strong communication skills (written and verbal), including preparation of reports, presentations and technical briefings;
• Excellent written and spoken English;
• Team-oriented, with the ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment;
• Proactive and self-driven, with the ability to deliver high-quality outputs with limited supervision.

Aanbod:

Potential benefits of the position:

• Competitive senior-level salary;
• Mobility option; 
• Very strong pension contribution — above average;
• Full DKV insurance, fully paid;
• Performance-based bonus;
• Meal Vouchers;
• Work From Home Allowance;
• Laptop and mobile phone provided;
• Hybrid Working;
• 32 days holiday per year;
• Working in Brussels, the capital of the European Union;
• Working on related European legislative issues and gaining insight into EU decision-making processes;
• Individual Training program, technology and professional skills development;
• 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.