R&D Scientist (AI/Algorithm Optimization)

AI Compute is a department in the AI & Algorithms expertise center that develops advanced AI compute solutions involving AI models, algorithms, implementations, sensors and hardware for small scale edge up to large scale distributed and hybrid hardware architectures. The applications domains are diverse, ranging from AI for science, over AI for semiconductor process technologies to automotive and health applications.  

Within this department, the HPC/AI group focuses on high performance computing techniques to scale up a wide range of AI approaches, ranging from large-scale unsupervised clustering over recommender systems to novel hybrid AI methods. We analyze and implement AI and hybrid AI solutions in the context of hardware/software codesign where we investigate bottlenecks and then solve them at algorithmic, implementation and/or hardware level, in close collaboration with imec’s architecture and technology groups. 

Join us if you love to deeply understand how various AI algorithms work and how to implement them efficiently on a wide range of existing and upcoming hardware. Help us push the boundaries of AI compute, collaborating with industry leaders, and helping to develop the next generation of AI algorithms & systems.  

What you will do

• Understand and optimize performance of various (local and distributed) AI and hybrid AI frameworks, algorithms and libraries.
• Develop mini-applications that embody key AI workloads by combining multiple underlying kernels and the key data communications between them.
• Analyze and optimize the performance of these mini-applications on both existing hardware and simulated novel hardware.
• Explore new algorithms/optimizations for custom architectures to enable SW-HW codesign.  
• Follow up on progress within research projects and are able to communicate the accomplished / in-process work to internal and external stakeholders and adapt where needed. 

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, preferable in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or equivalent. 
• You have a strong background with parallel and distributed programming models and high performance computing techniques.
• Practical experience in the programming of high performance computing of AI and/or scientific computing applications or libraries.
• Strong background in algorithmic optimization techniques.
• Experience in software performance analysis and optimization. 
• Knowledge of, or prior experience with, optimizing AI for AI Compute Architectures is a plus. 
• You are a team player and have strong communication skills. 
• Your English is fluent, both speaking and writing.