Chief Scientist – Frontier Materials (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 an accomplished scientist and scientific leader to help establish and shape our frontier materials research programme.

This is not a role focused solely on managing an existing research portfolio. As one of the scientific leaders of a newly established R&D organisation, you will have the opportunity to define research directions, establish technical capabilities, build scientific partnerships and translate promising discoveries into scalable technologies.

You will work with a high degree of scientific autonomy while benefiting from access to the resources, engineering expertise and industrial ecosystem of a global technology-driven organization.

Your Key Responsibilities :

• Define the Scientific & Technology StrategyDevelop the research roadmap for frontier materials. Identify key technology opportunities, set scientific priorities, and guide technology development from research to application.
• Lead High-Impact Research ProgrammesLead strategic R&D programmes in areas such as Optical and Electronic Materials, Smart Materials, Biomimetic Materials, High-Performance Composites, and Low-Carbon Materials. Drive scientific excellence, innovation, and data-based decision-making.
• Translate Science into Scalable TechnologyAdvance technologies from laboratory research to industrial application. Evaluate technical feasibility, scalability, and commercial potential while supporting pilot-scale development and scale-up.
• Build Scientific Capabilities & TeamsSupport the growth of the Frontier materials organization by recruiting and developing scientific talent, establishing research standards, and fostering a collaborative and high-performing culture. Provide mentorship and scientific guidance across multidisciplinary projects.
• Build a European Scientific & Innovation NetworkBuild partnerships with universities, research institutes, and industry leaders across Europe. Represent MatriX Innovation and drive collaborative research and innovation initiatives.
• Compliance & Quality AssuranceEnsure compliance with research ethics, biosafety, and data protection regulations across China, Germany, and the EU, while establishing robust quality management systems that support scientific excellence and reliable research outcomes.

Profile

Candidates will be evaluated primarily based on the following criteria:

• A PhD in Materials Science and Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science and Engineering, Applied Physics, or a closely related discipline.
• A strong publication record, demonstrated by multiple first-author and/or corresponding-author publications in top-tier peer-reviewed journals.
• Extensive research experience in Frontier materials, including 10+ years of leadership experience managing scientific research teams.
• Demonstrated success in leading high-impact research programmes, building scientific teams, and translating innovation into industrial and commercial outcomes within international research and innovation ecosystems.
• Recognized scientific expertise and leadership in complex research programmes, talent development, and high-impact innovation.
• Experience and ability to build in a greenfield environment will be considered a strong advantage.
• Strong cross-cultural collaboration, communication, and stakeholder management skills, combined with a results-driven mindset and commitment to excellence, integrity, and responsible innovation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; proficiency in German would be an advantage.

We offer

Joining MatriX Innovation at this stage offers something different from joining an established corporate R&D organisation: the opportunity to help build one.

Our employment package is designed to be competitive with leading international R&D employers in Germany and may include:

• A highly visible scientific leadership position within a newly established European R&D organization.
• Competitive senior-level annual salary benchmarked against the German technology and industrial R&D market.
• Outstanding opportunities to shape the organisation’s scientific direction and contribute to its long-term success.
• 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

How to Apply

Please submit your CV, together with your salary expectations and earliest possible start date, as well as a concise overview of your key scientific achievements and research interests.

We particularly welcome a short summary of 2–3 flagship research or technology programmes that best demonstrate your experience and impact. For each programme, please briefly outline your leadership role, key scientific or technical contributions, and the resulting scientific, industrial or commercial impact .