HPI is recognized as one of the leading university institutes for computer science (www.hpi.de). Our goal is to strengthen Europe's digital sovereignty with excellent research and practice-oriented teaching in computer science. At HPI, we are convinced that excellence is created when knowledge from different disciplines is collaboratively combined to create responsible and pioneering solutions for the future.
In our research clusters "Systems," "Data and AI," "Foundations," "Digital Health," and "Security," researchers from various disciplines work together on topics relevant to solving the challenges facing society. The Digital Engineering Faculty of the University of Potsdam and HPI offers a computer science engineering degree program that is unique in Germany. 

In the course of its strong growth, the Hasso Plattner Institute is looking for the earliest possible start date for a

PhD / Program Manager (m/f/x) - Entrepreneurial Empowerment and Venture Building

​The position is temporary for 2 years and full-time.

HPI Engine is the dedicated entrepreneurship ecosystem at Hasso Plattner Institute. It is one of Europe’s most successful hubs for digital entrepreneurship, with over 300 founders, 300 startups, and more than €1 billion in raised venture capital. At the heart of our ecosystem, we provide structured educational programs, events, mentorship, and resources to help tech innovators build scalable, impactful ventures. In close collaboration with our ecosystem investor HPI SEED, we support the growth of tech startups from the earliest stages through to significant scaling efforts.

Your Role

• PhD Research and Program Management: Combine your PhD research in areas such as Entrepreneurship, Innovation, Business, or Computer Science with hands-on responsibilities as a Startup Coach and Program Manager in the HPI Engine ecosystem
• Empower Entrepreneurs: You will play a critical role in inspiring and empowering tech talents at HPI and beyond. Through structured educational programs, you will help them develop entrepreneurial skills and the mindset necessary to successfully navigate the journey of building scalable digital ventures
• Venture Building and Program Management: Manage, mentor and execute key programs within the HPI Engine’s portfolio, such as the Product Builder and the Venture Builder. You will ensure that participants are equipped with the tools and frameworks to build ventures and tackle complex challenges across industries; while ensuring they can refine their ideas, develop business models, and prepare their ventures for growth and investment
• Educational Development: Collaborate in the development of innovative learning modules that promote entrepreneurial readiness, focusing on fostering a strong entrepreneurial spirit within participants

Your Qualifications

• Strong Academic Background: A Master’s degree or equivalent qualification in fields such as Business, Economics, Computer Science, Educational Sciences, or related areas that qualify you to pursue a PhD
• Entrepreneurial Experience: Ideally, you bring experience from a startup, tech, or innovation-driven role and have a strong interest in tech entrepreneurship
• Passion for Entrepreneurship: You enjoy coaching and mentoring young talents and have experience in sharing knowledge related to startup development and entrepreneurial mindsets
• Teamwork and Initiative: You are a team player, highly organized, self-driven, and ready to take responsibility in a dynamic and fast-paced environment
• Bilingual: Strong communication skills in both English and German

Why You Should Apply

• Career Progression: Gain direct experience in managing a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem and develop your leadership and coaching skills while conducting your PhD research
• Entrepreneurial Ecosystem: Work at the intersection of academia and the startup world, expanding your network in the entrepreneurship and venture capital community
• Competitive Salary: Enjoy a competitive salary while balancing your PhD and professional responsibilities
• PhD Support: Receive one day off per week to focus on your PhD studies and gain access to an interdisciplinary PhD network at HPI
• Work-Life Balance: Flexible working hours, including the possibility to work remotely for up to two days per week
• Engaging and Inclusive Community: Be part of one of Europe’s leading digital engineering and entrepreneurship institutes, collaborating with a vibrant community of tech entrepreneurs, researchers, and industry leaders. Leverage HPI’s strong community to connect participants with opportunities, experts, and resources

What we offer

• A multifaceted job, embedded in an international and dynamic working environment
• An exciting, responsible position in which you can make a difference
• Regular training opportunities; insight into scientific research
• Regular team events and workshops 
• Attractive employee offers (corporate benefits)
• Company-subsidized public transportation ticket/ Deutschlandticket
• Possibility to work remotely
• Numerous sports facilities (tennis and basketball courts, beach volleyball court, calisthenics park, and participation in running events)
• Workplace on the HPI campus in Potsdam-Babelsberg (Griebnitzsee S-Bahn station), with fast transportation connections to Berlin

We look forward to receiving your application documents including salary requirements. Please apply exclusively via our career page.

Contact person HR-Recruiting

Tobias Pröchtel
+49 331 5509-425

Contact person Department

David Hahn

+49 331 5509-4888