Scientist - HiPIMS

Scientist - HiPIMS

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 high-performance metal and nitride thin films via the HiPIMS deposition process.

• Development of metal and nitride thin films using HiPIMS, for various applications;
• Establishment of procedures; and
• Design and execute experiments to optimize thin film materials, guided by device specifications and performance feedback;
• Structural and functional (e.g. dielectric, electrical, piezoelectric) 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;
• Leading and contributing to scientific dissemination (publications in high-impact peer-reviewed journals, presentations at conferences);
• Leading and contributing to project acquisition efforts, including service contracts;
• Contribution to Unit workflows and project management;
• Contributing to the standardization of procedures and workflows within the Unit;
• Contributing to IP disclosures whenever possible and appropriate.

Your profile

• Minimum education level: PhD in a relevant field (e.g. materials science, physics or related discipline);
• Hands-on experience with thin-film deposition (HiPIMS);
• Experience with HiPIMS of nitrides (e.g. AlN) and metals (e.g. Cu);
• 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 (advantage);
• Ability to run experiments, analyze data, and optimize material quality;
• Autonomous, well-organized with strong documentation and reporting discipline;
• High interest in applied research on advanced functional materials for MEMS applications;
• Cleanroom experience;
• Good collaboration record with internal teams and industrial partners;
• Experience with successful funding applications is an advantage;
• Experience in professional communication with industrial teams and actors;
• 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.