Chief Scientist – Synthetic Biology (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 CNPC'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 experienced laboratory operations professional to take a key role in the greenfield setup and operational development of our new multidisciplinary R&D centre, building laboratory operations and infrastructure from the ground up across frontier materials and synthetic biology.

This role will be responsible for building and maintaining the systems that enable safe, efficient and compliant research operations across frontier materials and synthetic biology. You will oversee laboratory operations and EHS, scientific equipment and assets, budgets and resources, digital laboratory systems, as well as operational procedures and standards.

Working closely with scientific teams, project leaders and external partners, you will ensure that our laboratories, equipment and research infrastructure provide a reliable and high-quality environment for scientific research and technology development.

Your Key Responsibilities :

1. Define the Scientific & Technology Strategy

Develop the research roadmap for Synthetic Biology and Industrial Biotechnology. Identify key technology opportunities, set scientific priorities, and guide technology development from research to application.

2. Lead High-Impact Research Programmes

Lead strategic R&D programmes in areas such as metabolic engineering, protein engineering, and fermentation. Drive scientific excellence, innovation, and data-based decision-making.

3. Translate Science into Scalable Technology

Advance technologies from laboratory research to industrial application. Evaluate technical feasibility, scalability, and commercial potential while supporting pilot-scale development and scale-up.

4. Build Scientific Capabilities & Teams

Support the growth of the Synthetic Biology 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.

5. Build a European Scientific & Innovation Network

Build partnerships with universities, research institutes, and industry leaders across Europe. Represent MatriX Innovation and drive collaborative research and innovation initiatives.

6. Compliance & Quality Assurance

Ensure 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

We will primarily base our hiring decision on the following five criteria:

• A PhD in Synthetic Biology, Biotechnology, Bioengineering, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Biochemical Engineering, or a closely related discipline, combined with internationally recognized expertise in Synthetic Biology.
• A strong publication record, including multiple first-author and/or corresponding-author publications in leading peer-reviewed journals.
• Extensive research experience in Synthetic Biology, 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.
• 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 fixed 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 .