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 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 and image sensors fabricated with full custom technologies. 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. Recently the group has started to perform research activities to port the current technologies based on silicon also to silicon carbide. More information about CRS is available at https://sd.fbk.eu/en/crs/
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
FBK-SD is looking for a motivated technician in the field of silicon radiation sensors, for the development of cutting-edge radiation detection technologies and devices that will be used to build next-generation systems in large scientific experiments and medical and industrial applications, material analysis and spectroscopy, high energy physics experiments, nuclear reactions monitoring for energy applications, payloads for space missions with a focus on devices with internal multiplication.
The activity will focus on the integration, packaging and testing of different types of silicon and silicon carbide radiation sensors and other related devices currently under development at FBK in the CRS research unit and fabricated by using a fully customized micro-fabrication technology both in the internal FBK facility and in external clean-rooms and foundries.
More specifically, the candidate will deal with all the design and experimental activities related to the sensor integration, packaging and testing: understanding the application case and relative requirements; designing and realizing new mechanical parts as required by the integration process, design and realization or procurement of PCBs; bonding of sensors to read-out devices, protection of the devices with the application of specific coatings, design and realization of characterization set-ups, execution of specific characterization tests, data analysis. The goal will be the realization of prototype systems or small scale production of detection systems. The candidate will manage specific pieces of equipment, carrying out the due maintenance and procuring the consumables. They will support the research characterizing the functionality of the devices; analyzing data with suitable software packages and writing ad-hoc software; elaborating reports; preparing visual support for public presentations.
The work will be performed in close collaboration with other technicians, technologists, device and process scientists and engineers of the centre. The selected candidate will be part of the team working on ongoing projects and future developments.
The successful candidate will contribute to the following tasks:
- 2D and 3D Design and modelling of mechanical parts with CAD software;
- Realization of mechanical parts with additive (3D printing) or subtractive (milling) techniques;
- Design and realization or procurement of Printed Circuit Boards;
- Integration and packaging of radiation sensors;
- Development, automation, programming, configuration of read-out systems and functional testing systems for radiation sensors;
- Functional characterization of the device sensing performance for specific applications which are scientifically interesting for FBK, such as large scientific experiments and medical and industrial applications, material analysis and spectroscopy, high energy physics experiments, nuclear reactions monitoring for energy applications, payloads for space missions including the development of advanced characterization setups;
- Contribution to the unit general activities: maintenance of specific equipment, procurement of consumables and or/spare parts, quality assurance;
- Data analysis and reporting.
Job requirements
The ideal candidate should have:
- Technical high school diploma;
- Good knowledge of advanced semiconductor materials, such as silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN);
- Experience in 2D and 3D CAD design and modelling;
- Experience with additive manufacturing;
- Experience in PCB design;
- Experience with software languages such as C/C++/C#, Python for microcontroller programming and data analysis;
- Ability to work in a collaborative environment, with a strong commitment to achieve assigned objectives and to realize practical applications;
- Oral and written proficiency in English.
Employment
Type of contract: fixed-term contract
Working hours: Preferably part-time at 80% (30 h per week). However, different part-time percentages may be considered depending on the candidate’s needs;
Start date: Preferably July 2025;
Duration: 24 months, with the possibility of extending the contract depending on funding;
Workplace: Povo, Trento;
Gross annual salary: about € 29.500, plus objectives achievements bonus. Compensation to be adjusted proportionally to the hours worked;
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: 30/06/2025
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