FBK is looking for a Research Position on radiation and light sensors for integrated photonics. This position is partially funded by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) IPCEI-ME/CT and the PRIN 2022 project “SIGNED”

Funding reference 

Fondo IPCEI ME/CT – Microelectronics - Continuation
ID: IPCEI-M2 0000006 - CUP C63C23001090006
Decreto di concessione n. 205 del 10/04/2024
Intervento del PNRR M4C2-12.1

Progetto “Silicon Integrated GeNEration and Detection of photon number squeezed states of light” (SIGNED), Principal Investigator il Prof. Daniele Bajoni;
FBK-SD partecipa come sub-unità 
CUP  F53D23000550006 
Bando PRIN 2022, decreto direttoriale di ammissione a finanziamento prot. n. 960 del 30/06/2024

Responsabile del Procedimento: Alessandro Dalla Torre

 

FBK is looking for a Research Position on radiation and light sensors for integrated photonics. This position is partially funded by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) IPCEI-ME/CT and the PRIN 2022 project “SIGNED”.

FBK is a research institution devoted to excellence in research in numerous disciplines and designated to the role of keeping the Autonomous Province of Trento in the mainstream of European and international research. Each research area is assigned to a specific research Centre, of which there are eleven totals. Information regarding the research Centres, their activities and production are available at http://www.fbk.eu/research-centers.

In particular, the FBK Centre for Sensors and Devices (FBK-SD) (https://www.fbk.eu/en/sensors-devices/) is an applied research centre that operates in the following scientific and technological areas: quantum technologies, detectors, microsystems and integrated systems. The FBK-SD has extremely advanced technical knowhow in innovative devices design and fabrication technologies as well as in the system integration. The strategic mission of the FBK-SD is scientific excellence combined with the ability to exploit research results. The innovation model is open to collaboration in national and international expertise networks.

Workplace Description

The position available is in the Custom Radiation Sensors (CRS) unit of FBK-SD. The CRS Research Unit carries out R&D activities on advanced radiation, photonics, optoelectronics and image sensors fabricated with custom technologies in the FBK internal cleanroom. The main research activities of the group are on the design, development and characterization of silicon radiation detectors, single-photon sensors and advanced image sensors.
More information about CRS is available at https://sd.fbk.eu/en/crs/

Background information and description of research projects

This position is offered within the following projects:

  • IPCEI ME/CT project 

In the IPCEI ME/CT project, FBK intends to significantly expand and improve its manufacturing and integration facilities to achieve high-level and reliable heterogeneous production capabilities to maximise research and competitiveness in the market. In IPCEI ME 1, FBK is developing the 3D integration platform applied to SiPM and SPAD TECHNOLOGIES. Exploiting the results of IPCEI ME 1, the project will mainly work on the integration of new materials (Silicon Carbide & Germanium-on-Silicon) and hetero-integration to extend the capabilities of already established silicon platforms.

  • PRIN

The project “Silicon Integrated GeNEration and Detection of photon number squeezed states of light” aims to develop the two fundamental building blocks of a fully integrated continuous variable quantum device working at room temperature.
In fact, quantum technologies based on continuous variable quantum states of light, in particular squeezed states of light, are attracting a lot of attention as a promising way to realize sensors with accuracy exceeding any classical device as well as quantum computers and quantum simulators working at room temperature and integrated on silicon chips.
Despite many recent developments in these directions, though, the longstanding objectives of chip integration and room temperature operation of all components from the quantum emitter to the detectors is still a challenge. FBK-SD will perform simulations design, manufacturing and characterization of multi-pixel single photon detectors and electronic/photonic chips, containing arrays of SPADs coupled to waveguides to create a photon-number resolving sensor.

Job Description

FBK-SD is looking for a dynamic, highly motivated, independent researcher in the field of silicon and germanium (Ge-on-Si) sensors, both stand-alone or coupled to electromagnetic radiation waveguides for integrated photonics devices. These sensors will be used to build next-generation integrated systems in scientific experiments and industrial applications, photonic quantum devices (quantum simulators, sensors, communication devices), LiDAR detectors, miniaturized spectroscopic devices.
The research activity will focus on the development of custom sensors for the different applications and wavelength ranges. Depending on the ability of the candidates and the current needs, the activity could cover the complete R&D cycle or part of it, from the conception of new technological solutions and understanding/improvement of device properties through TCAD simulations, design, integration and experimental characterization. The work will be performed in close collaboration with other device and process researchers and engineers as well as with personnel of the Integrated Photonics and Quantum Optics unit. The selected candidate will become a key part of the team working on ongoing projects and future developments, actively participating to the dissemination and networking activities.

Job requirements

The ideal candidate should have:

  • Master Degree in Electronics Engineering, Physics, Material Science or related fields;
  • Ph.D. in Electronics Engineering, Physics, Material Science or related fields (or equivalent 3 years post-master research experience);
  • strong attitude to research activity and innovation;
  • experience in working on research projects;
  • solid background in semiconductor detectors;
  • solid background in integrated photonics;
  • published scientific papers in the relevant fields;
  • language assessment according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR): level of knowledge required. Knowledge of English will be verified during the interview on a technical or scientific topic and must be equal to or exceed level B2. Definitions of levels can be found at the following link https:/www.coe.int/en/web/common-european-framework-reference-languages/level-descriptions;
  • teamwork approach, good communication and relational skills.

