Junior R&D Scientist

XFuel is seeking a Junior R&D Scientist in Sol de Mallorca, Spain, to support their mission of decarbonizing the transportation industry through sustainable fuel technologies. The role involves analyzing fuel samples, assisting in trials, and supporting lab operations. Candidates will gain hands-on experience in R&D while contributing to meaningful projects aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This position offers growth opportunities in a collaborative environment.
What is XFuel anyway? 🚀🌳⛽

Our mission is to decarbonise the transportation industry, and we devote our technology, time and talent to the planet, advancing the transition to sustainable low-carbon fuels. We are committed to leveraging our expertise to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels, reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions while maintaining fuel affordability and reliability.

To achieve global net-zero goals, the world urgently needs affordable, scalable, sustainable liquid fuel solutions. Unlike alternative fuel technologies that require costly infrastructure changes, over the last 10 years, XFuel has developed and patented technologies to produce sustainable drop-in fuels that integrate seamlessly into existing transportation systems, including marine, road, and aviation sectors.

XFuel is backed by world-class VCs and ideally positioned to scale as a leading sustainable fuel company. Our drop-in fuels seamlessly replace fossil fuels without requiring blending, engine modifications, or additional infrastructure investment for distribution or storage. With project capital requirements significantly lower than traditional alternatives and production costs comparable to or below fossil fuel market prices, our approach is both cost-effective and scalable.

We have successfully demonstrated our technology through operational pilot plants and a low-risk, modular scale-up strategy that enables efficient commercial deployment. Our focus is on building, owning, and operating plants globally, producing sustainable fuels with significant GHG savings and providing a viable solution for the decarbonization of transportation. As we continue to grow, we are looking for passionate individuals who share our mission, values, and drive to accelerate the transition to cleaner fuels.

What is my mission? ‍‍👩‍💻👨‍💻

Your mission will be to support XFuel’s science team in advancing our next-generation fuel technologies. You’ll play a hands-on role in analysing fuel samples, assisting in sample collection, and helping to prepare and run trials in our pilot plant. Working closely with the science team, you’ll gain exposure to real-world R&D while contributing to high-impact experiments and data analysis. This is a fast-paced and collaborative environment where your responsibilities will grow with your skills and initiative. From day one, you’ll be trusted with meaningful work that supports XFuel’s mission to reshape the future of sustainable fuels.

Specific responsibilities will include:
• Sampling & Analysis: Assist with collecting, packaging, labelling, sending, and analysing samples from our pilot plant and R&D trials.
• Trial Support: Help prepare and run small- and medium-scale tests alongside the science team, ensuring accurate documentation and data tracking.
• Properly handle, label, and dispose of chemical waste and reagents in accordance with environmental guidelines.
• Lab Operations: Support the day-to-day functioning of the lab, including materials prep, equipment checks, and safe handling/ storage of samples and chemicals following lab GMPs.
• Data & Reporting: Work with scientists to input, clean, and interpret experimental data, contributing to reports and presentations.
• Process Improvement: Observe and review lab and trial processes to suggest and implement small optimisations.
• Cross-functional Projects: Support ad-hoc scientific and operational tasks, depending on project needs — this may include logistics coordination or working with suppliers on sample shipments.
• Support lab and analytical equipment maintenance, writing SOPs and ensuring the reagent stockage for work maintenance and work.
• Participate in safety audits and risk assessments to maintain a compliant laboratory environment.

We’re looking for someone who: 🧠💚🥇
• Holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, environmental science, or a related field.
• Ideally has 1–2 years of lab, R&D, or pilot plant experience (internships or university labs are great too).
• Is hands-on, detail-oriented, and confident working with lab equipment, samples, and technical processes.
• Moderate experience in TAN/TBN, viscosity and density measurements, GC-MS, FTIR, and elemental analysis of fuel samples, as well as data analysis from these instruments, will be a plus.
• Has basic proficiency in data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, Google Sheets, or basic lab software).
• Communicates clearly and works well in a collaborative, interdisciplinary team.
• Is curious, proactive, and excited about solving real-world climate and energy challenges.
• Is eager to learn and grow in a fast-paced, startup environment where no two days are the same.
• Is eligible to live and work in the EU.

It would be beneficial to have familiarity with: 🧠🥈
• Bilingual (English & Spanish) with clear and confident communication

Benefits 💰
• High-impact mission and purpose-driven team / culture
• Competitive salary
• Temporary housing assistance while you search for a place of your own
• Startup equity + incentives
• Enhanced parental leave
• Monthly Team lunches and socials
• Working from one of the most incredible places to live!

Location 🌍

Mallorca, Spain (GMT +1) – It doesn’t get any better!

Our Values 🙌

We focus on impact – we work on problems that have the biggest impact.

We innovate to better serve our planet – we believe innovation is crucial in tackling climate change.

We act with integrity – do what’s right, even when it’s hard.

We are passionate and win together – we know that success is a result of great teams, positive energy and collaboration

What if you’re a partial fit? 🌱

We prioritise grit, positivity, and the willingness to get stuck in, and encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't exactly match this job description.

Equal employment opportunity 🌈

XFuel is an equal opportunity employer: we value diversity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.