Post-doctoral Researcher Topological Semimetals for Advanced Interconnects

The successful candidate will explore the fundamental properties and integration potential of these emerging materials and assess their suitability for advanced interconnect applications. 

Responsibilities include the deposition, optimization, and advanced physical characterization of thin films of various topological semimetals. This work will be carried out in close collaboration with imec’s materials deposition and characterization teams, leveraging state‑of‑the‑art tools and expertise across the organization. In parallel, the postdoctoral researcher will fabricate and evaluate test vehicles to enable comprehensive electrical characterization towards technologically relevant dimensions.

What you will do

As a postdoctoral researcher in topological semimetals, you will be responsible for the following: 

• Develop, optimize, and perform thin‑film deposition of various topological semimetals with nanoscale thickness control. 
• Conduct comprehensive physical and structural characterization - such as electrical, morphological, and compositional analysis - to establish the relationships between processing, microstructure, and transport properties. 
• Process test vehicles and prototype structures enabling in‑depth electrical evaluation of material behaviour. 
• Work closely with imec’s materials deposition, characterization, integration teams, contributing to a highly interdisciplinary R&D environment. 
• Apply creative and critical thinking to overcome scientific and technological challenges and proactively support colleagues across imec’s collaborative research ecosystem. 
• Communicate progress through internal project updates, interactions with industrial and academic partners, presentations at leading international conferences, and publications in high‑impact journals.  

Growth and characterisation activities are primarily carried out in imec’s M&I lab facilities. 

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 physics, materials science, electrical engineering, or a related discipline. 
• Strong background in thin‑film processing and materials characterization; experience with topological materials is a plus. 
• Ideally, you already have basic knowledge about interconnect metallization for advanced interconnects and the associated challenges. 
• Ability to think beyond conventional approaches and drive scientific innovation. 
• Enthusiastic and creative team player with strong networking, communication and reporting skills who likes to work in a multicultural researcher team. 
• Strong focus on quality for your deliverables and development progress and set high standards in everything you do with a strong attention to details. 
• Good communication skills in English, both written and spoken. 

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.