Applied AI Researcher 

What you will do

We are looking for an applied researcher with expertise in applied AI, operations research, simulation modeling, and statistical analysis to lead the development of optimization strategies for semiconductor fabs. You work on modeling (semiconductor) fab dynamics, analyzing simulation outputs, and designing reward structures to guide learning agents (for example, to implement model-based Reinforcement Learning). Being part of the Applied AI Department at imec which focuses on driving and using AI and Digital Twinning R&D you contribute to the acceleration and differentiation of imec’s semiconductor innovation.  

Key Responsibilities  

• Develop (mathematical) models of fab operations using queuing theory, stochastic processes, and optimization techniques.  
• Design and validate DES (Discrete Even Simulation) models to simulate complex fab workflows.    
• Analyze complex time-series datasets and making them fit to feed above simulation models.  
• Design and develop AI agents using frameworks like RLlib, PyTorch, or TensorFlow.  
• Conceive, develop, and analyze models, simulations, and algorithm-assisted (e.g. RL) outputs to derive actionable insights.  
• Apply research on algorithms (e.g. RL) reward shaping, value functions, policy evaluation, and convergence for semiconductor manufacturing. 
• Publish findings and contribute to the imec’s knowledge base.  
• Contribute to the development of imec’s IP and innovation disclosures. 
• Collaborate with software engineers to bring such building blocks into software pipelines. 

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

Required Qualifications 

• PhD or Master’s in Artificial Intelligence, Operations Research, Industrial Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, or related fields.  
• Strong foundation in optimization, simulation, and statistical modeling.  
• Experience with tools like Arena, SimPy, FlexSim, AnyLogic or equivalent.  
• Proficiency in Python, R, or MATLAB.  
• Ability to communicate complex models to technical and non-technical stakeholders.  
• You are a team player who enjoys contributing to the team’s success and partners well with internal customers. 
  

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience in semiconductor manufacturing or similar production systems.  
• Familiarity with RL concepts and integration with simulation environments.  
• Prior publications or patents in optimization or simulation domains. 

IMEC and its affiliates will not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from a candidate. IMEC will consider unsolicited referrals and/or resumes submitted by vendors such as search firms, staffing agencies, professional recruiters, fee-based referral services and recruiting agencies (hereafter “Agency”) to have been referred by the Agency free of charge. IMEC will not pay a fee to any Agency that does not have a prior written agreement with IMEC, validated by its HR department, in place regarding a specific job opening and allowing to submit resumes.