About Us
Max-Planck-Innovation GmbH (MI) is the technology transfer organization of the Max Planck Society (MPG).
In addition to securing intellectual property rights and commercializing research results, we support scientists interested in founding a business in preparing spin-offs based on excellent research at the Max Planck Institutes. Our ambition is to generate sustainable value through systematic support and the development of startups.
Strategic Context of Your Role
The success of spin-offs is decisively determined by the quality and expertise of the founder and management team. In this role, you will take on responsibility for building and advancing our venture talent program “Expertise Meets Innovation” (EMI). The goal is to systematically complement and integrate entrepreneurial, operational, and industrial management expertise into founding teams. You will report directly to the Head of Start-up & Equity Management and work closely with the team of startup managers as well as founding teams across the Max Planck Institutes.
What Makes This Position Special
• High degree of creative freedom in establishing a core strategic instrument of spin-off support
• Direct impact on the quality of MPG spin-offs emerging from excellent research
• Opportunity to establish scalable talent and community structures for the long term
Your Responsibilities
1. Building a Structured Venture Talent Ecosystem
• Development and implementation of scalable matching processes for co-founders, CXO profiles, and industry experts
• Conception and testing of new formats (e.g., matching events, alumni structures, digital talent platforms)
• Establishment and maintenance of curated talent pools (serial entrepreneurs, entrepreneurs in residence (EIRs), industry experts)
2. Strategic Needs Analysis & Matching
• Needs analysis in close coordination with startup managers and founding teams
• Data-driven identification, outreach, and qualification of suitable candidates
• Coordination of the selection and integration process through to a successful company launch
3. Network and Partner Development
• Identification and strategic integration of suitable offerings, existing networks, platforms, databases, and
AI research tools from national and international startup ecosystems
• Positioning of MI as the central hub for entrepreneurial talent for MPG spin-offs
4. Operational Responsibility
• EMI budget planning and fund administration
• Development of suitable communication channels to make entrepreneurial opportunities visible
Your Profile
Must-haves:
• Completed university degree (e.g., in business, social, or natural sciences, ideally with a focus on innovation/entrepreneurship, HR, or talent management)
• Several years of experience in executive search, talent recruiting, or community building within a startup, VC, or ecosystem context
• In-depth understanding of the requirements of deep tech startups in particular
• Structured approach to work, team orientation, and outstanding communication skills
• Business-fluent German and English skills
Nice-to-haves:
• First-hand startup experience
• Experience in team building, coaching, or cultural and organizational development, as well as a strong intuition for people and team dynamics
• Experience in the public sector environment or public procurement
Framework Conditions
• Part-time (20–25 hrs/week),
• Remuneration according to TVöD Bund, company pension scheme (VBL), and subsidy for the Deutschlandticket.
• Location: Munich – hybrid/mobile working partly possible
• Initially fixed-term for 2 years with the possibility of subsequent permanent employment
Have we sparked your interest? Then we look forward to receiving your complete online application by
October 18, 2026 at the latest to: personal@max-planck-innovation.de (Ms. Waltinger)
Max-Planck-Innovation GmbH / Arnulfstr. 58 / 80335 Munich / Tel.: +49 89 290919-0 / info@max-planck-innovation.de
More information on how your personal data is handled and the public key for download can be found
at this link: https://www.max-planck-innovation.de/datenschutz-stellenausschreibung.html
