Technical employee in the field of micro- & nanostructured optics (IOF-2022-117) in Jena bei Fraunhofer Gesellschaft

The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft (www.fraunhofer.com) currently operates 76 institutes and research institutions throughout Germany and is the world’s leading applied research organization. Around 30 000 employees work with an annual research budget of 2.9 billion euros.

Fraunhofer is the largest organization for application-oriented research in Europe. Our research fields are geared to people's needs: Health, Safety, Communication, Mobility, Energy and Environment. We are creative, we shape technology, we design products, we improve processes, we open up new paths.

The Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering IOF in Jena conducts application-oriented research on behalf of industry and within the framework of publicly funded joint projects. The services offered by Fraunhofer IOF include system solutions, ranging from new design concepts, the development of new technologies, manufacturing and measurement processes, to the construction of prototypes and pilot series in the wavelength range from millimeters to nanometers.

In the research group »Advanced Micro-optical Components« of the department Micro- & Nanostructured Optics, unique high-precision micro-optical components and systems are realized using photolithographic processes and replication, for example for miniaturized illumination and sensor systems for handhelds, robotics, microscopy, and the automotive sector.
To support the research group, we are looking for a technical employee in the field of replication technologies for the creation of micro-optical devices and systems.

What you will do

• Use and enhancement of wafer-based replication processes for the generation of micro- and nano-optical structures using UV-moldings of polymers, e.g., microlens arrays and optical gratings
• Microstructure generation using photolithographic processes
• Metrological shape analysis during structure generation and replication
• Establishment of optical metrology for characterization and functional testing
• Evaluation of new materials and combinations in the process, e.g., optical properties, stability tests
• Preparation of documentation for project reports
• Investigations into the production suitability and scalability of processes, e.g., optimization of the reproducibility and service life of tools, increasing the yield

It is desired to carry out the work in personal responsibility including the management of selected projects.

What you bring to the table

• Successfully completed scientific or technical university studies (diploma/master's degree)
• Great interest in practical work in clean room laboratories, use and optimization of technological processes as well as measurement technology
• Prior knowledge and practical experience in the fields of photolithography and/or microoptics
• Proactive and practical way of thinking and acting as well as willingness to test and implement own ideas
• High degree of independence, a systematic and solution-oriented approach to work as well as commitment, teamwork, and communication skills
• Friendly, reliable, and open manner
• Very good command of English

What you can expect

• Independent work as well as personal and professional development opportunities in challenging and practical R&D projects
• Networking with first-class industrial partners
• Modern technical equipment of the clean room at Fraunhofer IOF
• Flexible working hours and a family-friendly workplace

The weekly working time is 39 hours. The position can also be filled on a part-time basis. The position is initially limited to 2 years. We are looking for a long-term cooperation. Appointment, remuneration and social security benefits based on the public-sector collective wage agreement (TVöD). Additionally Fraunhofer may grant performance-based variable remuneration components.

We value and promote the diversity of our employees' skills and therefore welcome all applications - regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, disability, sexual orientation and identity. Severely disabled persons are given preference in the event of equal suitability.

With its focus on developing key technologies that are vital for the future and enabling the commercial utilization of this work by business and industry, Fraunhofer plays a central role in the innovation process. As