Your future responsibilities

As part of the European Chips Act, Silicon Austria Labs (SAL) is driving innovation in quantum and semiconductor technologies through its Quantum Pilot Lines. Join our interdisciplinary teams at the interface of design and fabrication and enjoy Villach’s exceptional quality of life in the heart of the Austrian Alps. Be part of something bigger.  Be part of Silicon Austria Labs. 

This opportunity is a temporary position with an expected duration of 3 years, aligned with the timeframe of the pilot line project. Continuation in a permanent role may be considered thereafter, subject to strong performance and  and future funding opportunities.

The responsibilities for this role include:

• Development of physical vapor deposition processes (magnetron sputtering, pulsed laaser deposition) for piezo/ferroelectric, dielectric and optical oxides (e.g. transparent conductive oxides, TCOs) with state-of-the-art cluster tools
• Design of layer stack and process development for seed/buffer layers and metallic electrodes
• Thin film structural and functional characterization (incl. XRD, ellipsometry, AFM, electrical and piezoelectric characterization)
• Solving thin-film deposition issues related to material selection and process parameters and take corrective actions
• Design and execution of DOEs, advanced experiments, data analyses, and process improvements
• Performing data analysis using analytical calculations, modelling, and standard statistical methods
• Generating Standard Operating Procedures, recipes, internal IP disclosures and patent applications
• Working in advanced ISO5 clean room facility
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams within Silicon Austria Labs by performing state-of-the-art investigations on materials and thin-film technology for diverse applications 
• Contribution to project management by assisting PMs in preparation of dissemination and reports 
• Participation to scientific communication and scientific reporting of research results
• Proactivity in identifying scientifically interesting results
• Contribution to scientific publications and participation to scientific dissemination in general
• Contribution (also active) to acquisition of funding for scientific research

Your profile

• PhD (or MSc with equivalent relevant work experience) in materials science, chemical engineering, physics, chemistry, or related fields with a focus on thin film technology (preferably oxides)
• Relevant publication or patent records in thin film development
• Career stage-appropriate track record of scientific dissemination
• Experience working with industrially relevant equipment involving thin film deposition (PVD, e.g. magnetron sputtering, pulsed laser deposition) and materials characterization 
• Know-how on piezo/ferroelectric, dielectric, optical thin films and their applications
• Expertise on measurement and analysis of thin-films by: SEM, EDX, XRD, Ellipsometry, piezo-characterization etc.
• Knowledge in semiconductor technologies and practical and professional experience in related cleanroom microfabrication processes is a plus
• Interest in applied research and solving industrial relevant challenges
• Autonomous, with self-initiative, well organized and enjoying working in a dynamic and multicultural team
• Oral and written communication skills in English, command of German language is a plus
• Professional communication skills with industry partners
• Experience in project management is a plus
• Willingness to relocate to Villach, Austria

Important Facts about SAL

• 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).

Become part of Silicon Austria Labs

This is a unique chance to accelerate your career at the forefront of Europe’s quantum and semiconductor research.  

• The application window opens early July  2025, with reviews continuing through mid-August.  
• 1st Interviews begin in August/September, followed by a short technical task (two weeks deadline) for shortlisted candidates.  
• After positive assessment, final candidates will be invited to a second round to present their solution in October. 
• Final decisions are expected by late October or November, with most positions starting around January/February 2026.  

If you're looking for a place to grow, collaborate, and make an impact, we’d love to hear from you. 

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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