The Friedrich Schiller University Jena is a dynamic and innovation-driven university centrally located in Germany. With a broad range of disciplines, it shapes the future through excellent research and teaching. Its scientific excellence is reflected in the profile areas Light – Life – Liberty, which provide pioneering insights and sustainable solutions for the society of tomorrow. Through close collaborations with leading research institutions, innovative companies, and renowned cultural organizations, it advances interdisciplinary developments. With around 17,000 students and approximately 10,000 employees, it defines Jena as a vibrant, internationally connected city of science and innovation.

Within the JENAiNNOVATION project, the Office of the Vice-President for Research and Innovation is offering four key positions to start as soon as possible:

4 Innovation Scouts for Scientific Transfer (m/f/d)

We offer 4 full-time positions (40 hours per week) offered as a fixed-term position until 30.09.2028.

Technological innovation is a key driver of sustainable growth and economic resilience. The Friedrich Schiller University Jena has outstanding potential to play a pioneering role in this area. Therefore, a Jena-based scientific consortium, represented by the coordinating Friedrich Schiller University Jena, the University of Applied Sciences Jena (EAH), and the University Hospital Jena (UKJ) and more than 50 associated partners is launching the new Transfer Center JENAiNNOVATION. It will focus on innovation and transfer originating from the partners’ most excellent research domains and is funded by the Carl Zeiss Foundation (www.carl-zeiss-stiftung.de). The main objective is to create a powerful innovation ecosystem that accelerates the translation of excellent research into impactful real-world applications, fosters groundbreaking DeepTech spin-offs and startups, strengthens collaborations between academia, industry and society, and contributes cutting-edge technology to address critical future challenges. Within this framework, the four Innovation Scouts will bring strong scientific expertise in one of the Center’s key focus areas:

• Photonics and medical diagnostics
• Innovative materials and resource efficiency
• Inflammation and microbiome technology
• Digital technology and artificial intelligence

Your responsibilities:

As an Innovation Scout, your core mission is to (1) identify promising research (“Scouting”), (2) shape and drive early innovation projects (“Project Shaping”), and (3) connect key actors across academia, industry and society (“Ecosystem Interfaces”).

• Identify, assess, and activate high-potential research results directly from the ongoing cutting-edge research for transfer, innovation, and commercialization
• Initiate and coordinate innovation projects, including validation, prototyping, and financing activities
• Connect researchers with industry partners, investors, and other stakeholders to advance innovation pathways and strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration and exchange
• Develop and implement strategies for intellectual property, business models, and spin-off formation
• Design and implement innovation formats, workshops, and events that foster an entrepreneurial culture
• Advise and support the university’s leadership in shaping strategic innovation and transfer initiatives

Your profile:

• University degree (Master’s level or equivalent) in natural sciences, engineering, or a related discipline
• Proven expertise in one of the four focus areas: photonics and medical diagnostics, innovative materials and resource efficiency, inflammation and microbiome technology, or digital technology and artificial intelligence
• A doctoral degree (PhD) is considered an asset
• Demonstrated interest and initial experience in innovation and entrepreneurship, including the identification and evaluation of innovation potential, the use of entrepreneurial methodologies (e.g., Design Thinking, Lean Startup, Business Model Development), and a basic understanding of IP strategies, intellectual property rights, and business model development
• Basic awareness of national and international funding schemes (e.g., Horizon Europe, esp. EIC Accelerator, BMWE, BMFTR)
• Excellent networking, communication, and facilitation skills for engaging and connecting diverse stakeholders
• Proactive, structured, and independent working style, paired with curiosity and creativity
• Fluency in English; German language skills are an advantage

We offer:

• Working in one of the most exciting and dynamic scientific and innovation fields as outlined above. The start of this new project offers a diverse and inspiring area of activity, including substantial personal and professional freedom to shape your role, as well as a compelling opportunity to qualify for further positions in (academic) innovation, entrepreneurial, or scientific management.
• The challenge and opportunity to actively shape a new, interdisciplinary innovation and transfer structure at a modern and research-strong university.
• Direct access to world-class research environments such as: The Abbe Center of Photonics (www.acp.uni-jena.de), the Center for Energy and Environmental Chemistry (www.ceec.uni-jena.de), and the Excellence Cluster Balance of the Microverse (www.microverse-cluster.de). All offering outstanding interdisciplinary and interprofessional networks and close links to university, non-university research and high-tech industry partners.
• The FSU provides a family-friendly working environment with flexible working options as well as a university scheme for the promotion of career, health and wellbeing.
• Jena is an attractive, young city in the heart of Germany with an excellent environment: The players on site characterize a lively and future-oriented region in science and economy.
• Remuneration based on the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Public Sector of the Federal States (TV-L) at / up to salary scale 13 — depending on the candidate’s personal qualifications—, including a special annual payment in accordance with the collective agreement.
  
  

Candidates with severe disabilities will be given preference in the case of equal qualifications and suitability.

For further information, please feel free to contact Mr. Ede Möser at ede.moeser@uni-jena.de or via phone at +49 3641-9-402123.

Are you eager to work for us? Then apply by January 11, 2026 using our online form.