Senior Researcher in Engineering in IMEC – Belgium

Summary

IMEC in Leuven, Belgium, is seeking a Senior RF MMW – Analog and Mixed Signal IC Researcher for a permanent, full-time position. The role involves innovating and designing advanced RF mm-wave and high-speed integrated circuits using advanced CMOS and III-V technologies. The successful candidate will join IMEC's world-renowned RF mmWave and High-Speed ADC group. Applicants should hold a PhD in high-speed analog mixed-signal and RF mm-wave IC design or equivalent experience, possess solid design experience in advanced CMOS and III-V technologies, and have a profound understanding of transistor-level circuits. Fluency in English is essential. The position offers a market-appropriate salary with fringe benefits and opportunities for professional development. The application deadline is December 1, 2026.

Key Facts

Department	RF mmWave and High-Speed ADC group
Position Type	Senior Researcher
Discipline	Engineering
Research Area	RF mmWave, Analog and Mixed Signal IC Design, High-Speed Gs/s Integrated Circuits, Nano-electronics, Advanced CMOS and III-V Technologies, Optical Wireline Communication, mm-Wave Sensing for Life Sciences, mm-Wave Imaging
Degree Required	PhD degree in high-speed analog mixed-signal and RF mm-wave IC design or equivalent through experience
Experience	Solid design experience in advanced CMOS technologies (28nm, 16nmFF, 5nm), experience designing in III-V technologies, profound understanding of transistor-level circuits, experience in state-of-the-art high-speed analog RF circuit design is a strong plus.
Salary	Market appropriate salary with many fringe benefits
Funding	Not funded by a EU programme
Contract Duration	Permanent
Language	English
Deadline	2026-12-01
Employer Address	Kapeldreef 75, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
Employer Contact	[email protected]

About the Project

The research project focuses on the innovation and design of advanced RF mm-wave and high-speed Gs/s integrated circuits utilizing the most advanced CMOS and III-V technologies. Key activities include the research and design of innovative high-speed, low-power RF and analog mixed-signal integrated circuits, driving the bottom-up evolution of these circuits considering scaling, and contributing new technical ideas. The project also involves technical interactions with external partners and publishing state-of-the-art research results in international conferences or journals. The work is conducted within the IMEC RF mmWave and High-Speed ADC group, known for its expertise in record-breaking high sampling rate ADCs and integrated RF mm-wave front-ends.

Key Responsibilities

• Research and design of innovative high-speed low-power RF and analog mixed-signal integrated circuits in advanced CMOS and III-V technologies
• Drive the bottom-up evolution of these integrated circuits considering the evolution of scaling
• Bring new ideas and new technical innovations based on solid technical experience, together with the team
• Take part in technical interactions with external partners and towards new prospects
• Publish state-of-the-art research results in international conferences or journals

Required Skills

• PhD degree in the domain of high-speed analog mixed-signal and RF mm-wave IC design or equivalent through experience
• Solid design experience in advanced CMOS technologies (28nm, 16nmFF, 5nm)
• Experience designing in III-V technologies
• Profound understanding of transistor-level circuits
• Familiarity with various steps and tools in the design and layout of high performant analog and mixed signal circuits
• Solid understanding of solid-state devices, analog RF circuits up to the system architecture
• Broad interest in circuit design and willingness to contribute to multiple high speed analog circuit research domains
• Ability to work independently yet in close collaboration with experts from other technical fields
• Excellent reporting skills
• Ability to present technical results and choices clearly and concisely
• Ability to easily integrate into an international team
• Fluency in English

Who Should Apply

This position is suitable for experienced IC design researchers with a PhD in high-speed analog mixed-signal and RF mm-wave IC design, or equivalent experience. Candidates should have solid design experience in advanced CMOS and III-V technologies, a profound understanding of transistor-level circuits, and a broad interest in circuit design. The role requires individuals who can work independently, collaborate effectively in an international team, and possess excellent reporting and presentation skills.

Benefits

• Opportunity to join one of the world's premier research centers in nanotechnology
• Open, multicultural, and informal working environment
• Ample possibilities to take initiative and show responsibility
• Support and guidance for professional development
• Investment in technical and personal growth through imec.academy (corporate university)
• Market appropriate salary with many fringe benefits

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the application deadline for this position?

The application deadline is December 1, 2026, at 12:00 Europe/Brussels time.

What type of contract is offered for this position?

This position offers a permanent contract.

Is this job funded through an EU Research Framework Programme?

No, this job is not funded by an EU programme.

What is the required education level for this role?

A PhD degree in high-speed analog mixed-signal and RF mm-wave IC design, or equivalent through experience, is required.

What are the working hours for this full-time position?

The working hours are 40 hours per week.

What language proficiency is required for this role?

Fluency in English is essential for this role.