Scientific Lead

Scientific Lead & Project Manager - Oxyleaf™ ProjectPart-time, unpaid during the early phaseHybrid work model (remote and/or on-site in Milan, Rome, or Boston)Travel and meeting expenses will be reimbursed upon approvalAn NDA must be signedThis 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:Oxyleaf™ – 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 Oxyleaf™ to guide the research, development, and scientific validation of the project.This role combines scientific leadership , applied R&D , and strategic management , ensuring Oxyleaf™ 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 Oxyleaf™ technologiesLead R&D on photovoltaic (OPV), thermoelectric, and energy storage systemsCoordinate environmental impact studies on air purification, heat reduction, and CO₂/O₂ balanceCollaborate with engineers, material scientists, and IoT specialists for sensor integrationGuide the selection and testing of bio-inspired design elements and synthetic materialsEnsure compliance with environmental regulations and urban infrastructure standardsRepresent the project in scientific, institutional, and investor presentationsDevelop relationships with universities, research centers, and industrial partnersRequirements:Advanced degree (PhD preferred) in Physics, Renewable Energy, Environmental Science, or BiologyMinimum 5+ years of experience in applied research or renewable energy developmentSolid understanding of energy harvesting technologies , climate science , and biological systemsExperience managing interdisciplinary research teams and technology pilotsStrong scientific writing and public presentation skillsFluent in English (Italian is a strong plus)Preferred Qualifications:Previous involvement in urban sustainability or climate adaptation projectsKnowledge of materials science , catalytic filtration , or bio-mimetic engineeringExperience in grant writing, EU Horizon projects , or public-private research fundingNetwork within academic, governmental, or green-tech investment sectorsBenefits Provided:Reimbursement of travel and mobility expensesAccess to advanced R&D tools, cloud resources, and collaboration platformsFull scientific leadership of Oxyleaf™ from development to deploymentStrategic decision-making role in environmental technology innovationPotential evolution into a C-level scientific position within Institute ItechHow to Apply:Please send:Your CVA short letter (max 1 page), in English or Italian, describing:Why you are interested in leading the Oxyleaf™ projectWhat expertise and vision you bring in physics, renewable energy, and biologyHow you would drive the scientific success and scalability of the systemSend E-mail and contact:E-mail: 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 .