(PostDoc) Senior Research Engineer – Quantum Photonic Integrated Circuit Design and PDK develop[...]

Silicon Austria Labs; Villach; Vor Ort; EUR 61 000 - 72 000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

Silicon Austria Labs is offering a temporary PostDoc position focused on integrated photonics and quantum technologies. The successful candidate will design and validate photonic circuits, supporting cutting-edge research at a state-of-the-art facility in Villach. This role offers opportunities for growth and impact within a collaborative, innovative environment.

Leistungen

Meal allowance

Subsidy for public transport

Diverse research activities

Internal training opportunities

Work-family balance support

Vital4SAL health program

Qualifikationen

• PhD required with photonics specialization.
• Proficient in PIC design and R&D.
• Experience with KLayout and programming skills in Python.

Aufgaben

• Design photonic integrated circuits for quantum applications.
• Support PDK development, layout design, and device characterization.
• Collaborate across teams for project success.

Kenntnisse

PIC design

Characterization

Programming (Python)

Microfabrication processes

Documentation skills

Ausbildung

PhD in electrical engineering

Applied physics or related field

Tools

KLayout

Jobbeschreibung

Your Future Responsibilities

As part of the European Chips Act, Silicon Austria Labs (SAL) is driving innovation in quantum and semiconductor technologies through its Quantum Pilot Lines.

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.

This opportunity is a temporary PostDoc position with an expected duration of 3 years, aligned with the timeframe of the pilot line project. Continuation in a permanent role may be considered thereafter, depending on the overall project situation and future funding opportunities.

The Integrated Photonics Technologies (IPT) research unit focuses on emerging photonic device approaches, including integrated photonics for quantum applications. We are seeking an experienced and motivated researcher to contribute to design and PDK development for aluminum nitride (AlN)-based quantum photonic integrated circuits (PICs) in SAL’s R&D cleanroom. The role bridges research and fabrication pilot line, supporting the development of next-generation PIC for quantum communication, sensing, and metrology.

The successful candidate will contribute to the design workflow for PDK development of AlN quantum PICs, while supporting the process development and fabrication readiness toward high technology readiness levels (TRL). The candidate will support design, device performance optimization, yield improvement, and quality assurance.

Your Future Responsibilities Will Include

• Designing photonic integrated circuits (passive components and modulators) for quantum applications based on AlN PIC platform
• Contributing to the development and validation of PDK components, including layout, simulation, and basic documentation
• Performing layout design using tools such as KLayout and assisting with design rule checks and GDS generation
• Performing layout manipulation to ensure compatibility with developed process flow
• Characterizing fabricated devices in the lab (optical/electrical testing) and analyzing measurement data
• Suggesting design improvements based on characterization results to enhance device performance and yield
• Supporting the integration of experimental feedback into updated designs and compact models
• Collaborating closely with process and fabrication teams to ensure high design-to-fab fidelity
• Contributing to reporting, documentation, publication, IP generation, and patent application
• Supporting industry and academic collaborations within multidisciplinary projects

Your profile

• PhD in electrical engineering, applied physics, or a related field, ideally with focus on integrated photonics
• Proficiency in PIC design and characterization, preferably in R&D or pilot line environments
• Experience with layout design tools (e.g., KLayout)
• Solid programming skills in Python or similar (e.g., for layout, data analysis)
• Strong understanding of cleanroom-based micro- and nanofabrication processes for photonics
• Knowledge and understanding of electron beam lithography processes
• Strong organizational and documentation skills for technical reporting and IP generation
• Ability to work collaboratively across teams, including fabrication, packaging, and testing
• Autonomous, passionate, well organized, enjoy working in a dynamic and multicultural team
• Knowledge of photonics market trends and technology roadmap is a plus
• Project management experience is an asset
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English

Important Facts About SAL

• Diverse research activities with many technical challenges
• State-of-the-art laboratory facilities and equipment
• Location in Austria with relocation support for non-European nationals
• Internal and external training opportunities for career development
• Family & children friendly environment, actively supporting work-family balance
• “Vital4SAL” program promoting health and well-being
• Meal allowance of €4/day in restaurants or €2/day in supermarkets
• Subsidy for public transport (“Klimaticket”)
• Our values include open communication, flexibility, diversity, sustainability, and personal growth

This position is based on the Collective Agreement for non-university research employees, starting at occupational group E (E1 salary = EUR 3,963 gross/month, paid 14 times/year), with a minimum gross salary of EUR 61,000 annually, based on an All-in contract.

Become part of Silicon Austria Labs

This is a unique opportunity to advance your scientific career at the forefront of Europe’s quantum and semiconductor research.

• Application window opens early July, reviews through mid-August.
• First interviews in August/September, followed by a technical task.
• Second round presentations in October.
• Decisions by late October/November, with positions starting around January/February 2026.

If you're looking for a place to grow, collaborate, and make an impact, we’d love to hear from you.

About Us

Silicon Austria Labs (SAL) is a leading research center in Electronics and Software Based Systems (ESBS) with locations in Graz, Villach, and Linz. SAL conducts application-oriented research in sensor systems, power electronics, wireless systems, microsystems, and embedded systems, fostering collaboration between industry and academia to develop innovative solutions for various sectors. SAL emphasizes a family-friendly environment, lifelong learning, sustainability, and personal development.