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. 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 Leipzig. Permanent locations in Delitzsch and Merseburg 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

Head of Technology Transfer (m/f/d)

The Head of Technology Transfer enables the strategic direction of CTC's mission‑oriented research by building a forward‑looking transfer architecture that transforms scientific breakthroughs in natural sciences, engineering, and data science into market‑ready solutions, spin‑offs, licensing opportunities, and robust industry partnerships. With a particular focus on advancing a chemical circular-economy innovation ecosystem in Central Germany and beyond, the role establishes scalable processes and effective pathways from discovery to application. Leading a multidisciplinary team, the Head of Technology Transfer drives strategic collaboration with internal and external stakeholders and ensures that scientific excellence delivers measurable economic and societal impact.

Manage the refinement and implementation of the CTC's technology transfer strategy, definition of long-term goals, roadmaps, and institutional priorities, including the rollout of essential digital tools
Establish governance and decision-making structures for scalable transfer processes, including IP management, collaboration models with industry and academia, commercialization pathways, and spin-off frameworks
Shape and oversee execution of a forward‑looking IP policy and licensing strategy to safeguard and commercialize research outcomes
Supervise the development of a researcher engagement model to identify commercialization potential early
Lead high‑level contract negotiations related to IP, strategic partnerships, licensing, and commercialization
Oversee the development and implementation of internal training programs that promote entrepreneurial mindset, innovation skills, and commercialization awareness among researchers
Build and maintain a strong, diverse network across industry, academia, investors, public funding institutions, intermediaries, and innovation actors in the region and beyond
Lead and develop a multidisciplinary transfer team, enabling a collaborative, transparent, and high-performing work environment
Define and continuously refine the department's service portfolio, ensuring clarity, accessibility, and alignment with organizational needs and strategic priorities
Define, refine and oversee monitoring of KPIs to track transfer performance and inform structural changes
Work with governance bodies and management boards; reports directly to executive management

Master's degree or PhD in a relevant field such as STEM disciplines, economics, social sciences, innovation/technology management with technical affinity, or IP/patent law or a comparable degree
Extensive senior-level experience in technology transfer, with expertise in IP management, licensing, innovation management, business development, start-up support, funding acquisition, and business or regional development
Demonstrated success in licensing negotiations, spin-off development, and industry collaboration, ideally across both academic and industrial environments
Strong understanding of chemical markets and value chains, and the ability to work effectively with researchers in natural sciences and data-driven fields
Proven experience in developing and strengthening innovation ecosystems, including cross-sector partnerships and multi-stakeholder networks
Strategic and analytical mindset, combined with a hands-on, results‑oriented approach
Motivation to shape structures, build new capabilities, and contribute to the development of a newly established research organization
Experience in leading multidisciplinary teams, enabling organizational growth and fostering transparent, collaborative teamwork
Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills across scientific, industrial, and public-sector stakeholders
High professionalism, strong prioritization capability, and reliability in industry-oriented contexts
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: 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.
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

The CTC strives for gender equality and diversity. We welcome applications from all backgrounds. We are committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in our workforce and therefore encourage applications from such qualified individuals. Furthermore, the CTC seeks to increase the number of women in those areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourages women to apply.

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CTC gGmbH – Center for the Transformation of Chemistry

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Head of Technology Transfer (m/f/d)