Technical Sales Manager

Ready to leverage your technical expertise and established network in life science imaging to revolutionize adaptive optics? Phaseform is where cutting-edge R&D meets commercial impact. As pioneers of the New Era of Adaptive Optics, we're using our groundbreaking Deformable Phase Plate (DPP) technology to transform industries where only the best optics enable real breakthroughs—from advanced microscopy to ophthalmology, semiconductor inspection to consumer applications.

Our recent award of the prestigious European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator fuels our mission to expand globally and accelerate the adoption of adaptive optics in science and industry. We are now seeking a highly technical, customer-focused

Customer Engagement & Technical Sales

• Be the trusted technical advisor to key customers in microscopy, biophotonics, and life sciences
• Conduct compelling product demonstrations and hands-on workshops at customer sites and conferences
• Provide technical troubleshooting and application support to ensure customer success
• Build and maintain strong relationships with researchers, core facility managers, and industry leaders
• Represent Phaseform at major industry conferences and exhibitions (e.g. Photonics West, FOM, ELMI, etc.)

Strategic Business Development

• Extend, further develop, and support our international distributor network
• Develop and execute sales strategies for our target markets during this exciting scale-up phase
• Identify and qualify new opportunities in emerging application areas
• Work closely with R&D and product teams to align offerings with customer needs
• Contribute to accurate sales forecasting and pipeline management

Essential:

• Track record of achieving sales targets in technical B2B markets
• Deep network in life science microscopy, including high-end imaging modalities
• Scientific degree (MSc.) in Biophysics, Biology, Engineering, Physics or related discipline
• Proven experience in customer-facing technical roles (application scientist, field applications, technical sales)
• Hands-on expertise with advanced microscopy systems, optical instrumentation, and photonics technologies
• Excellent communicator who can translate complex technical concepts into customer value
• Travel flexibility (worldwide) for customer visits, demos, conferences and application support (up to 33%)
• Fluent in English (written and spoken). Adequate German skills.

Highly Valued:

• Experience training or supporting distributors/channel partners
• Track record of closing technical sales or supporting significant deals
• Familiarity with adaptive optics, aberration correction, or wavefront shaping
• Experience in startup or high-growth environments
• Strategic mindset with strong problem-solving and negotiation skills
• Experience or network in related markets, e.g. ophthalmology, semiconductor inspection, or consumer optics

Phaseform is a rapidly growing spin-off from the University of Freiburg, driven by a clear vision: to make adaptive optics affordable and practical for a wide range of applications.

• EIC Accelerator Winner – validation of our groundbreaking technology and growth potential
• Work at the frontier of photonics and imaging with world-class scientists and engineers
• Shape an emerging market where adaptive optics moves from niche research to mainstream adoption
• Grow with us – significant opportunities for professional development as we scale
• Competitive package including sales commission, ESOP participation in our company success, Hansefit fitness subscription, Deutschlandticket.Collaborative culture and passionate international team based in beautiful Freiburg im Breisgau, close to the Black Forest, Alsace and Basel, in the tri-border area of Germany, Switzerland and France.

You'll be joining at the perfect time – we have proven technology, strong funding, and are ready to accelerate commercial adoption. Your technical expertise and network will be instrumental in bringing adaptive optics to industries and labs worldwide.

About the Role

• Location: Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
• Travel: Up to 33% (customer visits, conferences, distributor support)
• Start Date: January 1, 2026 (or by agreement)

How to Apply

Does this sound like your next adventure? We'd love to hear from you. Please submit your application including:

• CV highlighting your technical background and industry network
• Cover letter explaining why adaptive optics in microscopy excites you and why you're a good fit for the position
• Names of 2-3 key industry contacts who can speak to your reputation

Send to: Application Reference: TSM. Contact: Dr. Stefan M. Weber (LinkedIn).

Phaseform is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or disability status.