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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

 

Program Manager (m/f/x) - AI & Science-Based Leadership & Entrepreneurship Programs

 

​The position is temporary for 2 years and full-time. An extension of the activity beyond the limited period is possible.

 

HPI Engine is the dedicated entrepreneurship and leadership center at Hasso Plattner Institute, built to empower tech leaders and founders to shape the future of Europe’s economy and society. Rooted in academia and fueled by the Hasso Plattner Foundation, we serve as a launchpad for tech talent to recognize their potential and confidently transform their expertise into impact. As one of Europe’s most successful hubs, we have supported over 300 founders, 300 startups, and more than €1 billion in venture funding. At the core of our ecosystem, we offer hands-on, experience-driven programs, mentorship, and resources- putting tech innovators in the driver’s seat to scale groundbreaking technologies through products and startups.

 

Your Role

 

  • AI & Science-Based Tech-Transfer & Entrepreneurship Programs: Develop and oversee PhD-level programs that help AI researchers and tech scientists gain entrepreneurial skills, leadership confidence, and the ability to translate their expertise into ventures. By integrating entrepreneurship into research-driven careers, you support the next generation of AI founders and tech leaders
  • Leadership & Innovation Development: Design and implement structured programs that equip emerging AI and tech professionals with leadership skills and an entrepreneurial mindset. Through HPI Engine and partnerships with external organizations, these initiatives help participants navigate the challenges of leading teams, driving innovation, and scaling technology-based ventures
  • Community Building & Ecosystem Engagement: Foster a strong network of AI researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry experts by creating opportunities for collaboration and knowledge exchange. Support initiatives that connect PhD students, startups, and established tech leaders, strengthening the European AI entrepreneurship ecosystem
  • Be Part of ELIAS: Contribute to the ELIAS Project, a European initiative that connects and empowers top AI and tech talent. This includes organizing a European Tech Transfer Summer School, coordinating a PhD startup internship program, and engaging with a broader network of researchers and innovators working at the intersection of AI and entrepreneurship

 

Your Qualifications

 

  • Strong Academic Background: A Master’s or PhD in Business, Economics, Computer Science, Educational Sciences, or related fields, with a passion for bridging academia and entrepreneurship
  • Experience in Leadership or Research Programs: Ideally, experience in designing, managing, or curating leadership, or executive education programs, particularly in tech-driven or entrepreneurial environments
  • Entrepreneurial Mindset: You understand the journey of entrepreneurs, researchers, and innovators and can translate their needs into impactful educational programs that empower them to lead and scale
  • Strategic and Hands-On Approach: You are both a strategic thinker and a doer—capable of shaping the vision for leadership education while ensuring high-quality execution and engagement
  • Teamwork and Initiative: A highly organized, self-driven team player who thrives 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 empowerment center for outstanding tech-people and develop your leadership and coaching skills 
  • Work at a unique intersection: Work at the intersection of academia and the startup world, expanding your network in all dimensions of the leadership education, entrepreneurship, startup, and venture capital community
  • Competitive Salary: Enjoy a competitive salary
  • Work-Life Balance: Flexible working hours, including the possibility to work remotely for up to two days per week
  • PhD Support: If you like to progress a PhD alongside your work, you will receive one day off per week to focus on your PhD studies and gain access to an interdisciplinary PhD network at HPI
  • Engaging and Inclusive Community: Be part of one of Europe’s leading digital engineering and entrepreneurship institutes, collaborating with a vibrant community of international tech leaders, entrepreneurs, researchers, and venture capital funds. Leverage HPI’s strong community to connect participants with opportunities, experts, and resources

 

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

 

Hasso-Plattner-Institut für Digital Engineering gGmbH
Prof.-Dr.-Helmert-Str. 2-3
14482 Potsdam
 

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