Program Manager / PhD (m/f/x) - Student & Scientist Programs

HPI Engine is the entrepreneurship ecosystem of the Hasso Plattner Institute, one of Europe’s leading hubs for digital entrepreneurship. With 300+ founders, 450+ startups, and over €1B in raised capital, we enable tech innovators to turn ideas into impactful ventures through education, mentorship, and community. Together with HPI Ventures, we support startups from first idea to global scale.

Your Role

• Inspire Future Founders: Empower students and researchers to turn bold ideas into ventures. Build their skills, mindset, and confidence to create and grow startups that matter
• Run Programs: Drive and mentor participants in HPI Engine’s flagship programs, Founder Fundamentals, Product Builder and newly created learning experiences. Guide them through workshops, mentoring, and structured learning journeys
• Shape Learning: Create practical, high-energy learning experiences that prepare participants for the realities of building companies
• Bridge Worlds: Bring research, technology, and entrepreneurship together, turning academic insights into real-world innovation
• Lead & Learn: Combine your external PhD research with hands‑on program management in one of Europe’s most vibrant startup ecosystems

Your Profile

• You hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Business, Computer Science, Economics, Education, or related fields (PhD eligibility required)
• You worked in a startup or bring experience in either innovation or entrepreneurship education
• You are passionate about empowering others and sharing entrepreneurial know-how
• You posses a strong sense of ownership, organization, and initiative
• You are fluent in English and confident in German

The position is designed for candidates who plan to pursue a PhD, and it is structured accordingly. PhD eligibility is therefore required. Potential candidates do not have to be enrolled in a PhD program at the time of their application to qualify for the role. Both internal and external PhD programs are possible.

What we offer

• The best of both worlds: grow your academic career while driving real-world impact
• Direct access to founders, investors, and the broader startup ecosystem
• Competitive salary, flexible hours, and up to two remote days per week
• A vibrant community at the intersection of tech, research, and entrepreneurship
• Regular team events and workshops
• For problems of any kind (including those in your private life), you can use our external employee counseling service free of charge
• Attractive employee offers (corporate benefits)
• 30 days of vacation plus two additional days off on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve
• Numerous sports facilities (tennis and basketball courts, beach volleyball court, calisthenics park, and participation in running events)
• Workplace on the HPI campus in Potsdam-Babelsberg (Griebnitzsee S-Bahn station), with fast transportation connections to Berlin

Contact person HR-Recruiting