Head of Research Unit - Magnetic Microsystem Technologies

Head of Research Unit - Magnetic Microsystem Technologies

SAL - Silicon Austria Labs

Villach, Austria

€ 85.000 to € 120.000 per year

Silicon Austria Labs (SAL) is seeking an experienced research and technology manager to lead the Research Unit “Magnetic Microsystem Technologies” (MMT) in Villach, Austria. The position centres on the strategic, operational and personnel management of a multidisciplinary team of researchers and engineers working on magnetic microsystems and related technologies. The successful candidate will develop the unit’s research portfolio, guide technology development activities across TRL 1–6, support the acquisition and execution of collaborative R&D projects, and strengthen partnerships with industry and academia.

Your future tasks include:

Leadership and Unit Management:

• Lead the MMT Research Unit, comprising approximately 15 researchers and engineers, assume responsibility for strategy, operations, resource management and personnel.
• Strategically develop the team, competencies and resources in a collaborative and motivating working environment.
• Shape an application-oriented research and technology portfolio across TRL 1–6 in alignment with SAL’s objectives.
• Represent MMT internally and contribute to the development of the Microsystems Division.

Industry Collaboration and R&D Acquisition:

• Build strong relationships with industrial R&D partners and identify collaboration opportunities.
• Acquire collaborative and funded R&D projects with industrial and scientific partners, including FFG and EU initiatives.
• Position MMT externally as a trusted partner for applied research and technology maturation.
• Represent the unit at relevant industry events, scientific forums and stakeholder meetings, strengthening its visibility and project pipeline.

Research and Technology Leadership:

• Guide high-quality, industry-relevant research and technology development in magnetic microsystems and their applications.
• Oversee major R&D projects and coordinate dissemination activities that increase the unit’s visibility and impact.

Your profile:

• University degree, preferably a PhD or comparable qualification, in physics, electrical engineering, microsystem technology, materials science or a related technical discipline.
• Relevant technical background, ideally in magnetics, magnetic microsystems, magnetic sensing and positioning systems, spintronics, magnetic RF components, MEMS or related microsystem technologies.
• Recognized track record in applied research, industrial innovation or technology development, demonstrated through successful projects, collaborations, technological results, publications, patents, invited presentations or comparable achievements.
• Demonstrated ability to acquire, initiate or oversee collaborative R&D projects, preferably involving industrial partners and national or European funding programmes such as FFG or EU initiatives.
• Demonstrated personnel leadership experience in managing and developing teams of researchers, engineers or other technical professionals.
• Strong ability to define strategy, steer a technical research portfolio and guide technology development activities across TRL 1–6.
• Sound understanding of industry-oriented technology development, technology transfer and the European research and innovation ecosystem.
• Excellent communication, organizational and stakeholder-management skills, with the ability to represent the unit effectively within SAL and towards industrial and scientific partners.