Department Director Material Characterization Analysis

At imec, we push the boundaries of what is technologically possible. Our breakthroughs in semiconductor technology enable innovations in artificial intelligence, healthcare, automotive, communications and sustainable technologies around the world.

To further strengthen our leadership position, we are looking for an experienced and visionary Department Director Semiconductor Materials Characterization & Analysis to lead one of the world's most advanced characterization organizations.

As a senior leader you will guide multidisciplinary teams delivering critical materials, process and device insights that enable next-generation semiconductor technologies. The department encompasses a broad portfolio of advanced analytical capabilities, including microscopy, surface and chemical analysis, structural characterization, compositional analysis, nanoprobes, scanning probe microscopy, ion beam analysis and advanced metrology solutions.

What you will do

As Department Director, you will define the strategic direction of imec's characterization and analysis activities while ensuring operational excellence across a large-scale, highly specialized organization.

You will:

• Define and execute the strategic vision for imec's characterization and analysis organization, ensuring world-class analytical capabilities that accelerate semiconductor innovation.
• Lead and inspire a multidisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, laboratory specialists and managers, fostering a culture of trust, empowerment, collaboration and continuous development.
• Develop talent through coaching and feedback, helping employees grow, succeed and perform at their full potential.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, safety, quality, collaboration and talent development.
• Drive innovation in materials characterization, metrology and failure analysis methodologies, enabling breakthrough research and advanced semiconductor process development.
• Balance scientific excellence with operational performance, ensuring productivity, quality, safety, customer focus and efficient execution at scale.
• Manage budgets, investments, infrastructure expansion and technology roadmaps.
• Steer technology roadmaps, investments and infrastructure expansion, making data-driven decisions that support long-term growth and competitiveness.
• Build strong global partnerships with research programs, industrial partners, equipment suppliers and leading academic institutions worldwide.
• Create alignment across diverse stakeholders, translating ambitious goals into actionable strategies while maintaining a clear long-term direction.
• Represent imec externally within the global semiconductor ecosystem, strengthening its position as a world-leading R&D organization and driving industry impact.

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 define 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

You combine scientific credibility with strong organizational leadership and business acumen.

You:

• hold a PhD in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, Electrical Engineering, or a related field, and bring 15+ years of experience in semiconductor R&D, characterization, materials analysis, metrology, or a closely related domain.
• are an inspiring and strategic leader who creates alignment across diverse stakeholders, builds trust, empowers teams, and brings people together around ambitious goals.
• combine visionary thinking with execution excellence, translating long-term strategies into impactful outcomes while thriving in a fast-paced, technology-driven environment.
• possess deep expertise in advanced semiconductor technologies, manufacturing processes, and a broad range of characterization and analytical methodologies.
• make data-driven decisions with a strong customer focus, balancing scientific excellence, operational effectiveness, and business impact.
• have a proven track record of leading large technical, scientific, or operational organizations, successfully managing complexity, driving change, and delivering results.
• excel at stakeholder management and communication, building productive partnerships across research programs, industry, academia, and technology suppliers.
• are passionate about developing talent, creating high-performing teams and fostering a culture where people can grow, collaborate, and succeed.
• champion innovation and continuous improvement, creating an environment where cutting-edge science, operational excellence, and technological impact reinforce one another.