Researcher - cryogenic quantum links

Imec’s Exploratory devices and new materials unit is expanding the R&D activity of quantum technology. For this, we are looking for a researcher to strengthen our quantum interconnect team. This team will utilize novel quantum electro-optical devices (such as modulators, detectors, etc) to bridge the communicate gap between room temperature and cryogenic environments. This work is in close collaboration with system engineers, photonic specialists and integration engineers.

What you will do

Responsibilities will include:

• Connect system specifications of the various quantum systems (e.g. superconducting, spin qubit, etc..) to device performance requirements.
• Translate device requirements into device designs that can be fabricated. Test and evaluate the fabricated devices.
• Assist in writing and preparation of proposals for funded or bilateral projects.
• Guide development and daily activities of PhDs and master students.

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. We are aware that your valuable contribution makes imec a top player in its field. Your energy and commitment are therefore appreciated by facilitating your further career development:

• Imec values a cooperative spirit. What does it mean for you? You can easily collaborate across teams and fields with our 6000+ colleagues. Thus, directly learn from the many leading experts.
• Extensive support infrastructure (automated measurement department, leading edge metrology department, public funding department, etc.) that will allow you to concentrate on your research.
• Competitive imec payroll contract.
• Long term perspective in science! We grow our scientific high potentials in scientific leadership. Imec has a structural scientific career path, along which you can pursue a professional career as a researcher.
• We support our most promising young researchers in applying for an ERC starting grant to build up their own research domain that aligns with imec's vision. Furthermore, imec provides internal funding mechanisms to start new research endeavours that can lead to impactful technologies in the future. imec strongly supports start-up initiatives.
• Imec is the crossroad where all semiconductor players meet to tackle fundamental research questions and technology bottlenecks. This allows you to build a unique network within academia and industry that you will be able to leverage for any future career.
• Belgium and imec value family and support young researchers extensively (childcare for the youngest, flexible working hours understanding that family affairs are of high importance).

We are proud of our open, multicultural, and informal working environment with ample possibilities to take initiative and show responsibility.

Who you are

You are a self-motivated researcher, who seizes opportunities and is enthused by new challenges. You benchmark your results with state of the art and explore new methodologies that go beyond today’s solutions.

• You have a PhD degree in Electronic Engineering, photonic engineering, or applied physics.
• You have extensive theoretical knowledge of, and hands-on experience with, quantum devices and integrated photonics.
• You are not shy in translating quantum system requirements to physical device requirements.
• You are experienced with characterization of quantum devices and/or integrated photonic.
• You have a deep understanding of classical and quantum communication links, focusing on Pockels based devices.
• Having cleanroom experience and knowledge about thin nanofabrication techniques is a plus.
• You have experience in project writing. You are organized and can structure a complex project.
• You have excellent communication skills, that you will use to interface with internal and external customers.
• You take initiative and work independently, while being part of a team.
• You are result-driven and flexible to meet stringent deadlines with quality output.

The imec environment requires a good team player with customer-oriented communication and reporting skills.
Given the international character of imec, a good knowledge of English is mandatory.

Job details

Title
Researcher - cryogenic quantum links

Employer
imec

Location
Kapeldreef 75 Leuven, Belgium

Published
2026-04-03

Application deadline
Unspecified

Job type
Researcher

Field
Nanotechnology, Communication Engineering, Electronics, Condensed Matter Physics, Quantum Physics,
Photonics,
Cryogenics,
Applied Physics,
Electrical Engineering,
Systems Engineering,
Theoretical Physics,
Optics