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.

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