Traineeship in the field of Circular Economy

Short description of the position:

The Institute for Regional Development at Eurac Research offers an internship in the field of Circular Economy for Master’s students and recent graduates who completed their degree within the past year. The intern will support the research team in activities related to the analysis and dissemination of circular construction practices, stakeholder engagement, and the development of training and capacity‑building activities, with a particular focus on SMEs and other actors in the construction sector.

Tasks:

• ReConstruct4CE – Recovery in Construction across borders: Support the implementation of project activities. The project aims to foster the transition towards a circular economy in the construction sector in Central Europe by facilitating the transfer and uptake of tools, knowledge and good practices developed through previous European projects. Tasks include:
  • Support the collection, review and systematization of tools, good practices and resources related to circular economy in construction.
  • Contribute to the analysis of barriers and opportunities for the uptake of circular construction practices, with particular attention to SMEs and regional contexts.
  • Support the documentation and communication of project results, including the preparation of reports, informational materials and other project‑related content.
  • Other research projects: Support the Institute’s research team in the implementation of other ongoing projects and research activities, according to projects’ needs and intern’s interests.

Requirements:

• Enrolment in a Master’s degree programme (or a Master’s degree obtained within the past 12 months) in Regional Development, Environmental Sciences, Socio‑Ecological Economics and Policy, Sustainability Studies, Industrial Ecology or a related field.
• Excellent command of English; knowledge of Italian and/or German is considered an advantage.
• Strong interest in circular economy, sustainability and socio‑ecological transformations, ideally with an interest in the construction sector.
• Basic experience with qualitative data collection and analysis and desk research.
• Familiarity with standard Microsoft Office applications for everyday work.
• Accuracy, good organisational skills, ability to work independently, and a collaborative approach to teamwork.

We offer:

• A six-month internship based in Bolzano, with the possibility of extension up to ten months upon mutual agreement.
• The internship can be carried out full-time (40 hours/week) or with a reduced schedule of 32 hours/week, depending on the candidate’s preference.
• The opportunity to gain hands‑on experience in applied research projects in the field of circular economy and to work as part of a young, dynamic and interdisciplinary team.
• A financial allowance for the entire duration of the internship.
• Access to professional development and training opportunities.
• An attractive workplace in Bolzano, a highly cycle-friendly city with easy access to outdoor and mountain activities.

Entry date: December/January 2026