Head of R&D (m/f/d)

Job description

Co-reactive is a fast-growing greentech company with a clear mission: We transform CO₂ into high‑performance construction materials, enabling climate-friendly building for everyone. At our brand-new site in Erkrath, we unite laboratory, production, and development under one roof. Our pilot plant already showcases what the construction industry of tomorrow will look like. To strengthen our team, we are looking for a Head of R&D who will take ownership of our research and development agenda and drive innovation at the intersection of materials science, carbon mineralization, and industrial process scaling. At Co-reactive, we embrace a maker mentality and a common goal: reshaping the construction sector. As a startup team, we move fast, make decisions quickly, and implement them decisively. You are invited to contribute from day one and shape our technology, our product, and our impact. We value diverse perspectives and open communication. Embedded in a broad network of experts across industry and academia, you will have countless opportunities to grow, explore new ideas, and help scale a breakthrough climate technology. Tasks As Head of R&D, you will shape the scientific direction of our technology and ensure that our R&D efforts translate into high‑impact innovations. You combine strategic thinking with scientific depth and guide our research programs from concept to industrial relevance. Define, prioritize, and manage the full R&D portfolio , ensuring alignment with business strategy, technology goals, and market needs Build and maintain a strong network of partnerships with leading universities, research institutes, partner labs, and customer R&D teams to accelerate knowledge creation and technology validation Drive the exploration, sourcing, and evaluation of new materials and feedstock opportunities in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders, identifying viable pathways for integration into our process Lead the qualification, certification, and standardization pathway for our CO₂‑derived construction materials, ensuring compliance with relevant norms (e.g., EN/DIN standards) and enabling market adoption Shape and safeguard our intellectual property strategy , including material innovations, process routes, analytical methods, and technology platforms Identify and leverage funding opportunities at EU, national, and state levels ; lead scientific work packages and represent Co-reactive toward funding bodies Translate scientific insights into strategic recommendations for process engineering, product development, and industrial-scale deployment Represent Co-reactive in expert groups, standards bodies, conferences, and technical committees , strengthening our scientific visibility and industry leadership Support executive decision-making with evidence-based scientific assessments, risk analysis, and scenario planning Requirements You bring deep technical expertise, scientific rigor, and a structured, data‑driven way of working. Even more importantly, you are motivated to drive meaningful innovation in a dynamic environment and take ownership of a breakthrough climate technology. PhD in Materials Science, Geoscience, Chemistry, Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field. 7+ years of experience in industrial or applied R&D, ideally in cement, concrete, mineralization, carbon capture & utilization, or related process technologies. Strong track record in leading scientific projects or programs from concept to implementation. Expertise in inorganic chemistry, mineralogy, carbonation/mineralization, cementitious materials, or industrial powder/particle processes. Experience working with pilot plants, scale-up environments, or industrial research settings. Ability to communicate complex scientific concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. A hands-on mentality, passion for climate solutions and building technologies of the future. Benefits We offer you more than just a job — we offer you the chance to make a real impact with your work. A key strategic position with direct impact on the innovation roadmap and future scientific orientation of Co-reactive A clear growth path toward senior scientific leadership, including the potential to evolve into a Chief Science Officer role Substantial ownership of scientific and technological decisions, with the freedom to define research directions and partnerships A highly dynamic environment where your ideas can rapidly move from concept to pilot scale to industry application Access to state-of-the-art laboratory and technical facilities in our brand-new site in Erkrath Collaboration with leading universities, industry partners, and research networks across Europe Support for conferences, scientific publications, and thought‑leadership activities to strengthen your professional profile Attractive compensation package with competitive salary and equity participation options 30 days of annual leave and a modern working culture focused on trust, autonomy, and personal growth An inclusive, mission-driven team working together to decarbonize the global construction industry Ready to reshape the construction sector with us? Then apply now! At Co-reactive, we value diversity and equal opportunity. All qualified applicants will be considered regardless of origin, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, nationality, or disability. We particularly encourage FLINTA* candidates to apply.