Device Modelling R&D Team Leader

Imec; Town of Belgium (WI); Hybrid; EUR 90,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

IMEC in Leuven, Belgium, seeks a Device Modelling R&D Team Leader to lead a cross-disciplinary group developing physics-based compact models for circuit simulation and technology exploration. You will bridge device physics and circuit design, shaping modelling frameworks and research infrastructure while fostering an inclusive, high-performance culture.

Applicants should hold a PhD or Master’s with substantial industry experience in semiconductor device modelling, with proven people management,

Qualifications

• PhD in Electronics or Electrical Engineering, or Master’s with 5+ years in device modelling.
• Proven people management experience and ability to develop a team.
• Deep understanding of semiconductor device physics and DTCO/STCO concepts.

Responsibilities

• Guide an expertise-focused team of researchers and R&D engineers in device modelling, optimisation and benchmarking.
• Manage project assignments from internal and external stakeholders.
• Develop the device modelling knowledge, skills and capabilities of the team through coaching and mentoring.
• Direct the development of research infrastructure, automation and efficient workflows to respond to changing research demands.
• Foster collaborations across technology, modelling, design and system expertise.

Skills

People management

Communication

Team collaboration

Coding skills

Critical thinking

Education

PhD in Electronics or Electrical Engineering

Master's in Electronics or Electrical Engineering

Tools

Circuit simulators

Job description

Device Modelling R&D Team Leader

What you will do

With semiconductor device scaling nearing fundamental limitations, innovation increasingly depends on design-technology co-optimization (DTCO) and system-technology co-optimization (STCO). The device modeling team plays a key role in this xTCO research, enabling new technology innovations to be studied in the context of the application. The team is responsible for the development of physics-based compact models that translate deep theoretical and experimental understanding of emerging devices into predictive compact models for circuit simulation and technology exploration. Acting as the bridge between device physics and circuit design, they help evaluate the impact of new technologies at circuit and block level, while ensuring insights also flow back to device and process development teams. The models address a wide range of devices, from state-of-the‑art nanosheet nodes, CFET and novel materials such as 2D FETs, to novel device concepts for memory applications, such as the FeFET and MRAMs. These models also need to span a large range of Technology Readiness Level, from concepts and ideas to models for use in hardware demonstrators.

Key responsibilities

• Guide an expertise-focused team of researchers and R&D engineers working on device modelling, optimization and benchmarking. As first line people manager, you will support the well‑being, growth and development of team members, creating an environment where people can grow, take ownership and achieve their full potential.
• Manage project assignments from internal and external stakeholders.
• Develop the device modelling knowledge, skills and capabilities of the team, leveraging your broad understanding of semiconductor device physics and compact modelling. Enable scientific expertise and technical excellence within the team through coaching, mentorship, and continuous capability development.
• Set the standard by contributing directly to the team's technical activities and ensuring best practices in device modelling, compact modelling, and benchmarking are adopted. Shape the future expertise, methodologies, and modelling frameworks required to support evolving XTCO research priorities. Direct the development of research infrastructure, automation and efficient ways of working that enable the team to respond effectively to rapidly changing research demands.
• Build and maintain strong collaborations with teams across the department, spanning technology, modelling, design and system expertise. Build strong connections with experimental and theoretical research groups across imec working on innovative device concepts and emerging semiconductor technologies.
• Foster an inclusive, respectful and collaborative environment where diverse perspectives are valued and where all team members are empowered to contribute, develop and succeed.

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 PhD in Electronics or Electrical Engineering, or other relevant field, or a Master's with at least 5 years ofrelevant industrial experience in semiconductor device modelling.
• You have a demonstrated track record of people management. You deeply care about building an efficient and creative team culture.
• You are detail‑oriented while also being comfortable with critical thinking and navigating changing R&D demands.
• You care deeply about customer satisfaction and the quality of delivered results.
• You are a strong team player and a good communicator. Sharing the progress of tasks, seeking feedback from your colleagues, and acting as a soundboard, is important to you.
• You have an excellent understanding of semiconductor device physics.
• You can translate deep theoretical and experimental understanding into compact models.
• You understand the DTCO domain and are comfortable with circuit simulations.
• You understand advanced semiconductor fabrication processes.
• You have good coding 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.