Innovation Researcher

ZEISS India; Chennai District; On-site; INR 1,500,000 - 2,500,000; Full time

Job summary

ZEISS India in Chennai at IIT Madras Research Park seeks a capable Innovation Analyst to bridge academia and industry. You will assess emerging technologies, conduct market research, and define viable solution concepts with interdisciplinary teams.

You will drive proof-of-concept prototypes, collaborate with internal and external partners, and help transfer innovations into ZEISS business units while fostering an entrepreneurial culture. Fluent English required.

Qualifications

• University degree (PhDs/M Techs) in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics).
• 2–4 years of bringing research ideas to products; total 4–10 years.
• Experience in cross-functional and external teams.
• Fluent in English; strong communication and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Assess technologies emerging from IIT Madras and other universities.
• Lead studies on emerging technologies and market trends; identify customer needs and define solution concepts with interdisciplinary teams.
• Drive the development of proof-of-concept demonstrators and prototypes with internal and external partners.
• Facilitate the transition of innovative concepts into ZEISS business operations and support incubation.
• Screen startups for collaboration or investment opportunities aligned with ZEISS strategy.
• Foster an entrepreneurial culture and agile collaboration across teams.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Strategic thinking

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Team collaboration

English fluency

Education

PhD or MTech in STEM

Job description

• Assess technologies emerging from IIT Madras and other universities. Evaluate ideas based on desirability, feasibility, and viability for ZEISS.

Conduct innovation and market research:

• Lead studies on emerging technologies and market trends. Identify customer needs and define solution concepts with interdisciplinary teams.

Contribute fruitfully to projects:

• Drive the development of proof-of-concept demonstrators and prototypes. Work with internal and external partners to ensure knowledge transfer to ZEISS business units.

Support technology and business transfer:

• Facilitate the transition of innovative concepts into ZEISS business operations. Support internal venturing and incubation through structured proposals and business plans.

Screen and evaluate startups for the technology you are working on:

• Identify startups relevant to the Innovation Hub's focus areas. Propose collaboration or investment opportunities aligned with ZEISS strategy.

Foster innovation culture:

• Promote a 'together we go far' and 'just do it' mindset within teams. Encourage creativity, agile collaboration, and cross-border innovation practices.

Education requirements / Experience / Job Specifications

1. Education / Professional Certification

• University degree (PhDs/M Techs) in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)

2. Experience

• 2–4 years of working on bringing research ideas to products either in industry or academia, overall experience of 4 to 10 years
• Experience in working in cross-functional and external teams

3. Knowledge / Skills / Other characteristics

• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills
• Ability to work on projects with university teams
• Excellent communication and problem-solving abilities
• Hands-on, collaborative mindset with perseverance in idea development
• Fluent in English

4. Working conditions & Other Attributes.

• Based at IIT Madras Research Park, Chennai (on-site)
• Local candidates preferred, hybrid work to be discussed for exceptionally suitable outstation candidates.
• Dynamic, interdisciplinary, and entrepreneurial environment.
• Occasional domestic and international travel