PhD Position Enhanced materials and unconventional designs for novel low-noise piezoelectric silicon MEMS

PhD Position Enhanced materials and unconventional designs for novel low-noise piezoelectric silicon MEMS

TU Wien is Austria´s largest institution of research and higher education in the fields of technology and natural sciences. With over 26,000 students and more than 4,000 scientists, research, teaching, and learning dedicated to the advancement of science and technology have been conducted here for more than 200 years, guided by the motto "Technology for People". As a driver of innovation, TU Wien fosters close collaboration with business and industry and contributes to the prosperity of society. At the Institute of Sensor and Actuator Systems, in the Research Unit of Microsystems Technology, TU Wien is offering a position as project assistant (PhD position). The PhD position is planned for a total duration of 3.5 years for 31 hours/week. Initially, however, the contract is limited to one year, with an expected start in March 2026.

Tasks

• Conducting research in the field of microsystem technology with a particular focus on advanced materials such as doped AIN and silicon carbide as well as on unconventional design approaches such as bistability
• Supervise and collaborate with students in research projects and laboratory work
• Write and publish scientific papers and complete a monographic PhD dissertation
• Participate in scientific conferences and events to present research findings and engage with the academic community

For more information about the project, please get in touch with the principal investigator (PI), Assoc.-Prof. Michael Schneider ([emailprotected])

Your Profile

• Educational Background: Master´s or Diploma degree in physics, material science, electrical engineering, nanotechnology, mechanical engineering, or a closely related field
• Language Proficiency: Excellent written and spoken English communication skills
• Motivation: Passion for research and innovation, with an interest in both scientific curiosities and practical applications
• Collaboration & Supervision: Enthusiasm for working in a team, mentoring students, and contributing to a dynamic research environment
• Soft Skills: Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work creatively and collaboratively

We Offer

• A diverse and engaging role in a collaborative and supportive research team
• A broad range of professional development opportunities, including internal and external training programs and various career pathways
• A centrally located workplace in Vienna, with excellent public transport connections (U1/U4 Karlsplatz)

Your Application

We invite highly qualified and motivated students interested in this exciting research field to send us their detailed application documents (including a letter of motivation, CV, grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma) via email in a sigle PDF file to [emailprotected] until December 12th, 2025.

TU Wien is committed to increasing the proportion of women in particular in leadership positions. Female applicants are explicitly encouraged to apply. Preference will be given to women when equally qualified, unless reasons specific to a male applicant tilt the balance in his favour.

People with special needs are equally encouraged to apply. In case of any questions, please contact the confidant for disabled persons at the university, Mr. Gerhard Neustätter.

Entry-level salary is determined by the pay grade B1 of the Austrian collective agreement for university staff and results in 40,305.58 €/Year, gross for 31 hours/week. Relevant working experiences may increase the monthly income.

Candidates are not eligible for a refund of expenses for travelling and lodging related to the application process.