Head of Research Unit - Photonic Systems (all genders)

Silicon Austria Labs GmbH; Kleinsattel; On-site; EUR 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Diverse research activities

€4 daily meal allowance

Public transport subsidy

Training opportunities

Family-friendly policies

Job summary

Silicon Austria Labs GmbH is seeking a Photonic Systems expert to lead the research unit within the Sensor Systems Division. This role involves managing research projects, ensuring interdisciplinary cooperation, and contributing to scientific advancements.

The ideal candidate should have a PhD in engineering or physics, at least 10 years of experience in project management, and a strong publication record. The position offers a salary ranging from €85,000 to €120,000 annually and relocation support.

Qualifications

• PhD in relevant fields with expertise in Optics and Photonics.
• Extensive project management experience with multiple partners.
• Strong scientific publication record and collaboration network.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Photonic Systems Research Unit.
• Ensure interdisciplinary cooperation across divisions.
• Initiate and manage research projects and partnerships.

Skills

Leadership in research

Expertise in Optics and Photonics

Project management

Collaboration in R&D

Fluent in English

Education

PhD degree in engineering or physics

Job description

Silicon Austria Labs (SAL) is seeking a Photonic Systems expert to lead the established Photonic Systems Research Unit within the Sensor Systems Division at SAL in Villach.

Your future tasks include:

Leadership responsibilities:

• Management and further development of the research unit Photonic Systems in the division Sensor Systems.
• Corporate and profit responsibility.
• Staff responsibility for the research group including scientific support and supervision of researchers.
• Ensuring interdisciplinary cooperation across divisions and units within SAL.
• Project initiation and management.
• National and international partner acquisition and network support.
• Shaping the division research program and project portfolio together with supervisors and peers.
• Growing the research unit towards research excellence and economic impact.

Scientific responsibilities:

• Significant contribution to the intellectual life and research of the unit.
• Shape and advance the definition, setup, and management of research projects.
• Provide direction and guidance to the research and engineering staff of the unit (from Quantum sensing to photonic macro sensors).
• Close cooperation and support of scientific and industrial project partners.
• Dissemination of research results in conferences and journals.

Your profile:

• A PhD degree in engineering or physics with demonstrated expertise in relevant areas like Optics, Photonics, Spectroscopy, Laser and/or Quantum Technology.
• Strong scientific track record in the relevant areas evidenced by peer-reviewed journal publications and invited talks at international conferences.
• Broad and strong industrial and academic network proven by joint collaborations, projects, and publications.
• In-depth knowledge of ongoing research trends, the worldwide market and the European industrial ecosystem of magnetic microsystems and their applications.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in project management of large international R&D projects with multiple partners.
• Demonstrated ability to lead funding acquisition, ideally beyond purely academic research programs, and to collaborate with the industry.
• Experience in Science Management.
• Management / team lead: 5 year team leadership/management. 10 years project management.
• Project experience, Budget responsibility, Strategy development: 5 years.
• Experience in which areas of the function: Team leadership of at least 5 members.
• Fluent in English (written & oral), German is a plus.

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) 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 salary in the range between EUR 85.000 to EUR 120.000 (annual, based on an All-in contract and bonus).