Fondazione Bruno Kessler (FBK) is a private 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 center, of which there are twelve totals. Information regarding the research centers, their activities and production is available at http://www.fbk.eu/research-centers.
Workplace
The FBK Center for Sensors and Devices (FBK-SD) is a research center that operates in the following scientific and technological areas: materials and interfaces, devices and microsystems, integrated systems, quantum sensors and quantum technologies. FBK-SD has extremely advanced technical know-how in materials science, innovative device design and microfabrication technologies.
The available position is in the Materials and Topologies for Sensors and Devices (MTSD) Unit of FBK-SD. Among other tasks, MTSD carries out R&D activities based on the design, microfabrication and cryogenic measurements of planar superconducting devices. MTSD is also active on several projects focused on quantum technologies for generating and manipulating quantum states of lights. The activities are carried out in collaboration with the nanofabrication and the physical-chemical material characterization teams of FBK-SD.
FBK actively seeks diversity and inclusion in the workplace and is also committed to promoting gender equality. To promote the inclusion of disabled staff as per law 68/99, the Foundation is available and interested in evaluating the applications received for technical-scientific domains that do not correspond exactly to this call.
Job Description
The successful candidate will work on research and development of superconducting quantum devices, with a focus on Travelling Wave Parametric Amplifiers (TWPAs). The candidate will be working in the Superconducting Quantum Devices team and will be involved both in design/microfabrication and cryogenic measurements. The activities of the successful candidate will be primarily carried out in the framework of the European MiSS project, in continuity with the ongoing research activities on Josephson junctions and high kinetic inductance components, and their integration in complete circuits.
The successful candidate will contribute to the following tasks:
- Design and simulation of superconducting circuits;
- Microfabrication processes;
- Cryogenic characterisation and validation.
Job requirements
The ideal candidate should have:
- PhD or equivalent 3 years post-master experience in Physics;
- Good knowledge of the physics of superconductivity and superconducting microwave circuits;
- Research experience in the development of planar superconducting devices;
- Experience in microfabrication of superconducting circuits;
- Experience in cryogenic RF measurements with dilution refrigerators;
- Excellent English, written and spoken;
- Strong sense of curiosity and willingness to learn and develop;
- Teamwork approach, good communication and relational skills;
- Strong orientation to results, determination, flexibility and aptitude for problem-solving.
Other appreciated expertises:
- Specific expertise in the development of TWPAs;
- Experience in simulations of superconducting circuits;
- Publications in top-level venues in the field of superconducting circuits;
- Expertise in research in the context of national and European projects.
Employment
Type of contract: fixed-term contract
Working hours: Full time (38 h per week)
Start date: July/September 2025
Duration: 36 months
Workplace: Povo, Trento
Gross annual salary: about € 44.000
Benefits: flexi-time, company subsidized cafeteria or meal vouchers, internal car park, welcome office support for visa formalities and for research in accommodation, accommodation etc., supplementary pension and health fund, social security (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 including relevant past experiences (as an attached document in PDF format);
- Cover Letter (explaining your motivation for this specific position).
Application deadline: 28/03/2025
Please read our Recruitment Regulations before completing your application.
For further information or technical issues regarding the application, please contact the People Innovation for Research Department at jobs@fbk.eu.
Candidates who pass the preliminary curricula screening will be contacted shortly afterwards for an interview.
Non selected applicants will be notified of their exclusion at the end of the selection process.
Please note that FBK may contact shortlisted candidates within a period of 12 months, for the selection processes of similar vacancies.
For reasons of professional transparency, the name of the successful candidate will be published on the FBK website following acceptance of the position, as well the list of suitable candidates.