Senior Researcher in nano- and micro-Fluidics Physics

imec; Vlaams-Brabant; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Imec in Leuven, Belgium, seeks a senior researcher to advance fluidics across micro- and nanoscale, combining analytical and numerical modelling with experimental validation. You will shape new scientific directions, lead multidisciplinary teams, and translate physical insights into technologies and applications.

Applicants should have a PhD in a relevant field, deep fluid mechanics and electrokinetics expertise, strong modelling and experimental skills, and a track record of scientific

Qualifications

• PhD in engineering, physics, applied sciences or a related field.
• Extensive fluidics research experience and deep knowledge of fluid mechanics and transport phenomena.
• Strong analytical, numerical and multiphysics modelling skills with hands-on experimental experience.

Responsibilities

• Drive physics-driven fluidics research using analytical and numerical modelling to understand fluid behaviour and transport phenomena across scales.
• Design, execute and interpret experiments to test physical hypotheses and validate models.
• Identify and solve complex scientific and engineering questions, initiate new research directions and translate fundamental insights into new research projects and technological opportunities.
• Coordinate technical activities across multidisciplinary projects, mentor researchers and engineers, and foster knowledge sharing across teams.
• Ensure scientific quality, timely progress and clear communication with stakeholders.

Skills

Analytical skills

Numerical modelling

Multiphysics modelling

Scientific leadership

Communication skills

Education

PhD in engineering, physics, applied sciences or related field

Job description

We are looking for an experienced senior researcher with a deep understanding of fluidics physics, strong physical intuition and critical thinking to help shape and drive imec’s research in fluidics across the micro- and nanoscale. Scientific depth in fluid mechanics, electrokinetic phenomena and nanoscale ion transport is the primary requirement, complemented by the ability to connect physical insights with modelling, experiments and technological applications.
The research will combine analytical and numerical modelling with experimental validation to understand fluid behavior, electrokinetic and interfacial phenomena and the transport of fluids, particles and molecules across different scales. Topics may span microfluidics, nanofluidics, electrokinetics, fluid-surface interactions, and coupled multiphysics phenomena and involve fundamental research or applied development.
As a senior researcher, you will have the opportunity to shape new scientific directions, identify emerging opportunities and translate them into concrete projects. The role combines hands-on scientific work with scientific coordination: guiding researchers, connecting disciplines, fostering collaboration and translating physical insights into new technologies and applications.
Key responsibilities:

• Drive physics-driven fluidics research using analytical and numerical modelling to understand fluid behaviour and transport phenomena across scales.
• Design, execute and interpret experiments to test physical hypotheses, validate models and guide the development of fluidic devices and methods.
• Identify and solve complex scientific and engineering questions, initiate new research directions and translate fundamental insights into new research projects and technological opportunities.
• Coordinate technical activities across multidisciplinary projects, mentor researchers and engineers, and foster knowledge sharing across teams.
• Ensure scientific quality, timely progress and clear communication with stakeholders.

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

• PhD in engineering, physics, applied sciences or a related field.
• Extensive fluidics research experience and deep knowledge of fluid mechanics and transport phenomena, and strong expertise in one or more areas such as micro/nanofluidics, electrokinetics, interfacial phenomena or nanoscale transport.
• Strong analytical, numerical and multiphysics modelling skills, with hands-on experimental experience.
• Scientific and technical ownership of R&D projects.
• Experience in mentoring and multidisciplinary coordination with strong communication skills, and the motivation to take scientific and technical ownership.
• Ability to define research directions, bridge disciplines and translate insights into technologies aligned with strategic and customer needs.

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.