Head of Research Unit – Magnetic Microsystem Technologies (all genders)
- Silicon Austria Labs GmbH
- Villach
- Fulltime
- Unlimited
- Code: 46-1
Silicon Austria Labs (SAL) is seeking an experienced research and technology manager to lead the Research Unit “Magnetic Microsystem Technologies” (MMT) in Villach, Austria. The position centres on the strategic, operational and personnel management of a multidisciplinary team of researchers and engineers working on magnetic microsystems and related technologies. The successful candidate will develop the unit’s research portfolio, guide technology development activities across TRL 1–6, support the acquisition and execution of collaborative R&D projects, and strengthen partnerships with industry and academia.
Your future tasks include:
Your future responsibilities:
Leadership and Unit Management
- Lead the MMT Research Unit, comprising approximately 15 researchers and engineers, assume responsibility for strategy, operations, resource management and personnel.
- Strategically develop the team, competencies and resources in a collaborative and motivating working environment.
- Shape an application-oriented research and technology portfolio across TRL 1–6 in alignment with SAL’s objectives.
- Represent MMT internally and contribute to the development of the Microsystems Division.
Industry Collaboration and R&D Acquisition
- Build strong relationships with industrial R&D partners and identify collaboration opportunities.
- Acquire collaborative and funded R&D projects with industrial and scientific partners, including FFG and EU initiatives.
- Position MMT externally as a trusted partner for applied research and technology maturation.
- Represent the unit at relevant industry events, scientific forums and stakeholder meetings, strengthening its visibility and project pipeline.
Research and Technology Leadership
- Guide high-quality, industry-relevant research and technology development in magnetic microsystems and their applications.
- Oversee major R&D projects and coordinate dissemination activities that increase the unit’s visibility and impact.
Your profile:
- University degree, preferably a PhD or comparable qualification, in physics, electrical engineering, microsystem technology, materials science or a related technical discipline.
- Relevant technical background, ideally in magnetics, magnetic microsystems, magnetic sensing and positioning systems, spintronics, magnetic RF components, MEMS or related microsystem technologies.
- Recognized track record in applied research, industrial innovation or technology development, demonstrated through successful projects, collaborations, technological results, publications, patents, invited presentations or comparable achievements.
- Demonstrated ability to acquire, initiate or oversee collaborative R&D projects, preferably involving industrial partners and national or European funding programmes such as FFG or EU initiatives.
- Demonstrated personnel leadership experience in managing and developing teams of researchers, engineers or other technical professionals.
- Strong ability to define strategy, steer a technical research portfolio and guide technology development activities across TRL 1–6.
- Sound understanding of industry-oriented technology development, technology transfer and the European research and innovation ecosystem.
- Excellent communication, organizational and stakeholder-management skills, with the ability to represent the unit effectively within SAL and towards industrial and scientific partners.
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.
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