Wireless Systems Researcher

Contribute to the design, analysis, and prototyping of next-generation wireless communication & sensing systems.

Imec Netherlands has established a world-leading track record on the design of novel sensors for human health applications and ultra-low-power IoT devices in general. For instance, our teams continue to develop innovations in implantable therapeutics, medical/wearable devices, environmental monitoring, accurate localization, and many other fields. At our HQ in Leuven, Belgium we are world-renowned for pioneering new process technologies in collaboration with industrial foundries and with the broader semiconductor ecosystem. Imec’s research tracks enable unique opportunities for end-to-end innovations. 

The team at imec Netherlands develops innovative solutions for both the Life Science and Medical Device domain, as well as large-scale, heterogeneous sensor networks that connect billions of devices within the Internet of Things (IoT). We have built various ultra-low-power (ULP) radio ICs, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth-LE, and a UWB 6-10 GHz radio tuned towards precise ranging and localization. Additionally, we are advancing a wide range of neuro-inspired architectures, efficiently implementing them in ICs across multiple computational domains, such as spiking neural networks, online and on-chip learning, sparse coding, and dynamic control. Our novel technologies will enable a wide range of smart IoT applications. Furthermore, we deliver our designs to customers, secure patents for the different inventions, and share our findings through publications in renowned conferences and journals, including ISSCC, ICC, WCNC, ICASSP, PIMRC.   

What you will do

In the role of a Wireless Systems Researcher, you will take part in the design and development of cutting-edge technologies, including advanced physical layer techniques, wireless protocols, and system-level optimization for emerging applications. 

Your primary responsibility is to develop algorithms and architectures of wireless systems, as well as collaborate with RF/analog, digital HW, SW designers and architects to implement, verify, validate and bring up our System on Chip (SoC). Besides, you have the opportunity to deliver high-quality results while pushing the boundaries of the state-of-the-art.   

Your responsibilities as a Wireless Systems Researcher include:  

• Conduct research on wireless systems, including PHY layer design, signal processing, and RF system modeling of next-generation (radio) communication, localization, and radar systems. 
• Develop (novel) algorithms and solutions for wireless signal processing, including synchronization, compensation of non-idealities, calibration, error estimation, and correction, e.g., for localization, vital signs and gesture detection, and angle-of-arrival estimation purposes.   
• Develop simulation models and prototypes to evaluate system performance under realistic scenarios.  
• Collaborate with other engineering disciplines, such as analog/digital IC designers, and hardware and software developers, to understand and define system-level requirements, to realize the system with power and area efficient digital implementations and to integrate the technologies into broader system architectures. 
• Guide the evaluation of systems in lab and realistic application environments. 
• Publish research findings in high-impact journals and present at international conferences. 
• Translate your new insights into patent filings. 
• Stay up to date with emerging trends, cutting-edge research, and the latest advancements in wireless standards (e.g., 5G/6G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, UWB). 
• Support interaction with customers and (academic) partners as a technical interface for existing and new collaborations. 
• Build intellectual property and participate in industry/academic research projects. 

What we do for you

By joining imec on the High Tech Campus in Eindhoven, you will be part of a team of disruptive innovators and thinkers. Imec is pushing the state-of-the-art in the design of ultra-low-power circuits and algorithms to raise the performance and intelligence of sensors, and with the researchers and engineers from our wireless systems group, you will create the next generation platforms for wireless sensing. You will experience a dynamic and stimulating environment working with experts across the technology stack from antennas, mixed-signal integrated circuits, embedded software and advanced algorithms.   
  
Imec Netherlands, as an employer of choice, offers you an attractive compensation and benefits package including a 100% employer-paid pension plan and flexible working hours. Furthermore, imec-NL offers a wide range of training possibilities. For international candidates, we provide support in the relocation process.  At imec, we foster a culture of continuous learning and development through the imec Academy, expert-led training, and dedicated coaching and mentoring for emerging talent. 

Who you are

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. degree in electrical engineering, communications engineering, or related field. 
• Strong knowledge of communication theory, filter design, RF systems and signal processing related algorithms design (such as timing/frequency recovery, signal estimation and detection, automatic gain control, channel estimation, equalization, coding theory, beamforming, etc.). 
• Proficient in Python and MATLAB with practical experience in system-level modeling. 
• Experience in simulation and modeling with a focus on research and a drive to bring them alive in real hardware. 
• Proven track record of publications and patents. 
• Excellent collaborative, interpersonal, and team player skills. 
• Hands-on and exploratory attitude, which means taking initiative, thinking pro-actively, having a flexible approach, and solving problems daily are attributes that define yourself. 
• Agile-minded researcher and passionate about new technologies and interested in innovating, discovering and exploring new paths and opportunities.  
• Your communication, scientific writing and presentation skills in English are excellent. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Hands-on experience in hardware bring-up and testing. 
• Knowledge in RF transceiver architectures and trade-offs for wireless communication, localization, and radar applications. 
• Knowledge of modem verification: verification plan definition, methodologies, execution and tracking. 
• Industrial research experience focused on developing novel algorithms and solutions for wireless systems.  
• Experience with AI/machine learning techniques applied to wireless systems. 
• Proficient in C, SystemC, and High-Level Synthesis (HLS) methodologies. 
• Familiarity with standardization bodies (e.g., Bluetooth, IEEE, 3GPP). 
• Knowledge of embedded systems and hardware software co-design. 

Interested

Are you interested in this position, and do you want to learn more about it? Then you can connect with Mayuri Nalawade, Talent Acquisition Specialist. You can reach Mayuri by email at Mayuri.Nalawade.ext@imec.nl. If you wish to apply, then please submit your full resume and a cover letter. Click on ‘apply’ to submit your application.