Research Project Lead (m/f/d)

Munich (preferred) · Remote possible within Germany · Full-time · Senior

Lead our publicly funded research projects over their whole lifetime, write the proposals that start them, and stay deep in quantum computing while you do it.

At Aqarios, we want to change how the world solves hard problems. We use quantum computing to tackle some of the most complex challenges companies face across industries. Join us and you'll work on technology that's still being figured out, in a setup that's flexible and gives you room to own what you do. Ideally you'd be with us in our Munich office, though remote within Germany works too.

Aqarios was founded to close the gap between quantum computing and problems companies actually need solved. Our aim is to make quantum genuinely useful for the hard, complex challenges that come up across industries. We work with large enterprises to do that, sometimes through Luna, our platform, and sometimes through solutions we build for a specific customer. We're a team of just over 10, spun out of LMU Munich's QAR-Lab. That means there's real academic depth behind what we do, paired with the day-to-day of shipping software that customers rely on.

• Leading our funded research projects over their whole lifetime, with milestones, reporting and deliverables
• Coordinating consortium partners from industry and academia
• Working on the quantum research yourself. The projects need someone who understands the science in depth
• Guiding our developers so the project work gets done and actually fits the project goals
• Writing new funding proposals with us, from shaping the project idea to getting the budget right
• Proposal work comes in waves, so between deadlines you spend your time on research, development or customer-facing work, depending on what fits you best
• You've led funded research projects in different phases, including kickoff and final report, and know what comes with them, including partners who need a nudge
• You've written grant proposals that got funded, ideally during your own time at a university or research institute
• A strong background in quantum computing, deep enough to work on the research yourself and hold your own with our physicists and developers
• You're comfortable with numbers, project budgets and personnel cost calculations included
• A PhD is a plus, and so is an interest in sales, marketing or business development
• Also a plus: you like writing about technical work, whether that's blog articles or LinkedIn posts
• You ask questions when you're unsure and take feedback well. Admitting you don't know something is genuinely fine here
• Based in or near Munich, or elsewhere in Germany if you work remotely
• German at C1 level is a strong plus, as grant proposals and project meetings usually run in German

At Aqarios, you’ll have the chance to grow alongside a company at the forefront of quantum innovation, building a career in a rapidly expanding field.

• A whole area of the company that's genuinely yours, with the founders backing you
• Publishing and going to conferences is welcome and supported
• Flexible hours and a relaxed approach to where you work. Remote is fine, we'd just like to see you in the office about once a week if you're in Munich
• A small team that supports each other, an office in central Munich and regular team events
• A Wellhub membership for gyms and fitness, and a Claude subscription for your daily work

Don’t just work - make an impact. Join Aqarios and help us shape the future of computing, one breakthrough at a time!