Head of Research Unit – Magnetic Microsystem Technologies (all genders)

Silicon Austria Labs (SAL) is looking for a highly qualified expert to lead and coordinate the Research Unit “Magnetic Microsystem Technologies” (MMT) based in Villach, Austria. We seek a well-connected scientist with a strong background in applied research focused on magnetic microsystems, micromagnetic systems, magnetic sensors, magnetic RF components, and their diverse applications. Expertise in industrial applications and hands-on experience with Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 1–6 are essential for this role.

Your Future Tasks Include

Your Leadership responsibilities

• Lead and develop the MMT Research Unit: Manage and grow the MMT unit (10-15 researchers) within the Microsystem division.
• Personnel leadership: Oversee personnel management, provide supervision and mentorship fostering a collaborative, productive, and inspiring environment.
• Strategic representation and networking: Represent the unit internally and build external partnerships with academia and industry to enhance visibility and impact.
• Project acquisition and corporate responsibility: Drive project acquisition with international partners, ensuring alignment with corporate goals and financial sustainability.
• Research program and portfolio development: Shape the unit’s research strategy and create a balanced project portfolio in coordination with the Head of Research Division Microsytem Technologies.
  
  

Your Scientific Responsibilities

• Drive research excellence: Elevate the unit to a world-class level in magnetic microsystem research, achieving significant economic and societal impact.
• Strategic leadership: Coordinate and orient the unit’s research directions, plan necessary investments, oversee their acquisition.
• Project development and management: Initiate, set up, and manage cooperative and funded (FFG, EU, …) research projects with academic and industry partners.
• Collaborative engagement: Maintain close collaboration with project partners and provide technical guidance to project managers.
• Dissemination of research: Coordinate the units research output. Publish in scientific journals and present at conferences, summits, and key events to boost visibility and impact.
  
  

Your Profile

• A distinguished post-doctoral record of at least 15 years in research, innovation and leadership in the field of magnetics, magnetic microsystems, spintronic devices, magnetic sensors, magnetic RF components, or related.
• Strong understanding of microfabrication technologies of magnet thin films, MEMS, and magnetic microsystems, of magnetic simulation methodologies, and of experimental design and testing.
• 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.
• Demonstrated ability to lead funding acquisition, ideally beyond purely academic research programs, and to collaborate with the industry.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in project management of large international R&D projects with multiple partners.
• Proven record of at least 5 years team leading experience in industry and research.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
  
  

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).

About Us

Silicon Austria Labs (SAL) is a top research center for Electronics and Software Based Systems (ESBS). At three locations (Graz, Villach, Linz), SAL is conducting research along the entire ESBS value chain in the areas of sensor systems, power electronics, intelligent wireless systems, microsystems and embedded systems to develop future-oriented solutions for industrial production, health, energy, mobility, safety and more. SAL brings together key players from industry, science and research and thus valuable expertise and know-how and conducts cooperative, application-oriented research along the value chain. Cooperative projects are co-financed by SAL and enable a fast and unbureaucratic project start. SAL is thus shaping the high-tech location Austria and Europe and developing the future.

Innovation is our top priority and so are our employees. We are a family-friendly company and support the compatibility of work and family as much as possible. That is why we have been awarded the Work and Family Certificate until 2026. But we are constantly working on new measures to offer our employees an environment where they feel good, healthy and motivated.