Scientific Lead & Project Manager - OxyleafTM 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:
* OxyleafTM – 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 OxyleafTM to guide the research, development, and scientific validation of the project.
This role combines scientific leadership, applied R&D, and strategic management, ensuring OxyleafTM 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 OxyleafTM 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 OxyleafTM 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:
Please send:
* Your CV
* A short letter (max 1 page), in English or Italian, describing:
* Why you are interested in leading the OxyleafTM 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
Send E-mail and contact:
* E-mail: in.oiap2025@institute.iite.eu
* Subject: WE2025 Job - [Job Name] LinkedIn Application - [Name Surname]
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.