Senior Research Engineer - Nitride Thin-Film Materials (Wide Band Gap)

Senior Research Engineer - Nitride Thin-Film Materials (Wide Band Gap)

SAL - Silicon Austria Labs

Villach, Austria

From € 61,000 per year gross

Your future responsibilities

The Thin Film Technologies (TFT) Research Unit focuses on emerging materials for MEMS, electronics, photonics and quantum applications. We are seeking a motivated researcher to develop aluminum nitride (AlN)-based thin films for piezoelectric MEMS and wide band gap semiconductor applications.

Your future tasks include:

• Development of thin films for piezoelectric and wide-band-gap applications;
• Design and execute experiments to optimize nitride thin film materials, guided by device specifications and performance feedback;
• Structural and functional (e.g. dielectric, electrical, ferroelectric) characterization of the deposited thin films;
• Collaboration with design, fabrication, characterization, and process engineer teams to optimize full process flow and device performance;
• Definition of strategies for material optimization and pursuing scientifically relevant investigations;
• Development of strategies to address novel material properties and novel fields of application;
• Contributing to the standardization of procedures and workflows within the Unit;
• Filing IP disclosures whenever possible and appropriate;
• Contribution to scientific dissemination (publications in high-impact peer-reviewed journals, presentations at conferences);
• Contribution to Unit workflows, project acquisition and project management;
• Position is offered within the Chips JU Pilot Lines.

Your profile

• PhD in a relevant field (e.g. materials science, physics or related discipline);
• Hands-on experience with thin-film deposition (especially sputtering, HiPIMS) for piezoelectric and wide band gap applications;
• Experience with wide-bandgap materials (AlN, SiC, GaN related materials), piezoelectric materials (AlScN) and related devices;
• Hands-on experience with structural, electrical, and functional characterization using relevant tools including AFM, XRD, SEM, ellipsometry, piezoelectric and ferroelectric testing;
• Experience with 200 mm wafer processing is an advantage;
• Ability to run experiments, analyze data, and optimize material quality;
• Strong documentation and reporting discipline;
• Good collaboration record with internal teams and industrial partners;
• High interest in applied research on advanced functional WBG materials;
• Cleanroom experience, and willingness to work in cleanroom for at least 50% of the time;
• Experience with successful funding applications is an advantage;
• Solid skills in standard office tools and data analysis software (e.g. Origin);
• Very good command of English; German is an asset;
• Experience working in multicultural and multinational teams; respectful, empathetic team player with strong communication and presentation skills;
• Willingness to relocate to Villach, Austria.