Researcher Advanced Contacts 

Role Overview

One of the central challenges in beyond‑2 nm chip technologies is the scaling of electrical contacts. To address this, imec seeks to strengthen its research by hiring a Thin Film Deposition Expert on Scaled Contacts. In this role, you will be responsible for designing and optimising thin film deposition processes, conducting experimental studies to evaluate emerging materials, and collaborating closely with integration teams to ensure solutions are compatible with advanced device architectures. You will join the Materials & Interfaces, Deposition & Analysis department as a Researcher. Working within a cross-functional team of around 10 people, you will collaborate with unit process, integration and device experts from imec and partner companies.  

What you will do

Process Development and Optimisation 

• Lead the optimisation of thin film contact deposition processes, with emphasis on ALD and CVD, to improve performance, control, robustness and repeatability.
• Go beyond standard supplier recipes by leveraging deep understanding of process chemistry, reaction mechanisms and materials behaviours to tune and troubleshoot processes. 

Process Ownership and Delivery 

• Play a leading role in delivering service lots, including partner-driven requests, while ensuring continuity, quality and timely execution. 
• Support the execution and improvement of (C)TLM lots and flows within Joint Learning Programmes and guide users in implementing and owning their own flow. 

Materials and Characterisation Integration 

• Coordinate intensive materials characterisation with partner teams and use results to guide process development. 
• Integrate literature surveys and characterisation insights into actionable process and materials improvements. 

Collaboration and Ecosystem Integration 

• Act as a versatile material and process expert, bridging chemistry, deposition, and characterisation across internal and external stakeholders. 
• Collaborate closely on PVD, ALD and CVD-related activities and with epitaxy experts, focusing on non-epitaxial thin film deposition chemistries and materials engineering. 

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

Technical Background 

• PhD in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, or a related field. 
• Strong expertise in thin film deposition, especially ALD and CVD, with broad understanding of thin film properties, interfaces, and structure-property relationships. 
• Solid understanding of the links between process, material properties, and characterisation techniques. 

Experience and Skills 

• Proven experience in process development and optimisation in an R&D or advanced manufacturing environment. 
• Ability to address chemistry-driven process challenges thanks to the use of advanced characterisations and translate insights into improvements. 
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills, with the ability to handle parallel activities. 

Personal Competencies 

• Collaborative and versatile team player, able to work effectively across disciplines. 
• Scientifically curious, pragmatic, and delivery-oriented, with strong communication skills for technical and non-technical audiences. 
• Comfortable working in a multi-projects, international research environment. 

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.