Special Consultant in Microfabrication and Process Engineering

The Mads Clausen Institute at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) invites applications for a position as Special Consultant in Microstructures, Process Engineering and Transmission Electron Microscopy at the NanoSYD Centre. The position is available from 1 April 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter.

About the position

NanoSYD is SDU's nano- and microtechnology centre at the Sønderborg campus, supporting research, innovation, and educational activities through advanced fabrication technologies and specialized process expertise.

We are seeking a highly qualified specialist to strengthen NanoSYD's activities within microstructures, process engineering, as well as electron microscopy. The successful candidate will play a key role in the development, optimization, standardization, and implementation of advanced fabrication, characterization and functionalization processes, supporting both academic and industrial activities and including consulting activities.

Particular emphasis will be placed on two routes: a) establishing robust and reproducible fabrication procedures for chemically functionalized sensor platforms, including process scale-up, quality assurance, and standardization of fabrication workflows for technology translation and industrial collaboration; b) setting up, superusing and making available for consulting activities electron microscopes including SEM and TEM, partially within our national infrastructure NANOCHEM.

The position is characterized by a high degree of technical responsibility and close collaboration with researchers, students, laboratory staff, and external partners in an international and interdisciplinary environment.

Key responsibilities

The Special Consultant will be responsible for:

• Planning, implementing, and optimizing microfabrication process flows for micro- and nanoscale devices.

• Developing robust and reproducible fabrication procedures with particular focus on process repeatability and quality assurance.

• Establishing, optimizing, and documenting functionalization processes for chemical sensor platforms.

• Supporting scale-up activities by translating laboratory procedures into standardized and reproducible manufacturing workflows.

• Defining process windows, control parameters, and acceptance criteria for fabrication and functionalization procedures.

• Performing process verification, quality-control activities, and technical evaluation of fabricated devices.

• Preparing and maintaining process documentation, technical protocols, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and fabrication records.

• Providing technical guidance and support to students, researchers, and external collaborators using NanoSYD and especially NANOCHEM electron microscopy facilities.

• Coordinating fabrication activities across multiple projects and stakeholders.

• Supporting technology-transfer activities and collaborations with industrial partners.

• Contributing to the continuous development of NanoSYD's microfabrication and process-engineering capabilities.

• Participating in laboratory organization, procurement of consumables and materials, and selected routine laboratory procedures.

Qualifications

We expect applicants to have:

• A relevant Master's degree, PhD or equivalent qualification within engineering, nanotechnology, materials science, microtechnology, chemistry, physics, or a related field.

• Extensive practical experience with cleanroom-based microfabrication and electron based characterization processes.

• Experience with fabrication process optimization, standardization, and technical documentation.

• Experience with chemical functionalization, thin-film technologies, surface modification, or related processes.

• Experience establishing reproducible procedures and quality-control methodologies.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• The ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across multidisciplinary teams.

The following qualifications will be considered an advantage

• Experience with sensor fabrication and functionalization technologies.

• Experience developing scalable and reproducible fabrication workflows.

• Experience with automated dispensing, coating, or surface-treatment processes.

• Experience from industrial manufacturing, process engineering, or semiconductor production.

• Experience supporting shared research infrastructures and technical users.

• Super user experience for SEMs and/or TEMs.

• Familiarity with quality management systems and process-control methodologies.

We offer

We offer an exciting position in an international and interdisciplinary environment with access to state-of-the-art microfabrication and characterization facilities and strong collaborations with academic and industrial partners.

The successful candidate will contribute to the implementation and continuous improvement of advanced fabrication and characterization technologies while supporting NanoSYD's role as a leading micro- and nanostructure facility.

About The Mads Clausen Institute

The Mads Clausen Institute is one of Denmark's leading engineering environments within electronics, sensing technologies, and micro- and nanotechnology. NanoSYD provides advanced cleanroom and laboratory facilities supporting educational, innovation, and collaborative activities across SDU and with national and international partners.

The institute offers a modern international working environment characterized by technical excellence, innovation, and close collaboration between academia and industry.

For further information about the position, please contact associate professor Roana Hansen, email: [email protected] or head of institute, professor Horst-Günter Rubahn, [email protected] .

Employment shall take place in accordance with the framework agreement between the Ministry of Finance and AC (the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations).

Salary and employment terms

Salary is determined in accordance with the applicable collective agreement and based on objective and gender-neutral criteria, including the content of the position, responsibilities, and qualification requirements.

As an applicant, you are entitled to information about the starting salary and salary range for the position. This information will be provided during the recruitment process.

SDU does not collect information on applicants’ previous salary.

Deadline for applications are: January 1, 2027 at 23:59 o'clock.

Application must include cover letter, CV and certificate. All documents in connection with the application should not contain CPR number (civil registration number) – in that case, the CPR number must be crossed out.

All attached files must be in Adobe PDF format. Cover letter and CV can contain max. 5 Mb.

We recommend that you read how to apply before you apply.

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

About SDU

The University of Southern Denmark was established to create value for and with society. Whether our contributions come in the form of excellent research, innovative solutions, education or learning, we must make a positive difference to society and contribute to a sustainable future. We do this by cultivating talents and creating the best environments for research and learning. It is therefore crucial that SDU retains, develops and recruits talent. At the same time, we need to ensure consistently high quality in all our activities – and we can only do that with the right people. The University’s researchers, lecturers, students, managers and technical/administrative staff are the foundation of our success.