A method for forming a self-aligned bipolar transistor structure uses the selective growth of a doped silicon emitter in a sloped oxide emitter window to form the self-aligned structure. In an alternate process flow, the top emitter layer is SiGe with a high Ge content that is etched off selectively after deposition of the extrinsic base layer. In another alternate flow, a nitride plug formed on top of the emitter blocks the extrinsic base implant from the emitter region.