About Us

DuDeChem is a Green Chemistry startup rooted in the German Cluster of Excellence in Catalysis at the University of Technology Berlin. We are a small but driven team committed to our mission: guided by the 12 Principles of Green Chemistry, we strive to build a green chemical-pharmaceutical industry. This sector currently consumes over 13% of global fossil resources, most of which are used in manufacturing—and we are determined to change that.

To achieve this, we have developed a robust IP portfolio and successfully brought our technology to market, focusing on reducing or reusing costly resources in chemical and pharmaceutical production.

We believe digitalization plays a pivotal role in enabling greener, more sustainable production processes.

By integrating digitalization and sustainability into every project, we have spent recent years proving the effectiveness of our solutions, creating strong competitive advantages within the core value chains of our customers.

The Role: Founders’ Associate

As the Founders’ Associate, you will serve as the right hand to our CEO, Sonja Jost, one of Germany’s most renowned chemistry entrepreneurs. Your primary focus will be supporting her in driving the company’s growth, taking on key responsibilities such as strategic decision-making, operational tasks, and stakeholder engagement. This is a unique opportunity to contribute directly to a meaningful mission while gaining exposure to high-level decision-making, business strategy, and innovation in sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

• You work closely with DUDE CHEM’s CEO Sonja Jost and support her and our founders in day-to-day operational tasks including organization, calendar and travel management.
• Ensure our CEO’s upcoming meetings are relevant, well structured, thoroughly prepared, smoothly executed, and result in actionable next steps. Additionally, you are responsible for creating presentations and communication materials such as articles, pitch decks, speeches and conference submissions.
• Learn from our CEO how to effectively negotiate and prepare contracts to provide her the best possible support.
• Analyze data and generate reports on key performance metrics of our business.
• Identify and explore potential partnerships, collaborations, and growth opportunities for the company.
• Conduct market research to identify trends, new business opportunities and potential clients.
• Establish long-term and lasting relationships with our investors and potential investors and prepare high-quality investor updates.
• Manage grant and prize applications by screening appropriate programs.
• Take ownership of "special projects" to explore and analyze new commercial opportunities.

Qualifications & Skills

• You hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in business or management. Familiarity with sustainability concepts or a technical subjects is a plus.
• You have recently finished your studies or have no more than 1 year professional experience, ideally in a startup, or in consulting, private equity, investment banking, or venture capital.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, with a keen eye for visualizations.
• Strong analytical and communication skills
• Hands-on, collaborative attitude with a willingness to contribute to all aspects of a small, dynamic team.
• Creative problem-solving and adaptability in a fast-paced environment.

What We Offer

• Hybrid Work Options: Remote work options with regular in-person meetings for team building and collaboration.
• Work-Life Balance: Flexible, results-oriented working hours with opportunities for personal growth and leadership.
• Professional Development: Support for coaching and job-relevant training.
• Additional Vacation Days: 8 extra vacation days on top of the statutory 20 days (for full-time positions).
• Mobility: Annual ticket for Berlin public transport.
• Perks: Monthly tax-free voucher, organic snacks, fruits, and drinks at our Berlin Mitte office.
• Mission-Driven Workplace: A workplace where your values and conscience are respected—employees have veto rights on projects for moral reasons.
• Insights: You will gain deep insights in the daily work of DUDE CHEM’s management team and learn how to build and manage a green chemistry deep tech startup.
• Impactful work: A chance to be part of a young, enthusiastic team passionate about making a positive impact on the world.

Application Process

To apply, please send us the following information:

• Your CV.
• Relevant certificates and testimonials.
• An abstract or example of your work (e.g., presentation) that showcases your skills.

DuDeChem strives to be a diverse and inclusive workplace where we can ALL be ourselves. We encourage job applications from people of all genders, backgrounds, and communities.

We look forward to hearing from you and building a greener future together!

DUDE CHEM is a fast growing Green Chemistry startup with its origins in the German Cluster of Excellence in Catalysis "UniSysCat" at the University of Technology Berlin.

We believe that digitalization can be an integral tool for the implementation of greener, more sustainable production processes.

This is why we combine both scientific disciplines – digitalization and sustainability – in all of our projects. Over the last years, our team has proven that our approaches work and created hard competitive advantages in the core of the value chain of their customers.