Scientist – HiPIMS (all genders) // Job-ID: 250-0

Your future responsibilities

Silicon Austria Labs (SAL) is driving innovation in optical and semiconductor technologies through both European funding initiatives (Pilot Lines under the European Chips Act) and collaboration with world-leading industries. 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.

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

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).

Job details

Title
Scientist – HiPIMS (all genders) // Job-ID: 250-0

Employer
Silicon Austria Labs (SAL)

Location
Europas­traße 12 Villach, Austria

Published
2026-04-02

Application deadline
Unspecified

Job type
Researcher

Field
Nanotechnology, Materials Chemistry, Surface Chemistry, Materials Engineering, Electronics,
Photonics,
Electrical Engineering,
Materials Physics