Research Physicist, Thin Film Technologies (Photonics/Quantum) | Physiker/in

Job Summary

This role offers a motivated researcher the opportunity to join Silicon Austria Labs (SAL) in Villach, Austria, contributing to the European Chips Act through the Photonics and Quantum Pilot Lines. The primary focus is the development and optimization of aluminum nitride (AlN) thin films for advanced Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs). Day-to-day responsibilities include designing and executing experiments to tune material properties, collaborating closely with interdisciplinary teams (design, fabrication, characterization) to optimize the full process flow, and defining strategies for novel material applications. The ideal candidate holds a PhD in Physics or Materials Science, possesses hands-on expertise in thin-film deposition techniques (especially sputtering/CVD), and is proficient in optical and structural characterization methods (e.g., ellipsometry, XRD). This position requires significant cleanroom work (at least 50% of the time) and offers the chance to contribute to scientific dissemination (publications, IP filings) in a state-of-the-art facility.