Head of Research Unit - Photonic Systems (all genders)

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.

We are looking for an experienced professional with a proven track record of scientific achievement and project management, as well as significant leadership experience.

Leadership Responsibilities

Your future tasks include:

• 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 withing 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).

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.