Research Engineer - Nanofabrication 80-100%

• 24 July 2026 • 80 - 100% • Indefinite period • Villigen PSI Paul Scherrer Institute PSI is the largest institute for natural sciences and engineering research in Switzerland. We conduct cutting-edge research in the fields of future technologies, energy and climate, health innovation, and the foundations of nature. By conducting fundamental and applied research, we work on sustainable solutions to the major challenges facing society, science, and the economy. PSI is committed to training future generations. Thus, approximately one quarter of our staff consists of postdocs, doctoral students, or apprentices. In total, PSI employs 2300 people. Enabling cutting-edge research through a 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 devoted to cleanroom work, while the other half will be dedicated to the development and maintenance of the digital infrastructure that enables efficient operation of the facility. Rather than supporting a single research project, you will help to continuously build and improve the infrastructure that enables hundreds of researchers from academia and industry to achieve world-class science. Your tasks • Develop and optimize nanofabrication processes with an emphasis on direct-write laser lithography and wet chemical processing • Become the technical expert and equipment manager for DWL lithography systems and other cleanroom equipment, including commissioning, maintenance, troubleshooting, upgrades, and user support • Develop, improve, and maintain the software infrastructure supporting the cleanroom operation, including the time-tracking system used for facility access management and billing, the process database, and the PICO website • Provide technical and administrative support to cleanroom users, organize user training, and contribute to a positive user experience in an international research environment • Ensure accurate documentation, tracking of facility usage, and billing in accordance with the requirements of various funding agencies • Diagnose technical problems on laboratory equipment and, where possible, 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 loves building a reliable research infrastructure and continuously improving laboratory operations. Success in this position requires curiosity, technical versatility, and a systematic way of working. • A Master (MSc) or equivalent in electrical engineering, materials science, physics, microtechnology, nanotechnology, computer engineering, or a related technical discipline • An enthusiasm for combining cleanroom work with software development, scientific instrumentation, and research infrastructure • Experience in Python programming and an interest in scientific software development. Experience in 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 billing • Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills, ideally with experience in the diagnosis and/or repair of 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 significant asset • Excellent command of English. Knowledge of German is 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 cutting-edge research in nanotechnology, quantum technologies, photonics, microfabrication, and advanced materials • Collaboration with internationally recognized researchers and industrial partners • A stimulating work environment with a high degree of independence, responsibility, and opportunities for professional development • Competitive employment conditions in one of Europe's leading multidisciplinary research institutes If you enjoy combining engineering, software development, cleanroom work, and user interaction, and wish to contribute to building the research infrastructure that will enable the