R&D Process Assistant (XPLORE Lab)

What you will do

• You will take ownership of dicing activities in the XPLORE Lab, while contributing to broader process and operational support across other technologies within our Lab environment.
• Take end-to-end ownership of dicing requests: translate internal customer needs into robust execution, ensuring timely delivery and consistent quality.
• Operate dicing tools and associated metrology/inspection checks to guarantee repeatability, minimize defects (e.g., chipping, cracks), and safeguard sample integrity.
• Troubleshoot process and tool issues in close collaboration with engineers and other team members; provide structured feedback on improvements and tool-related deviations. 
• Proactively identify and implement process optimizations (recipes, consumables usage, handling practices, preventive actions) to improve yield, throughput, and reliability. 
• Ensure compliance with all safety protocols and procedures to maintain a safe and efficient working environment.
• Work in a daytime early/late shift regime (6:00–14:00 / 14:00–22:00) with weekend coverage on a rotational basis. 
• Due to the hands-on nature of the work, physical presence on site is required; this is a fully onsite position based in Leuven. 

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 obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Physics, Electronics, or another STEM discipline, or equivalent industrial experience, with a focus on semiconductor process technology.
• You have hands-on experience with semiconductor processing and a strong affinity for precision tool operation in a lab/cleanroom environment.
• You enjoy hands-on development activities, working with a set of various high-end processing tools. 
• You have practical expertise in wafer/sample handling and are able to deliver accurate results that meet specific targets and deadlines.
• You are a team player, enjoying pushing the boundaries of novel technology together with your colleagues. 
• You can prioritize assignments and work independently within an overall scope, while collaborating effectively with engineers and internal customers. 
• You take initiative, spot improvement opportunities, and communicate clearly through concise reporting and structured feedback. 
• Given the international character of imec, a good knowledge of English is a must.

Additional assets:

• Proven dicing experience (process tuning, recipe optimization, defect reduction) in an R&D or production-like setting.
• Familiarity with process documentation, quality/safety routines, and continuous improvement practices. 
• Familiarity with semiconductor fabrication equipment and processes is a plus.
• Basic knowledge of project management practices to assist in coordinating research projects and timelines.
• Knowledge of the Dutch language is a plus.

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.