PhD Position Pushing MEMS resonators to their physical limits

The group of Prof. Ulrich Schmid at the Institute of Sensor and Actuator Systems (ISAS) at TU Wien invites applications for a PhD position starting in July 2026 in the field of MEMS resonators for timing applications in a joint project with industrial partners.

The Project

Timing devices are at the core of nearly all modern electronic systems, from smartphones to high-speed communication and sensing technologies, as they define when information is processed, transmitted, or measured. As data rates continue to increase (e.g., 5G/6G and terabit optical links), the required timing precision becomes extremely demanding, with allowable jitter approaching the few tens of femtoseconds. The TrueTime project aims to demonstrate MEMS resonators as building block for next-generation timing devices by achieving Q-f (Q-factor - resonance frequency) products beyond the intrinsic limit of silicon (Si). TrueTime represents a key innovation step beyond the state of the art, establishing the scientific and technological foundations for silicon carbide (SiC) and polycrystalline diamond (PCD) timing devices that surpass silicon’s limit.

Your Profile

We are looking for a candidate who is not only technically strong, but also scientifically curious, proactive and a team player. The ideal candidate takes initiative and, after an initial stage, is comfortable driving the research forward. The PhD candidate should fulfil the following requirements:

• MSc degree or comparable degree in electrical or mechanical engineering, physics or a related subject.
• The project involves hands-on cleanroom work, device fabrication, and high-frequency electrical characterization. A strong interest in experimental work and willingness to develop independent lab skills are essential.
• Good written and oral English communication skills.
• Prior knowledge of micro- and nanofabrication and/or thin film deposition/analysis is beneficial but not a strict requirement.

Your role in the TrueTime project

You will investigate PCD, SiC and Si resonators through optimized etching and metallization and multi-generation device fabrication, to achieve record-high Q-f products. After a training phase, we expect the candidate to actively contribute to shaping the scientific direction of their research by independently designing experiments, identifying key problems and proposing solutions. The PhD candidate will:

• Design and fabricate MEMS resonators in Si, SiC and PCD.
• Perform cleanroom fabrication (lithography, etching, metallization).
• Conduct electrical and optical characterization of Si, PCD and SiC resonators.
• Work closely with a postdoctoral researcher to support validation for dissipation mechanisms by multi-physics modelling.
• Collaborate with and present results to the industrial partners.
• Attend scientific conferences and write scientific papers.

Our Offer

The position offers a 3-year PhD contract enabling the PhD candidate to develop a strong experimental expertise at the intersection of MEMS, advanced materials, and high-frequency electronics. The project is planned to start on July 15th, 2026. The candidate will work in Prof. Ulrich Schmid's group under Dr. Andre Loch Gesing’s guidance as principal investigator (PI) at ISAS in Vienna's centre. In addition, we offer

• Remuneration is based on salary group B1 in accordance with the collective agreement for university employees and currently amounts to EUR 2,926.48 gross/month (14 times a year) for 31 hours/week.
• The contract is initially limited to 1 year; after which an internal evaluation will be carried out and, upon approval, the contract will be extended for another 2 years, for a total of 3 years.
• Continuing personal and professional education and flexible working hours.
• The central location of the workplace with excellent accessibility (U1/U4 Karlsplatz)
• Additional benefits for employees can be found at the following link: Fringe-Benefit Catalogue of TU Wien .

Application process

We are looking for candidates who demonstrate strong analytical thinking, curiosity, and the ability to work independently on open-ended research problems. Hence, we use a 3-stage application process for PhD candidates.

First stage - Send a single PDF file containing the following documents to phd3662@tuwien.ac.at  until May 15th, 2026: tailored motivation letter (what interested you in the TrueTime project, why you believe you would be a good fit at ISAS), CV, grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma.

Second stage – pre-selected candidates will be contacted for a first interview, and we will send you two research exercises we consider essential for a PhD candidate for this specific position.

Third stage – Second interview with selected candidates and final decision.

ISAS and TU Wien

TU Wien is in the heart of Europe, in a cosmopolitan city of great cultural diversity. Our identity as a research university means building our reputation through research. TU Wien combines basic and applied research and research-oriented teaching at the highest level. At ISAS, we value open communication, curiosity, and a collaborative team. The candidate will be supported through close supervision and collaboration within the team to develop the technical skills required for research in an international environment, with excellent infrastructure and technical support. You can find more information about the group and the institute at https://www.tuwien.at/en/etit/isas/mst .

TU Wien is committed to increasing the proportion of women in particular in leadership positions. Female applicants are explicitly encouraged to apply. Preference will be given to women when equally qualified, unless reasons specific to a male applicant tilt the balance in his favour.

People with special needs are equally encouraged to apply. In case of any questions, please contact the confidant for disabled persons at the university, Mr. Gerhard Neustätter.

Entry-level salary is determined by the pay grade B1 of the Austrian collective agreement for university staff and results in 40.970,69 €/Year, gross for 31 hours/week.

Candidates are not eligible for a refund of expenses for travelling and lodging related to the application process. TU Wien intends to increase the number of women on its faculty and, therefore, specifically invites applications by women. Among equally qualified applicants, women will receive preferential consideration.