Research Engineer – Nanofabrication 80–100

The Paul Scherrer Institute PSI is the largest research institute for natural and engineering sciences within Switzerland. We perform cutting-edge research in the fields of future technologies, energy and climate, health innovation and fundamentals of nature. By performing fundamental and applied research, we work on sustainable solutions for major challenges facing society, science and economy. PSI is committed to the training of future generations.

Therefore, about one quarter of our staff are post-docs, post-graduates or apprentices. Altogether, PSI employs 2300 people.

Enable cutting-edge research through world-class nanofabrication infrastructure

The Nanotechnology Group at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) is looking for a motivated Research Engineer – Nanofabrication to support the operation and continuous development of the PICO (Park Innovaare Cleanroom for Optics and Innovation) facility.

This interdisciplinary position combines hands-on cleanroom work, software development, scientific instrumentation, and research infrastructure management. Approximately half of your time will be spent working in the cleanroom, while the other half will focus on developing and maintaining the digital infrastructure that enables efficient operation of the facility.

Rather than supporting a single research project, you will help build and continuously improve the infrastructure that enables hundreds of researchers from academia and industry to perform world-class science.

• Develop and optimize nanofabrication processes with a focus on direct-write laser lithography and wet chemical processing
• Become the technical expert and equipment owner for the DWL lithography systems and additional cleanroom equipment, including commissioning, maintenance, troubleshooting, upgrades, and user support
• Develop, improve, and maintain the software infrastructure supporting cleanroom operation, including the time-tracking system used for facility access management and billing, process database and PICO website
• Provide technical and administrative support to cleanroom users, organize user training, and contribute to a positive user experience within an international research environment
• Ensure accurate documentation, facility usage tracking, and invoicing according to the requirements of different funding agencies
• Diagnose technical problems on laboratory equipment and, whenever feasible, repair electronic and mechanical issues
• Support collaborative R&D projects with PSI research groups as well as academic and industrial partners
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of the PICO cleanroom infrastructure and its digital ecosystem

Your profile

We are looking for a person who enjoys building reliable research infrastructure and continuously improving laboratory operations. Success in this position requires curiosity, technical versatility, and a systematic way of working.

• A Master's degree (MSc) or equivalent in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Microengineering, Nanotechnology, Computer Engineering, or a related technical discipline
• Enthusiasm for combining cleanroom work with software development, scientific instrumentation, and research infrastructure
• Experience programming in Python and an interest in developing scientific software. Experience with PHP, databases, web technologies, or software automation is an advantage
• A structured, systematic, and detail-oriented working style. You enjoy maintaining accurate documentation and organizing operational processes such as facility usage tracking and invoicing
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills, ideally with experience diagnosing and/or repairing laboratory or electronic equipment
• Excellent communication skills and a service-oriented mindset. You enjoy working with researchers from diverse scientific backgrounds and helping them succeed
• Experience with cleanroom technologies is required, direct-write lithography, or semiconductor processing is a strong advantage
• Excellent command of English. German language skills are an advantage

We offer

• A highly interdisciplinary role combining nanofabrication, software engineering, scientific instrumentation, and research infrastructure
• The opportunity to become the technical expert for state-of-the-art direct-write laser lithography systems and other advanced cleanroom equipment
• A modern cleanroom facility supporting leading-edge research in nanotechnology, quantum technologies, photonics, microfabrication, and advanced materials
• Collaboration with internationally recognized researchers and industrial partners
• A stimulating working environment with a high degree of independence, responsibility, and opportunities for professional development
• Competitive employment conditions at one of Europe's leading multidisciplinary research institutes

If you enjoy combining engineering, software development, cleanroom work, and user interaction, and would like to help build the research infrastructure that enables tomorrow's scientific breakthroughs, we look…