Fondazione Bruno Kessler 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 an applied research centre active in the following scientific and technological fields: materials and interfaces, devices and microsystems, integrated systems. FBK-SD has extremely advanced technical know-how in applied materials science, as well as innovative detector design and fabrication technologies. The strategic mission of 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. More information about the Center is available at https://sd.fbk.eu/en/.
The candidate will be working in the MNF Unit (Micro-Nano characterization and fabrication Facility) in the SD Center. The facility specializes in silicon micro and nanoprocessing and produces leading-edge sensors through its worldwide recognized competencies in optical and electronic lithography, etching, physical vapor deposition (PVD), chemical vapor deposition (CVD), ion implantation, and thermal processes.
The MNF facility, with more than 1000sq meters of ISO4-ISO6 clean rooms and other 1000sq meters of laboratories, offers fully controlled process modules that allow for customization of several technological platforms, such as SDD, SiPM, LGAD, opto sensors, and gas sensors, for various applications, including space and other harsh environments. The facility also engages in quantum technologies and nanofabrication research and development based on focused ion beam (FIB) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) innovative tools.
MNF is an open infrastructure equipped to accommodate both external users from research and industry. In addition to front-end fabrication cleanrooms, the facility includes testing laboratories for Wafer-Level Parametric and Functional device characterization. Wafer-Level measurements are performed using Automatic Probing Stations, equipped with a prober, an instrumentation rack and proprietary control software. The expansion of the cleanrooms, the increase in the number of equipment, and the continuous growth of projects and collaborations with research and industrial partners require strengthening both microfabrication activities and those related to Wafer-Level testing of the manufactured devices. With particular emphasis on already experienced personnel capable of independently managing assigned tasks, this announcement refers to the search for staff to support Wafer-Level testing activities.
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
Optical and radiation sensor technologies as well as MEMS technologies are the pillars of the strategic activities carried out at MNF. Their final applications range from quite large fields classified in two main applications: research (for instance high energy physics experiment either on ground or in space) and industrial (for instance automotive, medical, environmental controls). Within this framework, FBK-MNF is seeking a dynamic, highly motivated, and independent researcher specialized in Wafer-Level Parametric Testing (Electrical and Electro-Optical Parameters using automatic probing stations) to join the staff of the Testing Laboratories in the Back-end Area.
The successful candidate will contribute to the following tasks:
- conduct electrical and electro-optical parametric and/or functional characterization of silicon sensor devices, including IV/CV measurements, charge collection studies, and breakdown analysis;
- develop and optimize test procedures and custom setups for new sensor technologies;
- automate test sequences and ensure results reproducibility using scripting tools and lab automation platforms;
- analyse measurement data and produce summary reports;
- operate and maintain laboratory equipment (e.g., probe stations, SMUs, LCR meters, thermal/vacuum chambers);
- conduct reliability testing, including temperature cycling, humidity testing, and radiation exposure;
- ensure compliance with lab quality standards and contribute to the continuous improvement of testing methodologies;
- maintain a strong connection with the other MNF areas and SD Center Units;
- collaborate with device designers and process engineers to assess and improve the impact of fabrication steps on device performance.
Job requirements
The ideal candidate should have:
- PhD (or equivalent min 3 years post-master experience) in Electronic Engineering, Experimental Physics or related areas;
- good knowledge of semiconductor device physics;
- background in sensor technologies (e.g., u-strips, pixels, LGADs) and the associated production process flows;
- background in automated test systems and lab management software;
- excellent knowledge of Italian both oral and written.
- excellent Knowledge of English, both oral and written;
- teamwork approach, good communication and relational skills;
- strong orientation to results, determination, flexibility and aptitude for problem-solving.
Furthermore, the following elements will be positively evaluated:
- background in high-energy physics, medical or aerospace applications;
- good knowledge of high-voltage measurement setups for SiC devices (3kV or more);
- expertise in reliability measurements for space applications;
- familiarity with cleanroom environments or high-tech laboratories.
Employment
Type of contract: fixed-term contract
Working hours: Full time (38 h per week)
Start date: July 2026
Duration: 24 months with the possibility of extending the contract depending on funding
Workplace: Povo, Trento
Gross annual salary: about € 47.000, plus objectives achievements bonus
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: 03/06/2026
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.
