Senior IP Expert (m/f/d) in Quantum Computing Start-Up

Permanent employee, Full-time · Berlin, Remote, Karlsruhe

Your role

As a Senior IP Expert (m/f/d), you'll be instrumental in developing and executing our intellectual property strategy, ensuring it aligns with and drives our business goals. This is a highly strategic and hands-on role where you will professionalize our IP processes and lead the effort to protect our cutting-edge quantum computing innovations. Your technical expertise will be key to understanding our technology at a deep level and collaborating effectively with our technical teams and external partners.

Your responsibilities

Lead and develop our IP strategy: Facilitate the creation and implementation of a comprehensive IP strategy that supports our technology and product roadmap and business objectives.
Strategic IP management: Oversee all aspects of our intellectual property portfolio, including patents, trade secrets, and trademarks, ensuring robust protection and strategic alignment.
Technical collaboration: Serve as the primary liaison between our R&D teams, leadership, and external patent counsel. You will leverage your strong technical background to understand complex quantum computing concepts and identify high-value inventions.
Process professionalization: Establish and embed solid, scalable IP processes and policies across the organization, including invention disclosure, patent filing, and portfolio management.
Freedom to operate (FTO) and risk assessment: Proactively drive FTO analysis efforts, identify potential infringement risks, and guide the business in mitigating them.
Stakeholder alignment: Take the lead in aligning a diverse group of technical and business stakeholders around a unified IP strategy, fostering a culture of innovation and IP protection.
Market intelligence: Monitor the competitive landscape and emerging technological trends in quantum computing, providing strategic insights to the IP Committee and leadership.

Your profile

Advanced technical degree: A completed Master's or Ph.D. in Physics, ideally with a focus on quantum physics or a related field. Your ability to understand the technical content of our IP creation is paramount.
Extensive IP experience: A minimum of 5-7 years of experience in a senior IP role, either within a corporate setting, a law firm, or as a patent agent, with a strong focus on technology patents and trade secrets.
Strategic leadership: Proven ability to develop and execute an IP strategy, with experience leading cross-functional teams and managing difficult stakeholder relationships.
Deep technical understanding: Demonstrated ability to comprehend complex scientific and technical concepts, particularly within the domain of quantum computing.
Communication & collaboration: Excellent communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex legal and technical concepts to a variety of audiences.
Startup mindset: A hands-on, driven, and resilient approach. You're comfortable "wearing multiple hats” and thriving in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
Language skills: Excellent command of English is required; fluency in German is a significant advantage.

Why join us?

At Kipu Quantum, you have a unique opportunity to shape the future of technology by contributing to one of the most exciting startups in quantum computing. Your work will have a lasting impact as we tackle groundbreaking challenges and redefine what is possible in this cutting-edge field
We pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative, international culture where openness, transparency, and innovation thrive. Here, you will be part of a team that genuinely cares about our work and each other
Your growth matters to us. With ample opportunities for individual development, you can sharpen your skills, advance your career, and explore new horizons within a fast-paced and supportive environment
Enjoy the flexibility to balance your professional and personal life with our adaptable working hours and remote-friendly options
We also believe in making work life enjoyable. From regular team events that foster connections to perks like contributions toward public transport or shopping vouchers, international remote work opportunities, 30 vacation days per year and more, we are committed to creating a workplace where you can thrive

Contact

Is this you? We hope so!

Are you confident that our mission can’t succeed without YOU on board? Don’t hesitate - submit your application today using our online form! Be sure to include your CV (in English or German), your salary expectations, and your earliest possible start date. Have questions or want to discuss the role in more detail? Reach out to Svenja Anderer, our Lead People & Culture at Kipu Quantum. We’d love to hear from you!

WEB. https://kipu-quantum.com/career/ 
MAIL. hr@kipu-quantum.com
MOBILE. 0049 172 399 5868
KARLSRUHE OFFICE. Kipu Quantum GmbH, Roonstraße 23a, 76137 Karlsruhe
BERLIN OFFICE. Kipu Quantum GmbH, Greifswalder Str. 212, 10405 Berlin

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About us

Kipu Quantum is a German startup focused on quantum computing, with offices in Karlsruhe and Berlin. We specialize in developing quantum algorithms tailored for specific applications and hardware. Our solutions help various industries, including pharmaceuticals, chemicals, logistics, and finance, to tackle complex problems using existing quantum hardware. We aim to make practical quantum computing accessible by significantly reducing the time needed to achieve quantum advantage for real-world applications.

In December 2023, Kipu Quantum secured €10.5 million in seed funding, led by HV Capital and DTCF (DeepTech & Climate Fonds), with participation from Entrada Ventures, Quantonation, and First Momentum Ventures. This funding will support the development of our hardware-specific quantum algorithms and accelerate the commercialization of our quantum solutions.

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Thank you for your interest in Kipu!

Kindly complete the short form below. If you encounter any issues uploading your data, please don't hesitate to contact Svenja Anderer, Lead People & Culture at Kipu: hr@kipu-quantum.com