Tenure Track position for a Researcher in the field of Detector Packaging at Sensors & Devices Centr

The FBK Centre 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 Micro and Nano Fabrication (MNF) unit of FBK-SD. The facility specializes in silicon micro and nano-processing 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. In addition to front-end fabrication cleanrooms, the facility includes testing laboratories for device characterization, a packaging cleanroom for the implementation of innovative package solutions and an integration area for developing complete systems at different technology readiness levels (TRLs), collectively constituting the back-end area.
MNF is an open infrastructure equipped to accommodate both external users from research and industry. More information about MNF is available at https://sd.fbk.eu/en/research/mnf/ .

Job Description

The purpose of FBK’s Tenure Track program is to offer high-level professionals the opportunity to pursue a structured career path to become tenured researchers contributing to the long-term strategy of the organization.
Within this framework, FBK-MNF is seeking a dynamic, highly motivated, and independent researcher in the field of packaging, integration, and microfabrication, with a particular focus on detectors packaging for medical applications , high-energy physics, space applications. The ideal candidate will lead the detector packaging team and contribute to advanced R&D projects, bringing extensive experience in design, fabrication, and technology transfer. A strong background in coordinating research activities and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams is essential.
The candidate will have access to comprehensive technical and infrastructural support, with the opportunity to develop a versatile skill set while collaborating with world-class research organizations and industries.

Main Tasks:

The successful candidate will work within the Micro-Nano fabrication Facility (MNF) of the FBK-Sensors and Devices Center and her/his responsibilities will include:

• Drive innovative research and development of novel technological solutions and platforms for detector packaging;
• Develop low material budget electronics for both analog (e.g. SSD, SDD, LGAD, SiPM) and digital (e.g. APS, MAPS, DMAPS) radiation detectors.
• Lead the design and implementation of advanced packaging solutions from initial concept through microfabrication to detector integration.
• Develop and optimize micro-integration and interconnection technologies, especially for sensor packaging on flexible substrates.
• Coordinate MNF’s detector packaging activities and contribute to strategic planning for its evolution both in terms of personnel, technologies and equipment;
• Serve as the reference point for projects related to detector packaging, with particular attention to medical, High-Energy Physics (HEP) and space applications;
• Maintain a strong connection with the other MNF areas and SD Center projects;

FBK actively seeks diversity and inclusion in the workplace and is also committed to promoting gender equality.

Job requirements

The ideal candidate should have the following qualifications.

Specific technical requirements:

• Master’s Degree in Material’s Science, Engineering, or in a related field;
• PhD (or equivalent 3 years post-master experience) in Material’s Science, Engineering or in a related field;
• at least 5 years of experience in the research and development of detector packaging solutions, covering all stages from design and microfabrication to integration with detectors;
• strong expertise in micro-integration techniques and interconnection technologies applied to sensors packaging; expertise in detector integration with flexible printed circuits (FPCs);
• strong expertise in microfabrication applied to flexible substrates and clean room process development (e.g. new recipe development for etching and deposition processes, materials and microstructural characterizations, etc);
• familiarity with material and surface characterization techniques (e.g. SEM-EDX, EBSD, FIB, UV-VIS, XRD, XRF and TGA/DSC);
• experience with circuit editing of silicon devices by FIB techniques;
• experience working in research and development environments developing technological platforms, driving their TRL advancement and the subsequent transfer to industrial process and/or product development;
• skilled in research and industrial project drafting and management, ability to engage effectively with different research partners and stakeholders;
• oral and written proficiency in both Italian and English.

Soft skills:

• proven experience in coordinating activities and teams, supervising PhD candidates, and managing research personnel;
• ability to manage multiple projects (including experience as principal investigator) and tasks simultaneously;
• teamwork approach, good communication and relational skills;
• strong orientation to results, determination, flexibility and aptitude for problem-solving.

Additional requirements:

• expertise in design and fabrication of Gaseous Electron Multipliers (GEM);
• experience in additive and subtractive manufacturing techniques for prototyping;
• experience in designing and overseeing the setup of small research laboratories;
• experience as a safety officer in research laboratories;
• awareness of emerging technological trends in the INFN CSN1 and CSN2 sectors related to detector packaging;
• proven track record in patenting technological innovations.

Employment

Type of contract : Tenure Track position leading to an FBK 3nd Level Researcher (R3) permanent contract

Duration : The duration of the Tenure Track contract will be determined by the Committee based on the assigned KPIs (at least one year, which may be reduced in accordance with the Committee assessment on the candidate's abilities and skills). If the final assessment of the Tenure Track experience is positive, the selected candidate for the tenure track position will be offered a permanent R3 contract

Working hours: full time (38 h per week)

Gross annual salary : 44.087 € (plus objectives achievement bonus). A superminimum may be granted up to a total gross annual remuneration of Euro 49.700, depending on knowledge and expertise of the successful candidate

Start date : September 2025

Workplace : Povo, Trento (Italy)

Benefits : flexi-time, company subsidised cafeteria or meal vouchers, internal car park, welcome office support for visa formalities, accommodation, supplementary pension and health found, training courses, public transport, sports facilities, language courses fees. Further details at https://www.fbk.eu/en/work-with-us/

Fondazione Bruno Kessler invests in people’s growth and promotes a stimulating environment that values talent. Through the Talent Development Program, each participant will be engaged in a tailored experiential journey designed to enhance skills, attitudes, and aspirations. Concrete tools for professional growth will be available, including personalized assessments to understand and develop individual potential, structured career paths to help shape the future, and development strategies within a dynamic and innovative scientific environment.

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;
• Motivational letter;
• Statement of Research Interests.

For further information or technical issues regarding the application, please contact the Human Resources Service at tenuretrack@fbk.eu .