Research Engineer – Nanofabrication 80–100%

The Paul Scherrer Institut seeks a Research Engineer for its Nanotechnology Group in Villigen. This mid-level role blends hands-on nanofabrication with software development to support the PICO facility.

This position serves as a technical hub for the PICO facility, requiring a balance between physical cleanroom operations and digital infrastructure management. The engineer will act as the primary expert for advanced lithography systems while simultaneously maintaining the software tools that support cleanroom workflows and user services.

Responsibilities

• Design and refine nanofabrication protocols, with a specific emphasis on direct-write laser lithography and wet chemical techniques.
• Act as the lead owner for DWL lithography tools and other cleanroom machinery, handling commissioning, routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and user assistance.
• Build and sustain the software ecosystem for the cleanroom, including process databases, time-tracking systems, and the PICO website.
• Deliver technical and administrative support to facility users, including organizing training sessions to ensure a smooth user experience.
• Manage documentation, track facility usage, and handle invoicing in compliance with funding agency standards.
• Diagnose and repair electronic or mechanical faults in laboratory equipment whenever possible.
• Partner with internal PSI groups and external academic or industrial collaborators on joint research and development initiatives.
• Drive ongoing improvements to both the physical cleanroom infrastructure and its associated digital systems.

Requirements

• A Master’s degree (MSc) or equivalent qualification in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, Microengineering, Nanotechnology, Computer Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Proven programming experience using Python.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience with cleanroom technologies.
• Fluent command of the English language.

Nice to have

• Background in PHP, database management, web technologies, or software automation.
• Experience in diagnosing or repairing laboratory and electronic instruments.
• Familiarity with direct-write lithography or semiconductor processing workflows.
• Proficiency in the German language.

What the company offers

• A unique interdisciplinary position that merges nanofabrication, software engineering, and scientific instrumentation.
• The chance to become the designated technical authority for state-of-the-art direct-write laser lithography systems.
• Access to a modern cleanroom environment supporting cutting-edge research in nanotechnology, photonics, and quantum technologies.
• Opportunities to collaborate with internationally recognized scientists and industrial partners.
• A working environment that encourages independence, responsibility, and professional growth.
• Competitive employment terms at a leading European multidisciplinary research institute.

About the company

The Paul Scherrer Institut fosters a culture rooted in curiosity, technical versatility, and systematic problem-solving. Employees work within an international research environment alongside colleagues from diverse scientific disciplines.

• Values curiosity and a systematic approach to technical challenges.
• Encourages technical versatility across different scientific domains.
• Promotes collaboration among researchers from varied backgrounds in an international setting.