Strategic Product Manager - Biophotonics & Life Sciences

NCSL International; Germany (OH); On-site; USD 104,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-based commission

Professional development opportunities

Generous vacation plus holidays

Company pension scheme

Employee events and networking

Job summary

TOPTICA Photonics SE is seeking a Strategic Product Manager for Biophotonics & Life Sciences to shape long-term strategy and product roadmaps in microscopy and bioimaging, collaborating with R&D, marketing, and sales globally.

You will analyze markets, identify growth, and lead a PM team to translate scientific needs into competitive product concepts. This role requires interdisciplinary teamwork and international engagement.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Life Sciences, Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Biology, Physics, or a related field.
• Several years of professional experience and deep market and application expertise in microscopic imaging, bioimaging, or diagnostics.
• Experience in Product Management, Strategy Development, Strategic Marketing, Business Development, or comparable roles.
• Demonstrated success in developing product strategies and bringing new products from concept to commercial success.
• Strong analytical, structured, and self-driven working style.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and influencing skills.
• Well-established network within Life Sciences, Microscopy, and Bioimaging communities.
• Passion for working in dynamic, interdisciplinary, and international teams.

Responsibilities

• Take strategic responsibility for the long-term success of the Biophotonics & Life Sciences business unit.
• Develop and execute the global market and product strategy.
• Analyze markets, industry trends, customer needs, and the competitive landscape.
• Consolidate market intelligence and customer feedback.
• Define and own the long-term product roadmap, translating market requirements into product concepts and platform strategies.
• Identify growth opportunities and develop as well as evaluate business cases.
• Collaborate closely with Management, Executive Board, Product Management, R&D, Marketing, and Sales.
• Serve as central contact for microscopy, bioimaging, and diagnostics
• Manage strategic customer relationships and support international subsidiaries.
• Build and maintain a network within the scientific community; represent the company at conferences and events.
• Prospectively lead a Product Management team of six employees.

Skills

Market strategy

Biophotonics expertise

Microscopy

Bioimaging

Strategic marketing

Stakeholder management

International collaboration

Education

Master's degree or PhD in Life Sciences/related field

Job description

TOPTICA Photonics SE is an internationally leading, mid-sized high-tech manufacturer of laser systems for science, biotechnology, and metrology, with more than 600 employees worldwide. High motivation and personal responsibility in the service of our customers shape the corporate philosophy of this privately managed "hidden champion," which is embraced and actively lived by our employees with great commitment. Our customers include renowned industrial companies as well as numerous Nobel Prize winners. In this strategic role, you will develop our global market and product strategy for Biophotonics & Life Sciences and drive innovative solutions at the intersection of market, technology, and business.

Strategic Product Manager - Biophotonics & Life Sciences

What can you expect in this role?

• Take strategic responsibility for the long-term success of the Biophotonics & Life Sciences business unit
• Develop and execute the global market and product strategy
• Analyze markets, industry trends, customer needs, and the competitive landscape
• Consolidate market intelligence and customer feedback
• Define and own the long-term product roadmap, translating market requirements into product concepts and platform strategies
• Identify growth opportunities and develop as well as evaluate business cases
• Collaborate closely with Business Unit Management, Executive Board members, Product Management, R&D, Marketing, and Sales
• Serve as the central point of contact for microscopy, bioimaging, and diagnostics
• Manage strategic customer relationships and support international subsidiaries
• Build and maintain a strong network within the scientific community and with industry experts; represent the company at international conferences and
• scientific events
• Prospectively lead a Product Management team of six employees

Must-haves: What you'll need for this role?

• Master's degree or PhD in Life Sciences, Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Biology, Physics, or a related field
• Several years of professional experience and deep market and application expertise in microscopic imaging, bioimaging, or diagnostics
• Experience in Product Management, Strategy Development, Strategic Marketing, Business Development, or comparable roles
• Demonstrated success in developing product strategies and bringing new products from concept to commercial success
• Strong analytical, structured, and self-driven working style
• Excellent communication, presentation, and influencing skills
• Well-established network within the Life Sciences, Microscopy, and Bioimaging communities
• Passion for working in dynamic, interdisciplinary, and international teams

What would be a plus in this role?

• Experience with lasers, laser-based imaging technologies, or photonic systems
• Knowledge of diagnostics, ophthalmology, or industrial microscopy
• Leadership experience, ideally within Product Management or related functions
• Experience working in international matrix organizations

It's a plus if you've heard of the following terms:

• Spatial Omics
• Super-Resolution Microscopy
• Light-Sheet Microscopy
• Multiphoton Microscopy
• Photonic Integrated Circuits

What do we offer:

• An attractive compensation package with performance-based commission in addition to a competitive base salary
• Excellent professional development opportunities as part of one of Europe's fastest-growing photonics companies
• A vibrant community with open exchange, shared laughter - whether at table tennis, billiards, or over an espresso from our portafilter machine ;) - in our "Kulinarium" and epic company events (summer party, company outing, lunch lottery, Christmas party)
• An authentic first-name culture and short decision-making paths
• Individual onboarding for new TOPTICAns, supported by a personal mentor
• Tailored professional development - diverse learning opportunities for every need
• Support in all life situations: Employee Assistance Program for employees and their families
• Energy boosts throughout the day in the form of free soft drinks, coffee/tea, fresh fruit, and ice cream
• Generous vacation days: 30 days plus additional special holidays (e.g., Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve)
• Financial extras such as Christmas bonus, employee bonus, and company pension scheme
• Proud awards such as "Bavaria's Best 50" and "Bicycle-Friendly Employer"