Staff Scientist - Initiation and lead of new research topics in electronic and software-based systems (f/m/d) // Job-ID: 128-1

YOUR FUTURE RESPONSIBILITIES

Silicon Austria Labs (SAL) is appointing excellent candidates in the locations Graz and Linz to initiate new research topics in electronic and software-based systems, which extend the existing portfolio of SAL.

SAL offers outstanding research facilities and internationally competitive salaries. It attracts top international scientists to conduct applied, industry-relevant research that pushes the frontiers of innovation. 

A successful candidate has an exceptional track record in a specific area of electronic and software-based systems, can establish and lead a high-impact research unit, and demonstrates strong communication skills. The candidate is experienced in initiating and managing R&D projects, especially with industrial partners, and has established a large international network within academic and industrial organizations.

YOUR LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

• Establish, lead, and advance a new research unit, building a team of 10-20 researchers.
• Acquire financial resources to operate the research unit through the different cooperation models of SAL. 
• Strategically plan and allocate resources for the Research Unit, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Provide mentorship, scientific guidance, and supervision of researchers.
• Corporate and profit responsibility.
• Initiate and oversee collaborative projects with academia and industry. 
• Expand the research unit’s international network through partnership acquisition and ongoing network activities.
• Shape the research program of the Research Unit, creating project portfolios together with the division head.
• Grow the research unit towards research excellence and economic impact.
• Create a motivated, collaborative, and relaxed atmosphere for scientists to thrive in.

YOUR SCIENTIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop the Research Unit to a world-class level.
• Provide career guidance to the Research Unit members to foster their advancement to world-class scientists  
• Drive the strategic direction of the Research Unit, defining and shaping research priorities, organizational structure, and resource allocation, including investments in facilities and infrastructures.
• Establish and oversee collaborative and funded research projects, from initiation to execution.  
• Foster close collaboration and support for scientific and industrial project partners engaged in cooperative research projects.  
• Interact closely with the project partners, providing technical expertise and guidance to project managers on key projects.  
• Initiate and steer research projects with industrial partners, crafting proposals for national and international grant funding opportunities.
• Increase the visibility of SAL by disseminate the research findings and other KPI´s through publications in scientific journals, international conferences, international summits, scientific boards, industry fairs and relevant events.

YOUR PROFILE

• A PhD degree in engineering or physics with demonstrated expertise in relevant areas.
• Deep understanding of the topic-related global market and the European industrial ecosystem.  
• Outstanding research achievements at an international level in the relevant areas with an emphasis on quality and a distinctive contribution to the field of study.  
• Proven record of at least 5 years of leadership experience.   
• Proven record of establishing new entities (teams, labs,…).
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.  
• Minimum 10 years of experience in managing international projects and securing research funding.  
• Broad and strong industrial and academic network proven by collaborations, projects, and publications.
• Proactive and creative independent thinking, enjoy working in international teams.
• Effective leader capable of inspiring and guiding teams.
• 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.
• Home office in Austria (max. 40%) and work from anywhere in the European Union possible (< 25%).
• 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) starting in occupational group G (G1 salary = EUR 5.356,- paid 14 times a year) based on 38,5 hours per week). For this position we offer competitive salaries and additional benefits based on your experience and qualifications, starting with a minimum gross salary of EUR 80.000 (annual, based on an All-in contract and bonus).