R&D Scientist (Machine Learning for scientific computing)

What you will do

AI Compute is a department in the AI & Algorithms expertise center that develops advanced AI compute solutions involving AI models, algorithms, implementations, sensors and hardware for small scale edge up to large scale distributed and hybrid hardware architectures. The applications domains are diverse, ranging from AI for science, over AI for semiconductor process technologies to automotive and health applications. 

Within the AI Compute department, the AI Models group focuses on algorithmic and application research in the domain of AI and scientific simulations to drive SW-HW-Technology co-optimization and develop novel ML/Hybrid-AI methods for semiconductor processing and health applications. This position is within AI Models group based in Leuven, Belgium.

We are strengthening our AI Models team to build expertise in scientific machine learning. The ideal candidate will have a solid understanding of physics simulations and advanced ML/DL methods to accelerate scientific simulations. If you are an AI/Physics expert with love for solving some pressing challenges in today’s semiconductor industry, this is the perfect role for you. Join us in pushing the boundaries of AI for science and technology leveraging imec’s unique position in the semiconductor ecosystem.As a member of the AI Models group, you will be responsible for developing and implementing various approaches combing physics simulations (e.g., finite element, computational fluid dynamics) and machine learning like, Hybrid AI, Physics Informed Neural Network (PINN), surrogate models to solve scientific and design problems in semiconductor manufacturing. You will be working closely with the FAB team and access imec’s unique data to build cutting edge models. You will also be responsible for optimization the performance of such a complex software on GPU systems. Other responsibilities include collaborating with scientists and industry partners, providing expert ML/DL advice, shaping internal AI roadmap and evaluating new hardware architectures for Hybrid AI workloads.  

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

• Strong expertise in Machine Learning, Deep Learning, and optimization. 
• Experience with modern Deep Learning Frameworks (PyTorch, Tensorflow, Jax). 
• Strong publication record demonstrating experience in scientific machine learning or AI for science. Open-source contributions will be highly valued. 
• Experience with Finite Element Analysis and/or other numerical methods in computational physics and mechanics. 
• Implementation and optimization these simulations/models on GPU systems. 
• Proficiency in C/C++, Python and relevant packages for ML. 
• You have a PhD, preferable in Computer Science, Engineering, Computational Physics, or equivalent. 
• You are a team player and have strong communication skills. 
• Your English is fluent, both speaking and writing. 
• Prior experience with profiling and SW performance optimization is a huge plus. 
• Knowledge of HPC or Computer architecture is a plus. 

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.