Principal Member of Technical Staff for next-generation memory subsystem 

What you will do

Architecture and Circuit design innovations are key to position imec for success in fast evolving workloads of tomorrow and to differentiate imec’s process technology innovations with system level value propositions. The Compute System Architecture Unit at imec leads research into futuristic compute systems to extend imec’s semiconductor research leadership deep into the next decade. This unit is researching accelerator-based architectures for next-generation Artificial Intelligence (AI), compute-in-memory architectures and heterogeneous memory systems.  The team is responsible for the architecture definition of new data-centric compute, novel memory subsystem and accelerator capabilities, analyzing emerging usage models, and building hardware and software prototypes for data-driven computing hardware.   
 
As we expand our research to better optimize computing, we are looking for a Principal Scientist to contribute hands-on to the development of functional models for innovative memory subsystems.  He or she will work closely with partners to identify and customize infrastructures and workloads to inform and influence future memory technology definition.  
 
In this exciting job, you will: 

• Use your circuit design and system-level integration skills to define the guidelines of the next generation memory technology solutions, supporting the imec semiconductor scaling roadmap.  
• Be responsible for top-down design planning, specification development the integration of Analog-computing based Machine Learning accelerator, memory macro and digital logic at a block level.  
• Implement Design-Technology Co-Optimization (DTCO) and System-Technology Co-Optimization (STCO) techniques for novel logic and memory device solutions pursued by imec research team.   
• Interact with a team of top-notch talents in design and architecture for Machine Learning, next-generation memory and logic technology solutions.   

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 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 competitive salary with many fringe benefits.  

Who you are

• 10+ years of SRAM, non-volatile memory  or other forms of array design experience.  
• MS degree or PhD in engineering is required.  
• Strong understanding of statistical analysis.  
• Understanding of DFT, yield and DFM issues.  
• Experience of taking designs into production.  
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.  
• Ability to plan, coordinate and take responsibility for effective and on time completion of project activities.  
• Proven knowledge and experience in SystemC, System Verilog language.  
• Experience with mixed-mode design and validation is a plus.  
• Hands-on experience with Design/Verification CAD tools such as ncsim, Design Compiler, Formality, PrimeTime, etc.  
• Experience with transistor level simulators such as Spice, Ultrasim, HSIM is desirable.  
• Knowledge of TCL, PERL or Python preferred.  
• Ability to establish and maintain good relationships with colleagues.  
• Self-motivated, self-directed, and a phenomenal teammate (on the same team and outside of the team).  
• We hope you have the ambition to drive the future technology, you are not afraid of proposing innovative ideas, and are willing to work to their circuit and system-level validation.  
• Given the international character of imec, your fluent knowledge of English is necessary.