Riga Technical University (RTU), in strategic cooperation with AS «Latvenergo», is announcing an international open competition to attract Latvia's first industrial professor, who, with the company's support, will research opportunities for developing green fuel. Interested parties are invited to apply for the competition by February 2.
RTU and Latvenergo invite applications from candidates at the Associate Professor or Professor level who have demonstrated practical experience in e-fuels and related sustainable fuel technologies, including green hydrogen production, sustainable aviation fuel (e-SAF), green methanol, green ammonia, and Fischer–Tropsch–based processes. Relevant experience may include plant operation, process and system modeling, facility design, or technology development, with contributions to materials, process, or equipment-oriented research and innovation.
Requirements for candidates
- Education level: PhD or equivalent;
- Languages: English proficiency at a minimum of C1 level;
- Demonstrated outstanding academic achievements in green fuels, supported by a strong publication record;
- Proven experience in leading or contributing to research and innovation projects in academic and/or industrial settings;
- Evidence of successful acquisition of externally funded research projects or clear potential to do so;
- Strong pedagogical competence and experience in academic teaching;
- In addition to research excellence, applicants should demonstrate societal engagement and impact, experience in technology transfer, industrial and entrepreneurial activities, multidisciplinary collaboration, and a clear commitment to teaching quality, educational development, and educational innovation.
Detailed information about requirements and application process.
At the end of 2025, RTU and AS «Latvenergo» agreed on a strategic partnership by signing a cooperation agreement on the implementation of the industrial professor project. This is an unprecedented business and science cooperation initiative to promote green fuel research and production.
The industrial professor's duties will primarily be related to the development and analysis of e-fuel production plant models for the Baltic region, leveraging expertise in advanced materials, process and system modeling, and energy-related equipment design. The industrial research agenda is centered on sustainable synthetic fuels, including e-SAF, green methanol, and e-ammonia. Development trends and consumption forecasts will be studied to assess the competitiveness of Latvia and the Baltic region and to identify the main limiting factors for the production and export of such fuels from Latvia and the Baltic countries.
