Tenure Track Position For A Researcher In The Field Of Smart Gas Sensors Based On Micro-Electro-Mech

Workplace description

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 in total. Information regarding the research centers, their activities and production is available at http://www.fbk.eu/research-centers.

In particular, the FBK Center for Sensors and Devices (FBK-SD) () is an applied research center that operates in the following scientific and technological areas: quantum technologies, detectors, microsystems and integrated systems. The FBK-SD has extremely advanced technical know-how in innovative devices design and fabrication technologies as well as in 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

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 purpose of FBK's Tenure Track program is to offer high level professionals the opportunity of pursuing a structured career path in order to become tenured researchers and contribute to the long-term strategy of the organization. Within this framework, FBK-SD is looking for a dynamic, highly motivated, independent researcher in the field of MEMS-based gas sensor development for specific applications.

The candidate will work in the Materials and Topologies for Sensors and Devices (MTSD) unit, which comprises four research teams focused on: i) chemical and physical characterization of materials, surfaces, and interfaces; ii) gas sensor development and testing; iii) superconducting and quantum devices; iv) spectroscopic techniques for quantum-based materials characterization.

Specifically, the candidate will lead the "Gas Sensor"  team, which develops advanced, highly sensitive, and low-power gas sensors using MEMS technology for various applications. Gas Sensors are one of the technological platforms identified as core to the SD Centre. The Gas Sensor team covers the entire R&D chain for innovative gas sensor production, including sensor design and simulation, production through microfabrication, packaging, integration, and testing, with the goal of producing high-TRL, ready-to-use prototypes. Key applications currently include environmental monitoring, leak detection, precision agriculture, health monitoring, and diagnostics. To achieve this, FBK collaborates with several universities and research institutes (UNIFE, UNIBZ, SAL, CNR-IMM, UNIME, UB, etc.) and supports companies developing gas sensing platforms.

The Gas Sensor team runs the "Gas and Qualification Lab", which includes gas test benches for sensor characterization and two analytical tools—a quadrupole mass spectrometer and a proton-transfer-reaction mass spectrometer—for qualitative and quantitative analysis of complex gas mixtures. These tools serve as gold standards for in-field applications and training MEMS gas sensor arrays.

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.

The candidate will also be involved in the "process gas" group within the clean rooms of the SD Centre. Specifically, the candidate will manage this group and serve as the toxic gas officer for safety, necessitating the appropriate qualifications for this role.

Main activities to be performed by the candidate

Device Design

Perform accurate device simulation and electromechanical modeling using tools such as COMSOL Multiphysics and ANSYS Multiphysics.Conduct material simulations using methods like Density Functional Theory.Select appropriate materials.Layout devices using suitable software (e.g., Siemens-L-Edit and K-Layout).Design processes for fabrication.

Fabrication of Devices

Synthesize and characterize materials and nanomaterials, typically used as sensing elements in the final device.Organize and perform the clean room silicon fabrication process to produce MEMS/NEMS substrates and sensors, such as microhotplates.Characterize and optimize process steps.Conduct thick and thin film deposition for the development of MEMS/NEMS sensing technologies

Process Characterization

Perform control measurements during the fabrication process, including thickness and mechanical stress of deposited layers, wafer bow measurements, and resistivity measurements.Data analysis.

Sensor Packaging and Integration

Sensor Testing and Deployment

Build setups for sensor functional testing.Organize and execute functional tests to evaluate sensor performance.Data analysis.Deploy and calibrate gas sensors in-field for specific applications.

Documentation, Organization, Management, and Supervision

Draft project proposals and manage projects.Draft reports.Supervise research activities and personnel (e.g., PhD students and Post-Docs).Organize and manage the laboratory.Serve as the toxic gas officer for safety.

Job requirements

The ideal candidate should have:

Master's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.At least 5 years of experience in the design, modeling, and microfabrication of MEMS or microfabricated sensors.Strong background in synthesis of nanostructured semiconductors (eg sol-gel, hydrothermal, and precipitation/co-precipitation with a focus on metal oxides and transition metal dichalcogenides) and Familiarity with thick- and thin-film deposition techniques (eg  screen printing, microdispensing, and spin coating).Extensive experience in the development and characterization of MEMS-based gas sensors (eg electrical measurements, including the development of experimental setups).Experience in data analysis.Experience in operando measurements for investigating sensor working principles.Familiarity with material and surface characterization techniques (eg PXRD, SEM-EDX, UV-vis, XPS, FT-IR, and TGA/DSC).Familiarity with gas sensing system development, integration and deployment for in-field applications.Experience working in research and development environments involving early prototype development and subsequent transfer to product development.Experience in building system demonstrators and ready-to-use devices.Experience working on research projects and industrial commitments.Experience in project drafting, project management, and PhD/Post-Doc supervision.Excellent scientific dissemination, including at least 15 scientific publications in the field relevant to the proposed position (Scopus and WoS indexed).Strong teamwork and communication skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.Native Italian speaker or excellent working knowledge of Italian (oral and written).Fluency in English is essential, as the candidate will be working in an international environment and maintaining contact with colleagues and co-workers worldwide.

Preferred:

Experience as a toxic gas safety officer.Experience in laboratory and people management.Technology transfer activities.Proven track record of receiving research grants.Proven track record of outreach and dissemination activitiesA desire to grow and develop in their professional speciality.

Employment:

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

Duration: The maximum duration of the Tenure Track contract is up to 5 years (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: about 41.400 - 50.000 depending on background and expertise in the field.

Start date: January 2025

Workplace: Trento – Povo

Benefits: flexi-time, company subsidized cafeteria or meal vouchers, internal car park, welcome office support for visa formalities, accommodation etc., supplementary pension and health fund, training courses, public transport, sports facilities, language courses fees. More info at

Application:

Candidates are required to submit their applications by filling in the online form at Please make sure that your application contains the following attachments (in pdf format):

detailed CV and list of scientific publications

letter of motivation

Application Deadline: 2nd of October, 2024

Please read our Regulations "Guidelines for Tenure Track positions" and Tenure Track FAQ

before completing your application.

For further information or technical issues regarding the application, please contact the Human

Resources Service at ******.