Scientific Director: Hardware-Software Co-Design for AI

imec’s AI Department, hosted in the ISSA Expertise Center, develops advanced AI solutions involving AI models, algorithms, implementations, sensors and hardware for small scale edge up to large scale distributed and hybrid hardware architectures. The applications domains are diverse, ranging from AI for semiconductor processes and novel chip architectures, to applications in automotive health, and aerospace applications. We tackle these challenges with SW-HW-Technology co-optimization approach to ensure the acceleration and competitiveness of imec’s R&D cycle.

Join us if you love to lead and inspire our expert teams in building world class AI knowledge and applying it to accelerate imec's semiconductor R&D. Help us push the boundaries of AI compute, collaborating with industry leaders, and helping to develop the next generation of AI algorithms & systems & technologies.

What you will do

• Becoming part of the Department senior R&D leadership team, you contribute to building imec's strategic roadmaps by connecting your and your team's AI insights to imec's semiconductor R&D for various market sectors. You're the key interface to cultivate algorithmic understanding and propagate the importance of this expertise to steer our technology roadmaps.
• With your unparalleled ability in predicting future algorithmic trends, you steer our scientific roadmap and strategic direction for the next 5-10 years. You ensure that we have the right vision to intersect our entire semiconductor technology stack (spanning architecture & design innovations over novel integration techniques to the introduction of new devices enabled by novel material and process innovations) with algorithmic trends you are forecasting in the right timing window with the right choice of technology options.
• You elevate the AI teams to new technological heights embodied by your thought leadership and presence in the AI research field.
• You foster a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement. You nurture & grow collaborations not only within imec but also with academic groups to strengthen imec's research portfolio.
• You lead and inspire our AI expert teams in building world class AI & algorithm knowledge and applying it to accelerate imec's semiconductor R&D for Compute Technologies & Systems, Health, Automotive, Industry & Consumer applications.
• You follow up on progress within research projects and communicate the accomplished / in-process work to internal and external stakeholders adapting directions where needed.

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 determine 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

• Ph.D. in Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related field with a main focus on state-of-the-art algorithm development in the field of AI and beyond.
• You have deep understanding of AI & Algorithms and compute systems.
• You have at least 15 years of experience in this domain after graduation.
• You possess solid knowledge of how Algorithmic performance is influenced by underlying choices in the technology stack to interface effectively with peers leading other expertise centers across our technology stack.
• You have a passion for achieving excellence and a proven track record of leading high-performing scientific teams to push the boundaries of innovation.
• Strong collaborative skills with the ability to work effectively within a matrix organization. You connect people and expertise.
• You are an inspirational leader and team player with stellar communication skills.
• You are comfortable with autonomy, navigate uncertainty with ease, and consistently bring clarity to ambiguous situations.
• Having a strong scientific output track record, including high impact publications, patents, or equivalents, is a big plus.

Job details

Title
Scientific Director: Hardware-Software Co-Design for AI

Employer
imec

Location
Kapeldreef 75 Leuven, Belgium

Published
2026-03-23

Application deadline
Unspecified

Job type
Management / Leadership

Field
Software Engineering, Programming Languages, Computer Architecture, Artificial Intelligence, Algorithms,
Information Systems (Business Informatics),
Distributed Computing