Business Development and Commercialization Lead for EXIST (ResearchTransfer)

About the position

We are developing an innovative semiconductor wafer for micro-LEDprojection
displays used in augmented-reality (AR) and virtual-reality (VR)applications.
The technology originates from scientific research and hasalready demonstrated
promising technical feasibility. Our next objective is totransfer the technology from
the laboratory toward industrial application.We are currently preparing an application
for the EXIST Research Transferprogram. Our prospective founding team consists of
researchers at the Paul-Drude-Institut für Festkörperelektronik and is led by
Dr. Jingxuan Kang. Tocomplement the technical expertise of the team, we are
looking for amotivated prospective founding-team member with a strong
background in business development, economics, finance, or commercialization.

As Business Development and Commercialization Lead, you will take primary
responsibility for transforming our scientific innovation into a commercially available
business. You will work closely with the technical founders, research partners,
industry contacts, start-up advisors, and the institutional technology-transfer network.
This is not intended to be a conventional consulting position. We are looking for
someone genuinely interested in joining the founding team and contributing to
the establishment and long-term development of the future company.

Your main responsibilities will include

• Leading the development of the business plan.
• Together with other team members, conducting comprehensive market
  research covering micro-LEDs, AR/VR display technologies, semiconductor
  wafers, epitaxy, and related supply chains.
• Defining the target market, customer segments, early-adopter strategy,
  and addressable market potential.
• Supporting the preparation and revision of the EXIST Research Transfer application
  and related presentations.
• Representing the business perspective within the founding team and supporting
  strategic decision-making throughout the project.

Your profile

We are looking for candidates who meet most of the following criteria:

• Background in business, finance, or a related discipline.
• Master’s degree, diploma, or equivalent qualification is required.
• Demonstrated knowledge of business planning, market analysis, financial
  modelling, commercialization, or strategic business development.
• Professional fluency (C2 level) in German, with the ability to prepare business and
  application documents and communicate with German institutions and
  industrial partners.
• Good command of English for communication within an international scientific
  and industrial environment.

Additional experience that would be beneficial:

Knowledge in one or more of the following areas would be an advantage:

• Semiconductor, photonics, display, electronics, or fabrication industries.
• Financial modelling for capital-intensive or hardware-based businesses.

Position and salary

Full-time position for up to 18 months, subject to approval and funding of the
EXIST Research Transfer Phase I application.
A funded full-time position within the EXIST Research Transfer Phase I project
for up to 18 months.

What we offer

• The opportunity to join the founding team of a research-basedsemiconductor
  deep-tech venture at an early stage
• Access to a strong scientific environment and specialized semiconductor
  research infrastructure
• The possibility of assuming a long-term leadership role in the futurespin-off,
  subject to mutual agreement and successful company development
• Job security and a good work-life balance
• Modern office located in the heart of Berlin with excellent public transport
  connections and a subsidized travel ticket
• Supportive environment with experts for various scientific sub-fields
• International and culturally diverse community
• Mobile work
• Possibility to participate in professional development and/or exchange
  programs

We particularly welcome applications from women and candidates from
diverse professional, cultural, and international backgrounds.

About PDI

The Paul Drude Institute is part of the Forschungsverbund Berlin e.V. and a member
of the Leibniz Association.
We are a globally recognized research institution specializing in the
development of novel functional materials through molecular beam epitaxy.
The institute carries out basic and applied research at the nexus of materials science,
condensed matter physics, and device engineering.

Inclusive & equal opportunity employer

With approximately 100 employees and more than 15 nationalities, PDI is committed
to building a talented, inclusive, and culturally diverse workforce. We understand that
our shared future is guided by basic principles of fairness and mutual respect.

As an equal opportunity and family-friendly employer, we offer highly flexible
employment conditions, such as flexible working hours, parental leave, and
home office, and we strive to create a family- and life-conscious working environment.

Among equally qualified applicants, preference will be given to candidates from
marginalized groups. That means, we welcome every qualified application, regardless
of sex and gender, origin, nationality, religion, belief, health and disabilities, age or
sexual orientation.

PDI follow our gender equality plan, so we want to engage women* to apply at
PDI to balance the gender ratio in science. Disabled applicants with equal qualification
and aptitude will be given preferential consideration.

How to apply

Interested candidates are invited to send:

• a curriculum vitae
• a short motivation letter.

Relevant certificates and related questions may be sent to Dr. Jingxuan Kang by
July 10 2026.

E-mail: kang@pdi-berlin.de