Innovation Researcher

zeissgroup; India; On-site; INR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

ZEISS India in Chennai hosts an Innovation Hub to bridge IIT Madras research with ZEISS business units. The Innovation Researcher will identify high-impact deeptech opportunities and drive incubation and transfer of new technologies.

Based at IIT Madras Research Park, the role requires 2-4 years' experience turning research ideas into products, collaboration across university and industry teams, and strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Qualifications

• 2-4 years of experience bringing research ideas to products in industry or academia.
• Experience working in cross-functional and external teams.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills.
• Hands-on, collaborative mindset with perseverance in idea development.
• Fluent in English.

Responsibilities

• Identify IIT Madras technologies for ZEISS and assess desirability, feasibility and viability.
• Lead innovation and market research to define customer needs and create solution concepts.
• Develop proof-of-concept demonstrators and prototypes with internal and external partners.
• Support technology and business transfer through structured proposals and business plans.
• Screen startups for collaboration or investment opportunities aligned with ZEISS strategy.
• Foster an entrepreneurial culture and cross-border innovation practices.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Strategic thinking

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Fluent English

Education

PhDs/M Techs in STEM

Job description

ZEISS in India is headquartered in Bengaluru and present in the fields of Industrial Quality Solutions, Research Microscopy Solutions, Medical Technology, Vision Care and Sports & Cine Optics.

ZEISS India has 3 production facilities, R&D center, Global IT services and about 40 Sales & Service offices in almost all Tier I and Tier II cities in India. With 2200+ employees and continued investments over 25 years in India, ZEISS' success story in India is continuing at a rapid pace.

Further information at ZEISS India .

Purpose of this position / Position summary

The Innovation Researcher will be responsible working on high-impact deeptech opportunities from IIT Madras that have been identified as relevant to ZEISS. The role exists to bridge academic research, startups, and ZEISS business units, ensuring the successful incubation and transfer of new technologies. The position contributes to ZEISS's global innovation strategy by driving collaboration and fostering an entrepreneurial culture within the ZEISS Innovation Hub Chennai.

Primary duties and responsibilities

• Identify ZEISS relevant technologies: 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

Education / Professional Certification

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

Experience

2-4 years of working on bringing research ideas to products either in industry or academia (e.g., Working on an industry relevant technology during PhD)

Experience in working in cross-functional and external teams

Knowledge / Skills / Other characteristics

• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills
• String research experience
• 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

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.

Your ZEISS Recruiting Team:

Saptarshi Chowdhury