Hardware Security Researcher

What you will do

As a Hardware Security Researcher at imec, you will develop and evaluate innovative hardware security solutions for current and next-generation semiconductor technologies. You will combine digital design, cryptographic implementations and experimental security analysis to investigate vulnerabilities, develop countermeasures, and improve the security of hardware systems. You will work in a multidisciplinary research environment, supported by imec’s advanced design, prototyping and characterization capabilities.

Your key responsibilities will be: 

• Designing, implementing, and evaluating hardware security solutions, including cryptographic algorithms and security primitives. 
• Implementing and validating cryptographic designs using hardware description languages in ASIC- and FPGA-based prototyping platforms. 
• Experimentally investigating hardware vulnerabilities, for example through side-channel analysis, and developing effective countermeasures. 
• Designing and conducting experiments to assess the security, performance, and robustness of hardware implementations, analyzing the results, and reporting your findings. 
• Exploring the security implications of emerging semiconductor technologies and architectures, identifying vulnerabilities and opportunities for novel hardware security solutions. 
• Collaborating with multidisciplinary research teams to integrate security considerations into semiconductor devices, circuits, and systems. 
• When relevant, leveraging semiconductor characterization and wafer-level measurements to investigate the relationship between device-level properties and hardware security. 
• Contributing to the definition of the hardware security research roadmap by identifying emerging threats, promising technologies, and new research opportunities. 
• Disseminating your research through scientific publications, patents, technical reports, and presentations, while actively expanding your professional network. 

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 degree in electronic engineering or equivalent, with relevant experience in hardware security research. 
• You have a background in digital design and hardware implementation, ideally with experience implementing cryptographic algorithms or security primitives in hardware. 
• Knowledge and/or hands-on experience in experimental evaluation of hardware security, including side-channel analysis (e.g., power or electromagnetic analysis), is a strong asset. 
• Experience with ASIC/FPGA design and prototyping, hardware validation, or experimental evaluation of digital circuits is appreciated. 
• Knowledge of cryptographic algorithms and protocols, such as AES, ASCON, or post-quantum cryptography, is an asset. 
• Knowledge and/or hands-on experience in semiconductor device characterization, wafer-level measurements, or transistor-level electrical characterization is a plus, but not a requirement. 
• You are able to work both on your own as part of a team, demonstrate initiative, and maintain a strong focus on quality and scientific rigor. 
• You have good communication and reporting skills and can present technical results clearly to a wide range of audiences. Given the international nature of imec, good knowledge of spoken and written English is a must. 

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.