Unfold your career
Johanna Zikulnig, Scientist, Sensor Systems
From daily lab work to sensor innovation – Johanna Zikulnig combines technical skills with creative curiosity and a true research spirit. She grew up in the south of Carinthia and studied Medical Engineering at TU Graz. During her studies, she completed a longer internship at Wild GmbH. Her master’s thesis was written in an industrial environment – and afterwards, she started her career in 2017 at CTR in Villach. Not long after, she joined SAL, where she has been part of the Sensor Systems area ever since.
Today, Johanna works in the "Advanced Sensors & Electronics Technologies (ASET)" team and has led projects such as Smart Mask and ROSE. Her research focus is printed electronics – from the very first idea to implementation: concept development, project acquisition, simulations, lab work, printing and analyzing sensor structures, and publishing results are all part of her daily work.
"I love the variety in my job. No two days are the same – I’m involved in every phase of a research project, from the lab to collaboration with project partners."
"Be authentic – and open to new things."
What do you particularly appreciate about SAL?
SAL offers an international working environment – right here in Carinthia. Especially as a mother, I really value the flexibility: home office, flexible working hours – the level of trust you're given here is truly special. I also really like the way research is done at SAL. There's room for your own ideas, and they're genuinely taken seriously.
What has been your personal highlight at SAL?
A special moment for me was winning the Falling Walls Lab Award. That wasn’t just a nice recognition – it was also a big motivation to keep researching in that direction. Another highlight: I get to work on my PhD while working at SAL – the fact that this is possible and supported means a lot to me.
What advice would you give to future applicants?
Be authentic! There’s no point in pretending – SAL is looking for people who bring in their own ideas and personality. You don’t have to meet every single requirement. Being open and flexible is much more important – because you’re often working on several topics or projects at once.
Do you have a professional role model?
I don’t have one specific role model. I’m inspired by people who are well-organized and actually live that way – and by those who promote a constructive approach to mistakes. The idea that you can learn and grow from failure is really valuable to me.
A fun fact about Johanna:
I was once a hair model for Garnier – you could see me on around 5,000 bottles and display stands in drugstores all over Austria. My hair was bright red back then!
Anything else you’d like to share?
If you’re looking for strict hierarchies and a classic career path, SAL might not be the right place. But if you value flat structures, modern teamwork, and working together as equals, then this is exactly where you should be.
Join our team!
You want to start your success story at SAL? Are you looking for a new challenge? If you want to actively shape the technologies of the future and enjoy working in an international team, then you've come to the right place.
