Thermal Thin Film Materials Researcher

Background 

The semiconductor industry is rapidly evolving, with next-generation devices demanding advanced thermal management solutions to ensure optimal performance and reliability. As semiconductor devices become more powerful and compact, the heat generated within processors and integrated circuits continues to rise, this creates a significant challenge in their lifetime and performance. Effective thermal management is crucial to prevent overheating, maintain device efficiency, and extend the lifespan of semiconductor components. Innovations in thermal material integration, interface control, and compatibility with standard downstream processing are crucial when addressing these challenges, making the role of a Thermal Materials Researcher highly important in driving the future of semiconductor technology.

What you will do

You will be a member of the Thin Films Advance Materials and Processes (TFAMP) group within the Materials, Interfaces, Deposition and Analysis (MIDA) department, responsible for the research, development, and characterization of candidate thin film materials which can enable improved thermal management in future semiconductor devices. As a Thermal Materials Researcher, you will play a critical role in the development and integration of highly thermally conductive materials for future semiconductor integration flows. You will work in a dynamic multidisciplinary environment in close cooperation with other researchers, process experts, material and tool suppliers. As a specialist in the field, you will assess thermal properties of CMOS materials, to understand the impact of film microstructure and interfaces on thermal resistance and contribute to the set-up of new measurement techniques at imec suitable for fast thermal property screening of thin films. You will interact with universities for future improvement and understanding of the thermal properties of thin films. You will need to monitor industry trends and innovations in the field focusing on the different requirements where such thin film materials can be implemented. By actively contributing to imec’s different program activities you will be part of the future semiconductor technology. 

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 Ph.D. degree in Material Science, Chemistry or Physics. 
• You have working experience in the semiconductor industry or in a larger research facility.   
• You have hands-on experience in operating deposition tools and process understanding and development. 
• You have good knowledge of several deposition techniques such as (PE)ALD, (PE)CVD and/or PVD. 
• Knowledge of thin film characterization methods, especially to assess thermal properties, is an asset. 
• You are a real team player and can easily integrate in an international team of professionals. 
• You have strong organizational skills and show flexibility to change between different projects according to priorities. 
• You like taking initiative, you are persuasive and assertive, while keeping a constructive attitude. 
• You have excellent English communication and reporting skills.  

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.