Job Description
The Center for the Transformation of Chemistry (CTC), a newly founded national research hub in Germany, is supported by €1.25 billion in funding (until 2038) and is dedicated to redefining the role of chemistry in tackling global challenges. It brings together researchers from across disciplines such as chemistry, physics, engineering, data science, and social sciences to develop sustainable materials, processes, and technologies that support a circular economy. The CTC is structured around collaborative, mission-driven research groups and state-of-the-art facilities, fostering open science, innovation, and industry partnerships. Its core mission is not only to advance cutting-edge chemistry but also to train the next generation of scientists and entrepreneurs who will drive the transformation of chemistry for a sustainable society.
Excellent fundamental research and its transfer into practical applications are equally central to our mission. With our mandate to drive structural transformation, transfer plays a particularly important role: it is a key driver of innovation in Central Germany and beyond. We are committed to effective technology transfer and to establishing a vibrant transfer culture from the very beginning at the CTC. The Technology Transfer Department currently operates from Leuna and plans to move to a new office site in the Leipzig area. Permanent locations in Delitzsch and Merseburg, Germany, are planned and will be gradually put into operation starting in 2030, replacing the temporary site.
The CTC is currently seeking to strengthen its Technology Transfer Department with the appointment of a
Business Development Manager (m/f/d)
The position is limited until December 31, 2026, with the option for an extension.
Position Description
As Business Development Manager, you will support the strategic direction of CTC's research by building networks, fostering collaborations with industry, academia, and intermediaries, and identifying market opportunities. The goal is to identify research topics with high economic relevance and build a bridge between research and the market. In this role, you will work closely with young scientists to translate their research into real-world applications.
- Support the further development of the existing transfer concept in close collaboration with colleagues from the Technology Transfer Department.
- Conduct market analysis to determine the business potential of topics in chemistry and beyond.
- Perform trend scouting and continuously monitor industry developments.
- Build, expand and maintain a network of key partners across industry, academia, and intermediary organizations.
- Identify new opportunities for research projects or transfer formats.
- Collaborate with scientists to develop exploitation strategies and create innovative business models for research results.
- Organize and facilitate workshops to foster collaboration between business units and academic researchers.
- Deliver training sessions for scientists on business development and technology transfer.
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in engineering or chemistry with a strong focus on commercialization and technology transfer, or in economics or marketing combined with solid technical understanding.
- Proven experience in market analysis, business model development, and partnership building, ideally in both industry and academia.
- Understanding of the chemical market and the ability to work closely with chemists and data scientists.
- Professionalism in industry collaboration, with a strong commitment to meeting deadlines.
- Excellent communication and networking skills, combined with strategic and analytical thinking.
- Ability to translate complex topics into clear, actionable insights.
- High level of initiative, results orientation, and relationship-building capability.
- Fluency in German and English (written and spoken).
- The opportunity to support groundbreaking research and contribute to the CTC's growth on its path toward becoming one of the largest research centers for chemistry in Europe.
- Salary: Up to E 13 TVöD (Bund) depending on the candidate's qualifications.
- The chance to work in a dynamic, collaborative, and international environment embedded in a highly motivated team.
- A high degree of personal responsibility and the freedom to pursue independent ideas.
- Individual support services fostering professional and personal growth.
- Access to strong scientific and economic networks at regional, national, and international levels.
- Conditions and social benefits of public service, including 30 days of vacation (based on a 5-day work week), annual special payments, and additional pension benefits (VBL).
- Subsidy for a public transport job ticket.