Power and Thermal Integrity Researcher

Physical design, thermal modelling and optimization of heterogeneous systems implemented in advanced CMOS nodes

What you will do

Continued technology scaling to drive system performance is resulting in higher power densities and, therefore, greater thermal challenges. Many exciting technologies promise to push densities and performance further, but all come with unique thermal implications, such as vertically stacked CFET devices; Backside Power Delivery Networks (BSPDN); new high pitch bonding technologies; and 3D heterogenous systems, which require detailed modelling of the heat flow paths through these stacked structures. A key task of a thermal management researcher is to model the impact of these technologies on thermal behaviour, devise novel thermal mitigation methods, and evaluate the effectiveness of these, along with their PPAC (Power, Performance, Area, Cost) implications under various technology and design assumptions. A key part of this is developing P&R flows and running gate-level power simulations to obtain power maps and using these to drive thermal modelling tools, but it also requires working at various levels of abstraction to capture the effects of external components and understand the system-level impact.  

You will be part of a team exploring innovative power and thermal design and technology in both logic and memory. There are exciting opportunities for novel innovations in this space with a team of domain-experts with diverse talents. You will be presenting your research to industry partners regularly.  In addition to the research goals, you will be developing tools and capabilities to enable stronger collaboration and consistency between multiple research threads.  

What we do for you

We offer you the opportunity to join one of the world’s premier research centers in nanotechnology in imec Cambridge, UK or in imec 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. 

• A full-time position in Leuven, Belgium or Cambridge, UK. 
• An exciting position in a rapidly growing, multi-disciplinary team. 
• The chance to interact closely with circuit designers, device experts and process integration engineers.  
• High impact and visibility through potential publications and interactions with major foundry, fabless and EDA partners in imec’s eco-system.  

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

• You have a PhD in Electronics or Electrical Engineering, or relevant field, and at least 3 years industry experience in addressing power, thermal integrity challenges of advanced CMOS technology. 
• You have experience in physical design flows and running gate-level simulations (e.g. Voltus, PTPX, etc.). 
• You have an excellent understanding of digital physical implementation and advanced CMOS technologies. 
• You understand advanced semiconductor fabrication processes and devices. 
• You are detail-oriented but are also comfortable in critical thinking and making decisions to navigate the changing R&D demands. 
• You are a capable coder and embrace collaboration, version-control, and documentation. 
• You care deeply about customer satisfaction and the quality of delivered results. 
• You are a strong team player and a good communicator. Sharing the progress of tasks, seeking feedback from your colleagues, and acting as a soundboard, is important to you.