Researcher in life cycle assessment of electronics
Develop a comprehensive, rebound-aware life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology for the electronics industry’s transition towards absolute sustainability
The assignment
The evolution of semiconductor technologies has traditionally been driven by four factors: increase of performance, reduction of power consumption, area, and cost. Future technologies should also follow a sustainable scaling path where the environmental impact must be quantified and minimised. At imec, the research program Sustainable Semiconductor Technology and Systems assesses the environmental footprint of current and upcoming technologies with the goal to develop more sustainable technologies and more circularity across the supply chain. This requires a holistic view on the impact of fabrication processes, technologies and systems. We are seeking a highly motivated candidate to join our team and continue growing this exciting and crucial project.
In this job, your main responsibilities will be:
- You will join a team of researchers who evaluate the environmental impact of todays and future semiconductor technologies.
- You will help bring these evaluations up to system level and investigate alternative solutions at process, device and design levels.
- You will study how technology and process changes change the environmental impact of the semiconductor industry, considering a comprehensive range of environmental impacts, region/time dependence, and rebound effects.
- You will develop and mature life cycle assessment for electronic devices to inform the industry in its transition towards fully sustainable practices.
- You will work in close collaboration with teams in imec working on process development, device integration, and circuit / system design & characterisation.
- You will also interface with industrial partners and make sure these assessments are relevant for the industry.
Required knowledge and skills
- You have a PhD degree in Engineering or Sciences.
- You have a strong background in life cycle assessment (LCA) and/or related disciplines.
- Some background on chemical engineering, material science, and/or IC manufacturing is a plus.
- You are a communicative team player, but still you can work independently.
- You are creative and like taking initiative. You are accountable and can deliver on time.
What we offer
We offer you an exciting temporary assignment in which you will be part of a community that makes the impossible possible. Together, we shape the technology that will define the society of tomorrow.
- Duration of the assignment: 1 year
- Desired start date: 1/9/25
- Work regime: fulltime
Location
- We provide the flexibility to work both from our office premises (Leuven) and remotely from home. This to maintain a healthy work-life balance while being an integral part of our team.
---
*For this temporary position, you can apply as a candidate, the employment is then through an employment agency or other third party. If you are a Freelancer (independent consultant) we also welcome your application.