R&D Project Leader - Access to the NanoIC pilot line

As a NanoIC Pilot Line you will work on bridging the gap from innovation to product or fostering collaboration, and to support technology innovation, economic growth, and strategic autonomy.

The EU Chips Act deploys few pilot lines to address some key challenges facing Europe's semiconductor industry, such as bridging the gap from innovation to product or fostering collaboration, and to support technology innovation, economic growth, and strategic autonomy. Imec will host the beyond 2nm SoC R&D pilot line (called NanoIC pilot line). In line with the Chips Act vision, imec and its partners in the NanoIC pilot line CEA-Leti (France), Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft (Germany), VTT (Finland), CSSNT (Romania) and Tyndall Institute will collaborate with European and global equipment and material suppliers to set up a one-of-a-kind beyond 2nm SoC R&D pilot line.  Start-ups, SMEs, universities, and design and system companies can use design pathfinding PDKs for virtual device prototyping, and system exploration PDKs for prototyping of advanced technology components on top of commercially available foundry wafer.

What you will do

• You will be contributing to the strategy of imec.IC-link by developing new business models to the benefit of both the demand- and the supply side of the semiconductor ecosystem. You will report directly to the Strategic Development Director of the unit. 
• As an R&D Project Leader, you will be responsible for developing the strategy for external access to the NanoIC pilot line and continuous follow-up of requests for access to the pilot line.  
• You will be responsible for building partnerships between design tool vendors, design & IP houses and the European designer ecosystem. This will include building connections with the EU Design Platform and the competence centers in the various EU member states. Your open communication, enthusiasm and drive will be key to create a strong network and reach your goals. 
• You will be advocating the nanoIC service offer towards European SMEs, startups and academia, also in close collaboration with the EUROPRACTICE program. 
• You will seek for constant improvements of both the quality and speed of our innovations and services. We will count on you to bring new ideas and help implementing them. 

What we do for you

We offer you the opportunity to join one of the world’s premier research centers in nanotechnology at its headquarters in Leuven, Belgium. With your talent, passion and expertise, you’ll become part of a team that makes the impossible possible. Together, we shape the technology that will determine the society of tomorrow.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer and proud of our open, multicultural, and informal working environment with ample possibilities to take initiative and show responsibility. We commit to supporting and guiding you in this process; not only with words but also with tangible actions. Through imec.academy, 'our corporate university', we actively invest in your development to further your technical and personal growth. 

We are aware that your valuable contribution makes imec a top player in its field. Your energy and commitment are therefore appreciated by means of a market appropriate salary with many fringe benefits. 

Who you are

• You have a PhD degree (or equivalent by experience) in the area of microelectronics, electrical engineering, physics, applied physics, or a closely related discipline.  
• Knowledge of ASIC design. Experience in the use of multiple design flows/tools is an asset. 
• Enthusiastic and “always improving” mentality.  
• Customer driven.  
• Excellent networker and communicator with good presentation skills, and ability to work with varied audiences. 
• Strong analytic skills, flexible and result driven. 
• Fluent in English. Other languages are an asset. 
• Willingness to travel frequently (10 % of your time) mostly in Europe.