Job description
This role involves integrating technological solutions with innovation strategies, focusing on developing research direction, research project management, solutions integration, and reporting to support EcoCeres innovation goals.
Role Responsibility
- Strategic R&D planning: Conduct in-depth research to identify gaps in existing climate technologies, particularly in hard-to-abate sectors.
- Decarbonization pathway analysis: Research and validate new decarbonization pathways and solutions, translating technical insights into actionable strategies for investment teams and portfolio companies.
- Emerging tech scouting: Scout for emerging deep-tech innovations globally, with a focus on those that can achieve real-world emissions reductions at scale.
- Technical due diligence: Perform rigorous technical due diligence on potential R&D projects and ventures, assessing scientific feasibility, intellectual property, and scaling potential.
- Research partnerships: Manage partnerships with research entities
Requirements
- Advanced degree: A PhD or Master's degree in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline (e.g., environmental science, materials science, chemistry, chemical engineering).
- R&D background: Significant experience in a research and development role, with a strong track record of transitioning technologies from proof-of-concept to pilot or commercial scale.
- Technical-Commercial mindset: The ability to translate technical concepts into viable business models and investment cases, balancing scientific rigor with market practicality.
- Ecosystem engagement: Proven experience managing multi-stakeholder projects involving industry, government, and academia.
- Strategic insight: A deep understanding of global sustainability trends, particularly in areas relevant to Temasek's focus, such as decarbonization in Asia.
About this role
About EcoCeres
Company Overview
EcoCeres Limited, a privately held company backed by Bain Capital, Kerogen Capital, and Hong Kong and China Gas Company (Towngas)
HeadquartersHong Kong, Hong Kong
Founded2008
SizeApproximately 500–1,000 employees (source: linkedin.com)
What They Do
EcoCeres is a global leader in the innovation and commercialization of renewable fuels and green molecules derived exclusively from waste-based biomass feedstocks (source: ecoceres.com). The company specializes in producing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), alongside renewable naphtha and cellulosic ethanol, using proprietary technology that converts used cooking oil and agricultural waste into drop-in substitutes for fossil fuels (source: ifc.org). Their SAF is fully traceable and ISCC-certified, delivering up to a 90% reduction in lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional jet fuel, positioning EcoCeres as a key player in decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors such as aviation and road transport (source: about.hsbc.com.hk). The company’s proprietary feedstock-to-fuel process enables production across multiple fuel types rather than focusing on a single product, supporting global energy resilience through industrial-scale production from 100% waste-based feedstocks (source: ecoceres.com).
Projects & Track Record
EcoCeres operates industrial biofuel production facilities in Hong Kong, China, and Malaysia, including a notable plant in Jiangsu and a biofuel production hub under construction in Pasir Gudang, Johor, designed to produce SAF, HVO, and bio-naphtha at scale (source: ifc.org). A landmark commercial project is the November 2024 partnership with HSBC and Cathay Pacific, where HSBC Hong Kong purchased approximately 3,400 metric tonnes of SAF for Cathay Pacific flights departing Hong Kong International Airport, supporting the local SAF ecosystem with fuel made from used cooking oil (source: about.hsbc.com.hk). The company has also forged strategic collaborations with British Airways to extend SAF supply, partnered with Viva Energy to accelerate SAF adoption in Australia, and worked with SF Group and China National Aviation Fuel to advance low-carbon air cargo in China (source: ecoceres.com). In 2026, EcoCeres expanded into low-carbon backup power for data centers through collaborations with Chindata and Bridge Data Centres, completing the first HVO-powered backup fuel pilot in the Asia Pacific region (source: ecoceres.com). The company’s ambitious regional growth includes a proposed HK$10 billion investment in a SAF plant in Dongguan, signaling a multi-year buildout across the Greater Bay Area (source: scmp.com).
Recent Developments
In August 2025, EcoCeres published its sustainability report along with a greenhouse gas accounting and audit report for 2025, underscoring its commitment to transparency and emissions reduction tracking (source: ecoceres.com). The following month, the company publicly supported Hong Kong’s vision to develop a sustainable aviation fuel industry chain in the Greater Bay Area, describing itself as a Hong Kong-based climate tech unicorn with proprietary technology converting agricultural waste into advanced biofuels achieving up to 90% lifecycle emissions reductions (source: ecoceres.com). Throughout 2026, EcoCeres announced multiple commercial partnerships and market expansion initiatives, including showcasing at Beijing China TransPo 2026, collaborations with SF Group and China National Aviation Fuel, and extending SAF supply agreements with British Airways and Viva Energy (source: ecoceres.com). Additionally, the company was recognized as the "Best Company to Work for in Asia" in May 2026, reflecting its growing reputation and workplace culture (source: ecoceres.com).
Working There
EcoCeres employs approximately 500 to 1,000 people globally, with roles spanning production, engineering, commercial, supply chain, sustainability reporting, audit, business development, partnership management, communications, and market development (source: linkedin.com). The company’s operations and hiring activities are concentrated in Hong Kong, mainland China, and Malaysia, with business development and partnership roles primarily based in Hong Kong, while plant operations and production work are centered in China and Southeast Asia (source: ifc.org). EcoCeres is distinguished from conventional fuel traders or utilities companies by its focus on waste-to-fuels biorefinery technology, emphasizing proprietary conversion processes and industrial-scale production of SAF, HVO, and related green molecules, supported by international commercial partnerships and a strong employer brand (source: ecoceres.com).
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