Manager Strategy and Development (f/m/d)
Introduction
MatriX Innovation GmbH is a newly established European R&D centre in Munich backed by PetroChina, one of the world's largest integrated oil and gas companies. Building on PetroChina's global industrial capabilities, long-term investment strength and extensive technology ecosystem, MatriX Innovation has been established to explore and develop next-generation technologies with a particular focus on frontier materials and synthetic biology. As a newly established research organisation, we offer a genuine greenfield opportunity: the chance to help shape scientific priorities, build research capabilities and create new technology platforms from the ground up. Our ambition is to combine the scientific autonomy and entrepreneurial mindset of an advanced research institute with the strong financial backing, engineering capabilities and industrial scale-up potential of a global industrial group. Located in Germany and operating across Europe, we bring together outstanding scientists, engineers, and innovators from Europe and North America. By combining world-class research with industrial expertise, we accelerate the path from breakthrough discoveries to real-world deployment and commercial impact.
Tasks
The Role We are looking for a Research Strategy and Technology Manager to help develop our research portfolio in frontier materials and synthetic biology. The role combines technology intelligence, research planning and technical assessment, with a focus on identifying promising scientific developments and turning them into well-defined research opportunities. Working at the interface of science, technology and industry, you will closely collaborate with internal scientific PIs, institute management, PetroChina corporate stakeholders, as well as external European academic and industrial partners to evaluate emerging technologies, develop research proposals and build collaborative relationships across Europe. You will also engage with European academic and industrial partners, assess resource needs and explore potential applications for research outcomes.
Your Key Responsibilities
- Strategy & Direction Assessment
Support the development and implementation of medium- to long-term R&D strategies for frontier materials and synthetic biology. Evaluate research directions based on scientific merit, technical feasibility, industrial demand, and corporate strategic goals. Provide evidencrecommendations supporting research prioritiesiorities, portfolio planning, and resource allocation.
- Technology Intelligence & Innovation Scouting
Monitor relevant developments across energy, chemicals, frontier materials and synthetic biology. Conduct literature reviews, patent analyses and technology benchmarking to identify emerging approaches, technical challenges and potential opportunities. Present findings in clear, actionable reports for scientific and management stakeholders.
- Project Planning & Technical Assessment
Partner with internal scientific teams to develop research proposals, define project milestones, and conduct feasibility studies for funding applications. Assess the technical maturity, risks, and potential benefits of internal and collaborative projects to provide input to project planning, prioritization, and stage-gate reviews. 4.European Partnerships & Business Development Build and manage networks with European universities, research institutes, experts, and technology-focused SMEs. Identify, evaluate and engage potential partners, and support collaborative research projects and technical service initiatives. 5.Resource Planning & Technology Transfer Support Analyze infrastructure, talent, and platform resource requirements for target research themes, and evaluate in-house development versus external collaboration options. Assess the real-world application potential of research outcomes and support technology transfer and commercialization planning.
Profile
Candidates will be evaluated primarily based on the following criteria: A PhD in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Bioengineering, or a closely related discipline. Interdisciplinary or European research experience would be an advantage. 4+ years of relevant experience, including in research strategy, technology assessment, R&D project planning, or related research, ideally with a strong technical background in materials, chemicals, or biotechnology. Experience in research institutes, universities, or corporate R&D organizations, with practical knowledge of research project planning, technology evaluation, and international scientific collaboration. Understanding of scientific advances and technology trends in Frontier Materials or Synthetic Biology, with the ability to evaluate research directions, assess technical feasibility, and identify innovation opportunities. Proficiency in literature review, patent analysis, technology benchmarking, and technical reporting, with experience in project evaluation, research planning, and technology readiness assessment. Understanding of intellectual property and technology commercialization, with the ability to assess application potential and identify collaboration opportunities. Experience and ability to build in a greenfield environment will be considered a strong advantage. Strong scientific judgement, analytical and structured thinking, and cross-disciplinary collaboration skills, combined with research integrity, initiative, and accountability. Existing connections within European research or industry networks would be an advantage. Willingness to travel internationally. Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; proficiency in German would be an advantage.
We offer
A dynamic role with opportunities to contribute to research strategy, technology development, and collaborative R&D initiatives Competitive senior-level annual salary benchmarked against the German technology and industrial R&D market The opportunity to work closely with scientific teams, management, corporate stakeholders, and external research and industry partners. Excellent opportunities to contribute to the organization’s research portfolio, innovation activities, and long-term development 30 days of annual leave based on a five-day working week Comprehensive training and continuing education opportunities A modern and well-equipped working environment A collaborative and professional workplace culture built on open communication and teamwork
Additional Information
Please submit your CV, together with your salary expectations and earliest possible start date, as well as a short overview of relevant business development, partnership, commercialization or investment projects. We would particularly welcome a summary of 2–3 research strategy or technology assessment projects you have contributed to, outlining your role in evaluating research directions, identifying innovation opportunities, developing project proposals, and supporting key decisions or collaboration outcomes.