Principal Scientist / Chief Scientist

MatriX Innovation GmbH is a frontier research institute established by PetroChina in Munich, Germany, in 2025 to strengthen scientific and technological collaboration between China and Europe. Rooted in Europe's vibrant innovation ecosystem, the institute is committed to the philosophy of "Openness, Integration, Excellence, and Impact."

Our research focuses on two strategic domains—Advanced Materials and Synthetic Biology—covering the entire innovation value chain from fundamental research to technology commercialization. Through global collaboration, we aim to accelerate green technologies, foster shared innovation, and contribute to a sustainable global scientific community.

We are seeking an internationally recognized scientist with outstanding academic achievements and proven leadership in Advanced Materials or Synthetic Biology.

As a Principal Scientist / Chief Scientist, you will serve as one of the institute's scientific leaders, responsible for defining strategic research directions, leading groundbreaking scientific discoveries, building world-class research teams, and translating scientific excellence into industrial impact. Working in a highly international environment, you will collaborate with leading scientists and industry partners worldwide to shape the future of energy and chemical technologies.

• Lead one of the institute's key research programs in Advanced Materials or Synthetic Biology.
• Develop and execute long-term research strategies, scientific roadmaps, and technology development plans.
• Initiate and lead high-impact, frontier research projects that address critical scientific and technological challenges.
• Ensure research programs remain internationally competitive and scientifically leading.
• Recruit, build, and lead a multidisciplinary, international research team.
• Mentor scientists and researchers at different career stages while fostering an open, collaborative, and innovation-driven research culture.
• Lead talent development, performance evaluation, and career progression planning.
• Research Project & Resource Management
• Oversee the full lifecycle of major research programs, including proposal development, budgeting, project execution, milestone management, and final delivery.
• Manage laboratory resources efficiently while coordinating closely with administrative, finance, legal, and operational support teams.
• Lead the publication of high-impact scientific papers and the development of valuable intellectual property.
• Strengthen the institute's international scientific reputation through outstanding research achievements.
• Collaborate with commercialization and business development teams to accelerate technology transfer and industrial applications.

Represent the institute in strategic collaborations with leading universities, research institutes, and industrial partners worldwide.

Participate in major international scientific conferences and research networks.

Support the development of international collaborative research programs and competitive funding proposals.

Ensure all research activities comply with German and European regulations regarding research ethics, biosafety, laboratory safety, intellectual property, data protection (GDPR), and other applicable legal requirements.

Establish and continuously improve laboratory quality management systems and research governance processes.

We are looking for candidates with the following qualifications:

Ph.D. in Materials Science, Chemistry, Biotechnology, Synthetic Biology, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.

Minimum of 15 years of research experience in Advanced Materials or Synthetic Biology.

At least 10 years leading scientific research teams, laboratories, or research groups.

Demonstrated success leading major research programs within multinational corporations, world-class research institutes, or leading universities.

Proven experience in technology commercialization, technology licensing, or industry collaboration.

Experience leading research teams in Germany or elsewhere in Europe, with a strong understanding of European research systems and funding mechanisms, is highly desirable.

Internationally recognized academic achievements, including publications as first or corresponding author in leading journals such as Nature, Science, Cell, or other top-tier peer-reviewed journals.

Deep scientific expertise and broad understanding of emerging technologies and challenges within the relevant research field.

Outstanding research leadership, project management, and team-building capabilities.

German proficiency is highly desirable.

Chinese language skills are considered a strong advantage.

Exceptional scientific creativity and problem-solving abilities.

Strong leadership in multidisciplinary and multicultural research environments.

Excellent communication, collaboration, and stakeholder management skills.

High level of integrity, accountability, and scientific ethics.

Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to translate scientific discoveries into practical applications.

Results-oriented and capable of driving innovation in a dynamic international research environment.

A World-Class Research Platform – Lead cutting-edge research programs in Advanced Materials or Synthetic Biology within Munich's globally renowned innovation ecosystem, supported by state-of-the-art laboratories and research facilities.

Global Scientific Network – Collaborate with internationally recognized scientists, strategic advisors, leading universities, and industrial partners across Europe and China.

Competitive Career Development – Attractive international compensation package, comprehensive benefits, and clear opportunities for long-term career growth.

Meaningful Scientific Impact – Contribute directly to solving critical challenges facing the global energy and chemical industries while driving the full journey from scientific discovery to industrial application.

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