Working Student Research-Based Venture Development & Funding Strategy

The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft (www.fraunhofer.com) is one of the world's leading organizations for application-oriented research. 74 institutes develop pioneering technologies for our economy and society – more precisely: 30 000 people from technology, science, administration and IT. They know: Anyone who comes to Fraunhofer wants to and can make a difference. For themselves, for us and for the markets of today and tomorrow.

Future. Discover. Together.
Our AI department develops technology with real-world impact, from making AI more transparent and trustworthy to applications in health, science and industry. We aim to move these innovations from the lab into practice through spin-offs, partnerships and collaborative research. As part of our commercialization team, you will apply business research methods to support the launch of a spin-off and to strengthen the department’s research funding strategy.

Be part of change

Conducting structured literature, technology, market and competitive research to provide a scientific context and identify potential fields of application in the field of XAI
Providing scientific input for the preparation of research proposals, in particular through research and analysis of application potential, scientific utilization, expected impacts and transfer prospects of research results in the field of XAI
Systematic documentation and synthesis of findings from completed and ongoing research proposals to support scientific project planning and grant applications in the field of XAI

What you contribute

Full-time enrollment in a Master’s program in business administration, economics, innovation management or a related field, with strong grades and a research-oriented focus
Solid grounding in empirical research methods (quantitative and/or qualitative), demonstrated, for example, through your thesis, research seminars or work as a student research assistant
Familiarity with literature on entrepreneurship, innovation, technology transfer or venture capital
Strong analytical skills with Excel; experience with statistical tools (e.g. R, Stata or Python) is a plus
Confident, methodical use of LLMs for research, analysis and writing tasks
Genuine interest in AI and in the interface between science, entrepreneurship and investment
Ability to write clearly and persuasively in English, both academically and for non-academic audiences; German is a plus
Structured, independent way of working and the ability to explain complex ideas simply

Please make sure to include a detailed transcript of records as well as a cover letter with your application. Unfortunately, applications without a transcript of records and cover letter cannot be considered.

What we offer

Gain first-hand insight into technology transfer and academic entrepreneurship, which can be a valuable basis for a thesis or future doctoral research
Build a rare skill set at the intersection of AI, venture capital and research funding
Attractive salary
Modern and excellently equipped workplace in a central location
Work alongside researchers, founders and industry partners
Flexible working hours

The position is initially limited to 1 year. An extension is explicitly desired.
This role is fully on-site in Berlin, so you’ll need to live in Berlin or the surrounding area.

The monthly working time is 80 hours. This position is also available on a part-time basis. We value and promote the diversity of our employees' skills and therefore welcome all applications – regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, disability, sexual orientation and identity. Severely disabled persons are given preference in the event of equal suitability. Our tasks are diverse and adaptable – for applicants with disabilities, we work together to find solutions that best promote their abilities.

With its focus on developing key technologies that are vital for the future and enabling the commercial utilization of this work by business and industry, Fraunhofer plays a central role in the innovation process. As a pioneer and catalyst for groundbreaking developments and scientific excellence, Fraunhofer helps shape society now and in the future.

Ready for a change? Then apply now and make a difference! Once we have received your online application, you will receive an automatic confirmation of receipt. We will then get back to you as soon as possible and let you know what happens next.

If you require information about this position, please contact:

E-Mail: xai-recruiting-contact@hhi.fraunhofer.de

Fraunhofer Institute for Telecommunications, Heinrich Hertz Institute HHI

www.hhi.fraunhofer.de

Requisition Number: 86014 Application Deadline: 11/15/2026

Job Segment: Telecom, Telecommunications, Venture Capital, Research Assistant, Technology, Research, Finance

Apply now »