Preferred:

  • experience in simulation tools for devices and processes;
  • experience of silicon processing technology;
  • experience in electro-optical measurements laboratory setups
  • experience in the design and processing of germanium detectors
  • direct experience in the design and microfabrication (process) of Geiger-mode avalanche radiation  sensors;
  • Italian language working knowledge.

Employment

Type of contract: fixed-term contract 

Working hours: full-time (38 h per week)

Start date: April 2025

Duration: 36 months

Contract type: CCPL Research Foundation Personnel (https://trasparenza.fbk.eu/ita/Personale/Contrattazione-collettiva/Rinnovo-CCPL-delle-Fondazioni) for a third  level Research, the current gross annual remuneration is Euro 44.087,26.

Workplace: Povo, Trento (Italy)

Benefits: flexi-time, company subsidized cafeteria or meal vouchers, internal car park, welcome office support for visa formalities and for research in accommodation, supplementary pension (Resaver, Laborfonds) and health fund (Sanifonds), family-work balance, free training courses, support on bank account opening, discount on public transport, sport, language course fees, counseling and psychological support service. More info at https://www.fbk.eu/en/work-with-us/

Application

Interested candidates are requested to submit their application by completing the online form (https://jobs.fbk.eu/). Please make sure that your application contains the following attachments (in pdf format):

  • detailed CV;
  • cover letter indicating why the candidate is suitable for this position.

Application deadline: February 24, 2025
New application deadline: March 3, 2025


Selection process and assessment criteria

The Evaluating Committee will be appointed by the  HR Director  at the end of the application deadline. 
The recruiting process will be handled in accordance with the “Gender and generational equal opportunities, as well as the employment inclusion of people with disabilities in public contracts financed with the resources of the PNRR and PNC” guidelines  and with the Foundation's Gender Equality Plan.
The Committee may compile the short-list of the candidates admitted to the interview, remotely or in presence. The short-list shall be compiled based on the requirements set out in the call (contained in the requirements of the job description), with the support of the screening of CVs and any other required documents.  
Candidates with a minimum score will be admitted to the interview phase. Shortlisted candidates must do at least one interview with the Committee. 
In case of specific need, the Selection Committee can also meet remotely, by teleconference or videoconference, provided that all members can be identified and that they are able to follow and intervene in the discussion, as well as to receive, transmit and view documents.
During the evaluation step, evaluation support tools such as tests or questionnaires may be used. Furthermore, group tests and/or practical tests may be administered.

Evaluation criteria 

The recruitment process will be based on the points obtained by the evaluation of the qualifications/ expertise and  the evaluation of the interview. 
A maximum of 40 points will be allocated for qualifications and expertise that the candidate expresses on the resume, while the interview will be worth up to 60 points.
The interview scores will be assigned to candidates by the Commission according to the following criteria: the presentation of their personal research profile; the knowledge about the scientific domain, the experience in working for research projects and the language skills. Only candidates obtaining at least 25 points in the evaluation of the qualifications and the expertise will be admitted for the interview. The interview is considered as “passed” if the applicant obtains at least 45 points. The final score will be used to generate the final suitability list for each job position .

Results of the selection process

All candidates will be notified via email once the selection process has been completed.
The suitability list may be used to fill the position in case the successful candidate doesn’t accept the job offer.  
At the website https://jobs.fbk.eu/ in the "Selection results" section, will be published the details of the selection process and the final results. 

Diversity & Inclusion policy 

FBK actively seeks diversity and promotes inclusion in the workplace. The main aims of the FBK Diversity & Inclusion policy are to:

  • promote gender equality across the research domains and on all levels by encouraging qualified female candidates to apply for job positions and by implementing specific improvements and measures as stated in the Gender Equality Plan (GEP) 
  • foster young talents development by offering opportunities to grow
  • become a disability-inclusive organization by encouraging applications from candidates with a disability (Law 68/99). We provide special assistance to applicants during the recruitment procedure and reasonable arrangements for disabled staff 
  • promote a healthy work-life balance by offering a package of flexible working arrangements and facilities (telework, individual working time, parental leave, etc).

The FBK operates in compliance with current legislation concerning fixed-term contracts. Candidates with disabilities are invited to state whether they belong to the categories referred to in Law 68/99, and to indicate this in the curriculum vita sent in application for recruitment.

Processing of personal data

Pursuant to art. 13 of EU Regulation No. 2016/679 (GDPR), we inform you that your personal data shall be processed for the management of the selection process and of the obligations connected to it, through manual, electronic and informatic means and will be guaranteed within privacy and security standards as indicated in the full privacy policy.
In order to ensure and respect the principles of publicity, transparency and impartiality, the name of the successful candidate and the names of suitable candidates will be published on the FBK website following acceptance of the position.

For further information, please contact the Human Resources Services at jobs@fbk.eu.