Innovation Researcher

Carl Zeiss India (Bangalore) Pvt. Ltd.; India; On-site; INR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

ZEISS in India at IIT Madras Research Park, Chennai, seeks an Innovation Researcher to bridge academic research, startups and ZEISS business units. You will incubate high-impact deeptech ideas and help transfer them into ZEISS programs, working onsite with interdisciplinary teams.

Requirements include a university degree (PhDs/M Techs) in STEM, 2–4 years of relevant experience, fluent English, and a hands-on, collaborative mindset.

Qualifications

• University degree (PhDs/M Techs) in STEM.
• 2–4 years of experience bringing research ideas to products.
• Experience in cross-functional and external teams.
• Fluent in English.

Responsibilities

• Identify IIT Madras technologies and assess relevance.
• Evaluate ideas for desirability, feasibility, and viability for ZEISS.
• Lead innovation and market research on emerging tech and trends.
• Define solution concepts with interdisciplinary teams.
• Develop proof-of-concept demonstrators and prototypes.
• Facilitate knowledge transfer to ZEISS business units.
• Support technology and business transfer and incubation.
• Screen startups for collaboration or investment opportunities.
• Foster an entrepreneurial culture and agile collaboration.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Strategic thinking

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Collaboration

Education

University degree (PhDs/M Techs) in STEM

Job description

ZEISS in India

ZEISS in India 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.

Diversity is a part of ZEISS. We look forward to receiving your application regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, philosophy of life, disability, age, sexual orientation or identity.