Head of Research Unit – Power Electronic Architectures and Topologies (all genders) // Job-ID: 241

Location: Inffeldgasse 33, Graz, Austria

Your future responsibilities

Silicon Austria Labs (SAL) is looking for a professional research Unit Head who will serve as leader and promoter of the highest quality, industry-ready research in the field of power electronics.

Your Leadership responsibilities

• Further development of the research unit “Architectures and Topologies” with the focus on power electronic converter systems for a wide range of fields and applications.
• Setting up and managing research projects together with a variety of industrial and academic partners by acquiring bi- and multi-lateral projects and submission of Austrian and European research grants.
• Expanding team qualifications and capabilities by individual encouragement and career development.
• Adherence to the research unit budget is paramount, as is optimal resource planning, control and organisation of the team.
• Overall, guiding the research unit towards generation of high-quality research findings, scientific excellence, and economic impact.
• Active contribution to shaping the division research program and project portfolio together with supervisors and peers.
• Developing a vision for sustainable, long-term research opportunities in power electronics and taking strategic action to achieve this vision.

Your Scientific responsibilities

• Development of optimized power electronic hardware topologies and architectures. Focus on highly compact converting systems for various fields of application with low to medium power ranges.
• Developing of control architectures and modulation strategies for dynamic and efficient converting systems.
• Design and characterization of magnetic components and transformers (incl. planar) for fast switching converting systems.
• Multi-objective converter optimization towards sustainable power converters.
• Verification and testing of prototypes in our state-of-the-art laboratories.
• Technology scouting and continuous research topic evolvement in and for the ecosystem of power electronics and energy transition.

Your profile

• PhD degree in electrical or electronics engineering, applied physics or related fields with a specialization in power electronics.
• At least 6 years of practical experience in power electronics. Experience in a scientific environment would be beneficial.
• Expertise in power electronic hardware topologies and/or related control engineering.
• Strong scientific track record as evidenced by publications, invited lectures, and workshop organization.
• Proven track record in project management skills.
• Experience with the Austrian and European research funding landscape.
• Track record in an established industrial and academic network and research project acquisitions.
• Autonomous, well organized and enjoy working in a dynamic and multi-cultural team.
• Leadership qualities, the ability to inspire, promote and motivate young scientists and researchers to achieve their best performance.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.

Important Facts about SAL

At SAL, we are proud to have a diverse international team of more than 40 different nations who come together and do excellent research to make our world a better place. 

• 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) in occupational group G (G1 salary = EUR 5.546,- paid 14 times a year). Your actual salary depends on your experience and qualifications. We offer a gross salary in the range between EUR 85.000 to EUR 120.000 (annual, based on an All-in contract and bonus).

Job details

Job type: Management / Leadership, Researcher

Field: Electronics, Electrical Engineering, Engineering Physics, Systems Engineering, Electromagnetism, Applied Physics