Head of the Research Group \"3D Photonic Integration\"

Karlsruher Institut für Technologie; Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working hours

Remote-work options

30 days annual leave

International networking

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Karlsruher Institut für Technologie invites applications for leading a research group in additive 3D micro- and nanofabrication, focusing on high‑resolution multi‑photon lithography and multi‑material printing. The role covers basic research to demonstrators of scalable devices and technology transfer.

You will guide a team, secure funding, collaborate across KIT and KCOP, supervise doctoral researchers, and publish in top journals. Excellent English is essential; German is a plus.

Qualifications

• Completed doctorate in electrical engineering, microsystems technology, physics, optics & photonics, materials science or a related field.
• Several years of post‑doctoral professional experience in micro‑ and nanotechnology, ideally with high‑resolution additive fabrication.
• Experience with electromagnetic field simulation tools (FDTD, FEM) and ray optics; strong publication record preferred.
• Excellent written and spoken English; German language skills are an advantage.
• Proven leadership, project management and ability to secure third‑party funding.

Responsibilities

• Build up and lead a research group with an independent, internationally visible agenda.
• Provide scientific and technical guidance on multi‑photon lithography and multi‑material printing.
• Contribute to ongoing projects and develop new device concepts and scalable replication techniques.
• Acquire third‑party funding and build collaborations with industry for technology transfer.
• Supervise doctoral researchers and postdocs; publish in leading journals and present at conferences.

Skills

Leadership experience

Strategic research planning

English proficiency

Intercultural communication

Education

Doctorate in a relevant field

Tools

FDTD

CST

Zemax

EM field simulation

Job description

Do you want to advance high-resolution 3D micro- and nanofabrication and turn it into innovative devices – with your own group, a long-term perspective and short paths to industry? Then join us in shaping the next generation of three-dimensional photonic and high-frequency devices.

Your Tasks

You will establish and lead a research group focusing on additive 3D micro- and nanofabrication. The technological focus is on high-resolution 3D printing, in particular multi-photon lithography and multi-material printing, including metallic materials. Applications cover areas of microsystems technology in which three-dimensional freeform structures play a key role, in particular photonics and integrated optics as well as millimeter-wave and THz technology. The group complements the existing expertise of the Institute of Microstructure Technology (IMT) in additive nanofabrication and in optics & photonics, and makes use of the infrastructure of the Karlsruhe Center for Optics and Photonics (KCOP). The aim is to span the entire arc from fundamental research to application-oriented demonstrators of scalable devices and technology transfer to industry.

• Building up and leading the group, and developing and implementing an independent, internationally visible research agenda.
• Providing scientific and technical advice to institute members on multi-photon lithography and multi-material printing.
• Contributing to ongoing research projects (3DMM2O, HYPERION).
• Developing new technological approaches and device concepts, including device design by electromagnetic field simulation and ray optics, experimental characterization, and the development of scalable replication techniques (nanoimprint, elastomer molding).
• Acquiring third‑party funding (e.g., DFG, BMFTR, EU/EIC), building collaborations with industrial partners, technology transfer, and project management.
• Supervising doctoral researchers, postdocs and students.
• Publishing research results in leading international journals and presenting them at scientific conferences.

Your Profile

• Completed doctorate in electrical engineering, microsystems technology, physics, optics & photonics, materials science or a related field.
• Several years of post‑doctoral professional experience – in academic research or industrial R&D – in micro‑ and nanotechnology (cleanroom, lithography, thin‑film technology), ideally combined with expertise in high‑resolution additive micro‑and nanofabrication, as well as sound knowledge of optics & photonics and/or millimeter‑wave and THz technology.
• Experience with simulation and design tools for electromagnetic field simulation (e.g., FDTD, FEM, CST) and ray optics (e.g., Zemax); knowledge of photonic‑electronic assembly and packaging is an advantage.
• Experience with measurement techniques in photonics and millimeter‑wave technology (vector network analysis, optical fiber coupling) and with replication techniques such as nanoimprint lithography or elastomer molding is desirable.
• Experience in acquiring third‑party funding or in managing industrial R&D projects and budgets, as well as in project management.
• Ideally, a proven track record of publications in peer‑reviewed journals and at relevant conferences, patents, or developments transferred into products.
• Excellent written and spoken English. German language skills are an advantage.
• Drive, initiative and the ability to work independently as a scientist and to strategically plan and autonomously implement a research agenda.
• Conceptual and analytical thinking.
• Proven leadership experience with a cooperative, appreciative leadership style, as well as teaching skills.
• Strong communication skills and intercultural competence.

We Offer

• Excellent Research Conditions & State‑of‑the‑art Infrastructure

  Benefit from a unique environment that combines university and large‑scale research, and gain access to state‑of‑the‑art equipment and interdisciplinary projects. This environment enables you to conduct both basic and applied research at the highest level.

• Flexible Working Hours

  Take advantage of flexible‑hours schemes, remote‑work options, and a 30‑day annual leave entitlement to achieve an optimal work‑life balance.

• International Networking

  You will work in a global network that encompasses international collaborations and English‑language scientific communication. KIT promotes exchange with leading research institutions and industry partners worldwide.

• Career‑Building and Developmental Opportunities

  We provide you with a structured onboarding program, a broad spectrum of continuing‑education options, and personalised support, thereby fostering your individual growth.

Job location Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen (and Karlsruhe)

Salary Salary category EG 14 TV‑L; classification is based on personal and professional qualifications.

Contract duration permanent

Contact person in line‑management Prof. Koos [e-mail]

General questions about the application process BärbelGätcke Personalservice (PSE) [e-mail] [phone]

At KIT we value the diversity of our employees; different perspectives and backgrounds enrich our work. We therefore welcome applications from all candidates. Women are especially encouraged to apply. Applications from recognized severely disabled individuals are given preferential consideration when qualifications are equal.

Application up to: 2026-11-15