About Fraunhofer TechBridge:

The TechBridge Program is a commercialization model that leverages the worldwide Fraunhofer research network to support early-stage startups. TechBridge helps promising cleantech startups build, develop, and validate their technologies to accelerate commercialization by developing and testing prototypes, deploying field demonstrations, and performing third-party evaluation. The TechBridge team is located at Fraunhofer CSE in Boston, MA. For more details, please see cse.fraunhofer.org/techbridge.

About the Position:

Fraunhofer CSE is looking for an outstanding postdoctoral candidate to support commercialization efforts of early-stage energy startups through the TechBridge program. This is an opportunity to transition to a technology commercialization role while drawing from a deep technical and research background. We are seeking a talented engineer or scientist with demonstrated interest or experience in the business side of innovation and the ability to apply critical thinking to a wide array of technology areas.

Your primary objectives will be to identify and evaluate promising early stage energy technologies, and to design and manage technical development projects for participating startups to meet market needs. You will be exposed to both technical and business aspects of energy technology innovation, working with and learning from a team that complements your own background and experience.  Reporting to the TechBridge Program Manager, you'll be a key part of an energetic, innovative and dynamic team that shares a commitment to engineering excellence, combined with a passion for sustainable energy technology. Fellows go on to find successful employment in leading organizations because of the practical and unique experience acquired at Fraunhofer CSE.

Principal Responsibilities:

• Learn rapidly about new technology areas, engaging broadly in areas outside your domain expertise
• Conduct technology ‘mapping’ exercises to identify white space in a given innovation area
• Identify promising energy technology startups that face development challenges
• Perform technical analyses of startup technologies, evaluating technology constraints and potential as well as technology’s context given prior work in the field
• Evaluate business plans and new business models for energy technology startups
• Develop scopes of work with lead CSE researchers to address industrial and investor interests; manage execution of projects
• Assist in techno-economic roadmapping projects for startups in collaboration with Fraunhofer staff
• Learn the technical and business aspects of energy technology innovation, working with and learning from a team that complements your own background and experience

Background and Education:

• Required: Ph.D. in a technical field with relevance to energy technologies
• Required: Excellent interpersonal, communication, and writing skills.
• Required: Willingness to work concurrently on multiple projects in multiple domain areas
• Preferred: Industrial experience directly related to energy-related technologies.
• Preferred: Experience in market research and business plan development.

Keywords:

Energy technology; energy innovation; commercialization; tech transfer.

Eligibility:

In order to qualify, postdoctoral fellowship applicants must have graduated with a PhD from a post-secondary academic institution no more than 12 months prior to their fellowship program start date. Candidates must be able to commit to a 1-year appointment.

About Fraunhofer CSE:

The Fraunhofer Center for Sustainable Energy Systems (CSE) in Boston, MA is part of Fraunhofer USA, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit contract R&D organization, affiliated with Fraunhofer Gesellschaft, Europe's largest contract R&D group. Fraunhofer CSE's interdisciplinary R&D team is dedicated to serving the applied research needs of the sustainable energy industry, helping established industry players and startup companies alike develop clean energy technologies from the laboratory to the production line.  Fraunhofer CSE has active development projects in the areas of energy efficient building technology, next generation photovoltaic modules, and grid impact of renewable energy technologies. For additional information please view our website at http://cse.fraunhofer.org. 

Please apply through the career page on our website at http://cse.fraunhofer.org/jobs-careers/

Fraunhofer USA, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer of Individuals with disabilities, protected veterans and is a federal contractor.