As a flagship research center in nanoscience and nanotechnology, our mission is to open and explore new frontiers of knowledge at the nanoscale, and bring value to society in the form of new understanding, capabilities and innovation, while inspiring and providing broad training to the next generations of researchers. Our values are Commitment, Collaboration and Transformation.

Our research lines focus on the newly-discovered physical and chemical properties that arise from the behaviour of matter at the nanoscale. ICN2 has been awarded with the Severo Ochoa Center of Excellence distinction for three consecutive periods (2014-2018 and 2018-2022 and 2023-2026). ICN2 comprises 20 Research Groups, 7 Technical Development and Support Units and Facilities, and 2 Research Platforms, covering different areas of nanoscience and nanotechnology.

Job Title: Head of Business & Ecosystem Development @ InnoFAB

Description:

InnoFAB is a pioneering, publicly funded initiative dedicated to building a €400M state-of-the-art semiconductor cleanroom facility in Catalonia, and will provide an ideal environment for innovation, accessible to both industry and research institutions. We are currently in the critical "white canvas" setup phase and are looking for foundational leaders to shape our operating model, organizational design, and strategy from the ground up.

We are seeking a Head of Business & Ecosystem Development to act as InnoFAB's core hybrid technical and business architect.

Because our physical cleanroom will not be operational until 2029, this is not a traditional sales or business development role. We need a strategic "business builder" who can operate comfortably in ambiguity and high uncertainty.

You will leverage your deep technical semiconductor background to interpret customer needs and translate them into defining our future business models, revenue streams, and ecosystem from scratch

Main Tasks and responsibilities:

• Define "Fab Economics":
  Draw on deep industry experience to build InnoFAB's pricing structures, service contract business models, and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) metrics from the ground up.
   
• Establish the Business Model:
  Translate conceptual commercial strategies (e.g., dynamic pricing) into actual business systems, processes, and supporting infrastructure.
   
• Build the Early Ecosystem:
  Anticipate future operational needs by building early, strategic relationships with startups, research centers, and established industry players to secure a revenue pipeline before the facility opens.
   
• Hybrid Technical-Business Strategy:
  Use a strong technical foundation in semiconductor manufacturing to accurately interpret customer needs, bridge the gap between design and performance, and make informed business decisions.
   
• Phase 2 Operational Transition:
  Help shape the organization during the 2026/2028 "Build Phase," with the explicit expectation to transition into a permanent operational or business development leadership role once the fab is fully running in 2029.

Requirements:

• Education:
  Master of Science in Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field. Additional business or management education (e.g., PMD) is highly valued.
   
• Industry Experience:
  10 - 15 years of experience in the semiconductor industry, with a proven track record moving across technical, operational, and commercial functions.
   
• Commercial Expertise:
  Direct experience developing service contract business models, evaluating Fab Economics, and calculating Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).
   
• Strategic Mindset & Agility:
  Proven ability to operate in an unstructured, highly ambiguous environment where momentum and continuous iteration are prioritized over perfect, established processes.
   
• Languages:
  Full professional proficiency in English (intermediate or working knowledge of Spanish/Catalan will be valued).

Summary of conditions:

• Full time work (37,5h/week)
• Contract Length: Temporary
• Location: Bellaterra (Barcelona)
• Salary will depend on qualifications and demonstrated experience.
• Support to the relocation issues.
• Life Insurance.

Estimated Incorporation date: as soon as possible

What We Offer

• The rare, "once in a lifetime" opportunity to build a major European semiconductor ecosystem from the very beginning.
• A clear, defined transition path from the initial "Build Phase" into a permanent operational leadership role.

How to apply:

All applications must be made via the ICN2 website and include the following:

1. A full CV including contact details.
2. 2 referee contacts.
3. 2 Reference letters or referee contacts.

Deadline for applications: 10 April 2026

Equal opportunities:

At ICN2, we foster an inclusive and safe work environment, free from any form of discrimination-whether based on gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, origin, culture, religion, disability, or any other personal or social condition. We are committed to ensuring equal treatment and opportunities in all our processes, especially in recruitment, which is based solely on talent, experience, and ability. We implement proactive policies for inclusion and harassment prevention that reinforce our commitment to respect and fairness. If you share these values and are looking to grow in an open and diverse environment, ICN2 is ready to welcome you.

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