Your future responsibilities

• Development of metallic thin films and multilayers by magnetron sputtering
• Investigation of process-structure-property relationships of metallic thin films
• Tuning of the process parameters to achieve targeted properties of metallic thin films (e.g. electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity) at application-relevant conditions
• Working in advanced ISO5 cleanroom facility, also in close collaboration with process engineers and external suppliers to define requirements, conditions, and parameters related to magnetron sputtering equipment
• Performing data analysis and interpretation using analytical calculations, modelling, and standard statistical methods
• Definition of Standard Operating Procedures, Best Known Method documentation and IP disclosure reports related to the deposition of metallic thin films
• Tracking project progress, including reports, deliverables and milestones
• Contribution to project management and reporting, regular reporting of project activities to direct supervisor and Head of Research Unit
• Contribution to scientific dissemination of project results (publications, conferences)
• Collaborate as part of the Microsystems division in ongoing projects by performing state-of-the-art investigations on materials and thin-film technology for diverse applications such as MEMS, ion traps, superconductors
• Generating innovative ideas to improve device performance
• Constructively contributing to the team and maintaining a positive atmosphere within the team

Your profile

• PhD in Materials Science, Condensed-matter Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
• Strong background in electronic transport properties, low-temperature physics, and metallic thin film physics
• Hands-on experience with metallic thin film fabrication techniques, especially sputtering, and thin film characterizations (XRD, AFM, SKPM, TLM, 4-PP, Hall effect measurement, …)
• Strong experience in process optimization, statistical analysis, modelling 
• Hands-on experience on metal sputtering equipment
• Understanding of structure-property relationships of metallic thin films
• Good oral and written communication skills in English, command of German language is a plus
• Experience optimizing metallic thin films for electronics, photonics, MEMS and quantum applications, and Experience working in cleanroom environments is a plus.
• Creative thinking, application-oriented and problem-solving mindset
• Open-mindedness, inclusiveness and team player abilities
• Willingness to relocate to Villach/Austria 

Become part of Silicon Austria Labs

• Diverse research activities with many technical challenges.
• State-of-the-art laboratory facilities and equipment. 
• Location in the heart of Europe in Austria – relocation support for non-European nationalities.
• Internal and external training opportunities for career development.
• Family & children friendly - actively shaping the compatibility of family and career.
• “Vital4SAL” to promote a healthy workplace (e.g. SAL coaching pool, trainings on mental health, physical activities, healthy snacks, 24/7 accident insurance)
• € 4 per day meal allowance in restaurants or € 2 per working day in supermarkets.
• Public transport initiative (subsidy for the “Klimaticket”) 
• Our values: Open door policy, flexibility in working hours, casual dress code, diverse teams, working with people of different nationalities, informal communication, lifelong learning, compatibility of family and career, sustainability, personal growth, and collective advancement.

This position is subject to the Collective Agreement for employees in non-university research (Research CA) starting in occupational group E (E1 salary = EUR 3.963, paid 14 times a year) based on 38,5 hours per week. For this position we offer competitive salaries and additional benefits based on your experience and qualifications, starting with a minimum gross salary of EUR 61.000 (annual, based on an All-in contract).

About us

Silicon Austria Labs (SAL) is a top research center for Electronics and Software Based Systems (ESBS). At three locations (Graz, Villach, Linz), SAL is conducting research along the entire ESBS value chain in the areas of sensor systems, power electronics, intelligent wireless systems, microsystems and embedded systems to develop future-oriented solutions for industrial production, health, energy, mobility, safety and more. SAL brings together key players from industry, science and research and thus valuable expertise and know-how and conducts cooperative, application-oriented research along the value chain. Cooperative projects are co-financed by SAL and enable a fast and unbureaucratic project start. SAL is thus shaping the high-tech location Austria and Europe and developing the future 
 

Innovation is our top priority and so are our employees. We are a family-friendly company and support the compatibility of work and family as much as possible. That is why we have been awarded the Work and Family Certificate until 2026. But we are constantly working on new measures to offer our employees an environment where they feel good, healthy and motivated.

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