Unfold your career

Khaled Ibrahim, Junior Scientist, Sensor Systems
Originally from Egypt, Khaled Ibrahim has been living in Austria for seven years. After completing his master's degree, he joined SAL in 2021 and became part of the Electronic Sensor Systems team in Graz. Two years into his work at SAL, Khaled started his PhD studies alongside his job. His main focus is on multi-sensing approaches for Lithium-ion battery state estimation and sensor technologies, where he also manages the Electronic Sensors Lab (ELS) and contributes to European research projects. One notable achievement is his involvement in designing a battery management system for an electric glider within the scope of the ARCHIMEDES project.
Khaled’s work beautifully combines theoretical research with practical applications, reflecting SAL’s unique position between academia and industry. He values the freedom to propose new ideas and the excellent equipment and collaborative environment within his diverse team, which includes colleagues from Austria, India, Germany, Greece, and more.
"The opportunity to work on real-life applications is both exciting and rewarding. Being able to contribute to projects that bridge theory and practice is what makes SAL special for me."

"I really appreciate the mix of academic and industrial research at SAL."
What makes SAL special for you?
The work environment here is amazing. My team is friendly and diverse—we have colleagues from Austria, India, Germany, Greece and more. I also appreciate the excellent equipment and lab facilities. SAL gives us the freedom to contribute new ideas and shape future projects. Plus, there’s a strong focus on further development: there’s a dedicated budget for skills training, which I find incredibly valuable.
Your personal highlight at SAL?
One of my biggest highlights was developing a battery management system with advanced features, integrating both hardware and software components, that will be used in an electric glider project. Balancing this project with my PhD work has been a great achievement for me. Delivering what’s expected in a complex EU project was a milestone.
Any advice for applicants or young researchers considering SAL?
SAL offers a lot of opportunities, but the competition is strong. It’s important to find a role that really fits your skills and goals. Research experience and publications definitely help—but most of all, you need the motivation to work at the intersection of academia and industry.
Do you have a professional role model?
I don’t have a specific role model, but I admire researchers who try to close the gap between theory and real-life application. People who are motivated and actively seek new challenges inspire me.
Fun Fact
Khaled won the table tennis competition at SAL in December 2023! While he wouldn’t call himself a professional, he clearly knows his way around a paddle.
Anything else?
SAL not only allowed me to grow professionally but also supported me in starting my PhD journey while working. It’s great to be part of an organization that encourages both academic and practical development.

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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.