Research Specialist - Airline Sustainability & Strategic Decarbonization Programme TUI Airline

TUI Group is the world’s number one integrated tourism business.  Within TUI Group, TUI Airline regroups all airline activities across UK, Nordics, Belgium, The Netherlands, Germany, Spain, Morocco, France, and the Dutch Antilles.

Transformation & Change is a function within our airline organisation and operates as a multi-disciplinary team of experts driving efficiency and innovation. We are committed to the sustainable transformation of our business, and through this role you can actively support these efforts. We are currently looking for a Research Specialist to support the activities of the Airline Sustainability & Strategic Decarbonization Programme that focuses on driving airline decarbonization forward.

The purpose of this program is to support and improve existing decarbonisation initiatives, and also assess and secure access to state of the art (zero-emission) technologies for the TUI Airline. In this role, you’ll report to the Manager of the Strategic Decarbonization Programme – TUI Airline. 

*This role can be based in Luton, Stockholm, Rijswijk, Zaventem or Hanover.

*This role would perfectly fit an early career researcher or a PhD student and is therefore a fixed term contract. *

**Applications close on 6th October 2023**

ABOUT THE JOB

• Provide strategic input into the development of the business and act as an advisor on sustainability related topics, with the key focus areas being Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) and Carbon Capture technologies.  

• With prior background/ knowledge in the focus areas, support the group by undertaking review of available scientific literature and presenting analysis on the feasibility of technology pathways. For established and future (low TRL) pathways, this would include aspects such as CO2 reduction potential, implications on the production of non-CO2 emissions (for SAF pathways), technology readiness levels, scope of development, scaling and geographical location sensitivity in terms of feedstock and energy avaialibility, etc.

• Undertake aircraft mission level analysis to analyse potential of advanced fuels, technologies, and operational improvements to achieve future sustainability targets.

• In line with the focus area, develop and support the setup and implementation of strategic partnerships (with research institutes, NGOs, startups, public and private organizations in the aviation space) for TUI Airline. 

• In alignment with the aims of the Programme, screen and communicate opportunities from the market to support the creation of a pipeline of promising sustainable technologies and make sound recommendations about initiatives that should be prioritized.

• You will be responsible for supporting the preparation of periodic reports for various Boards or Steering Group meetings to show the progress and impact of initiatives brought forward through the program.

• Report to governance groups on a regular basis with recommendations on any required decisions, as well as on the status of opportunities, risks and dependencies in your focus area.

• Support approved initiatives by engaging with internal and external stakeholders while ensuring continuous alignment with the set targets.

• Embrace and input into the wider Group Airline strategy to ensure the requirements for our source markets, customers and airlines are met and that you are aligned to the wider vision.

ABOUT YOU

• You should have an interest in the decarbonisation of the aviation sector, with a good knowledge of Sustainable Aviation Fuels and Carbon Capture technologies,  as possible routes for an airline to achieve its long-term sustainability and Net-Zero targets. 

• Previous or current research experience in assessment of decarbonization and sustainable technologies for the aviation industry is expected.

• Have a good understanding of aircraft performance assessment models / methods, and experience in undertaking mission level analysis.

• Have knowledge and good understanding of current research pertaining to the effects and assessment of non-CO2 emissions in aviation.

• Ability to think strategically and commercially: see the bigger picture, analyze complex problems and quickly evaluate options to meet business expectations.

• Understand and balance the needs of internal as well as external stakeholders.

• Good communicator with the capability to interact, facilitate and influence a diverse group of stakeholders and satisfy information needs.

• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.

• Team player with a collaborative and supportive approach and ability to work under pressure.

• Ability to deliver in a multi-site cross-cultural complex consensus driven organization.

• Role requires strong business English, both spoken and written, additional language skills would be appreciated.

• Willingness and ability to travel.

ABOUT THE OFFER

• Work in the largest global tourism group with international projects and teams 
• Fantastic holiday benefits including discounts & special offers. 
• Development & career opportunities 
• Health and wellbeing support  
• Flexible working (understandably, some roles operate out of a specific location & to a set working pattern) 
• Plus, lots more benefits relevant to the local market that you will be based in  

We love to see your uniqueness shine through and inspire the future of travel. If you would like to read more about what Diversity & Inclusion means to us simply visit Our DNA. 

We really value your interest in TUI and will be back in touch with you shortly after the application closing date. 

Please Note: Airline roles will be managed by an international Talent Acquisition team and therefore your application may be viewed by TUI colleagues outside your home country. If you have any questions, please contact the Recruiter for this role via the contact information next to this advert.